RANK #867 / 1001 NAT · #16 / 18 OR · POP 206,334
1YR FORECAST: +0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
Bend, the county seat, is a notable town in Deschutes County, Oregon, known for its access to outdoor recreation and a relaxed atmosphere. Located in Central Oregon, between the Cascade Mountains and the high desert, the county offers a mild climate. Commuting within the county is generally manageable, with an average commute time of under 20 minutes, and options like carpooling and vanpooling are promoted. The Deschutes River, a national and state scenic waterway, provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and exploring volcanic caves.
Life in Deschutes County attracts a mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees, drawn to the area's natural amenities and quality of life. Over 90% of adults report good to excellent overall health. The economy, once centered on logging, has shifted towards tourism and a diverse service sector, including healthcare. While tourism remains a significant economic driver, there is also interest in developing renewable energy projects, such as biomass, solar, geothermal, and wind. The Bend-La Pine Schools district serves a large student population with above-average public schools.
Deschutes County is one of 78 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of -1.3% matches the profile's typical -0.8%.
See all 78 Western Premium Correction counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 20.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Deschutes Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility
BrightNight Power (DECH bn, LLC)
|
$1,000M | Planned |
|
Enel Greenpower North America Solar Project (Bend-Redmond)
Enel Greenpower North America LLC
|
$700M | Proposed |
|
Finley Butte Climate Fixer Solar Project (La Pine)
Finley Butte Climate Fixer LLC
|
$650M | Proposed |
|
Enterprise Zone Authorizations (Various Projects)
Various
|
$625M | Operating |
|
Amazon Delivery Hub (Redmond)
Amazon
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Knott Road/Baker Road: US97 Interchange
Deschutes County Road Department
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Deschutes County scores just 13/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #867 of 1001 counties. Job growth at -0.1% and median household income of $92,758 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Affordability is a real challenge in Deschutes County. The median home is valued at $650,900 — with an income-to-home-value ratio of just 0.14, that's significantly harder to afford than in most U.S. counties. Median rent runs $1,787/month.
Deschutes County's population is growing — up +1.6% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.1%). Home values shifted -1.3% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.96% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Deschutes County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.