Additional Demographics
Because Bend and Central Oregon have been celebrated in national and regional press as one of the most desirable places to retire, many assume that the region’s population is skewed toward older residents. Actually, the region has a healthy mixture of ages, with higher than average percentage of school age children 5-14 than either state or national averages (a testament to the fact that people believe it is a good place to raise children) and higher than state averages for the 35-44 and 45-54 age categories. Still, Central Oregon’s climate and relatively low cost of living is attractive to retirees, we also have a higher percentage of people living here between the ages of 55 to 74 than either Oregon or the U.S. as a whole.
Age in Central Oregon Communities
Age varies widely by community within Central Oregon. La Pine, with a substantial retirement population, has the highest median age in the region while two communities, Warm Springs and Madras in Jefferson County, have the lowest median age, reflecting the diverse ethnic makeup of the County and more families in the formative stages.
| Median Age by Central Oregon Community |
| City |
Median Age |
| Bend |
34.8 |
| La Pine |
44.7 |
| Madras |
28.7 |
| Prineville |
32.9 |
| Redmond |
32.7 |
| Sisters |
38.8 |
| Warm Springs |
23.7 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Reasons for relocating to Central Oregon
One of the leading reasons people are flocking to Central Oregon is its climate. With an average of 10-15 inches of precipitation per year, yet four distinct seasons, the region appeals to many from areas with a reputation for rain (Portland and Seattle) as well as those used to sunny, warmer climates (San Jose and Los Angeles). When it comes to sun, Central Oregon has more sunny days on average than Houston, Texas and just 14% less sun than Phoenix, Arizona .
Due to a well-established and growing visitor industry, Central Oregon offers many “big city” amenities such as four-star restaurants, some of the West’s best brewpubs, the largest concentration of destination resorts and golf courses in the Northwest, and world-class recreation facilities. At the same time, the region still enjoys the benefits of small-town America: low crime, excellent schools, quality housing in a broad price range, and active grass-roots civic involvement from its residents.
Ethnic diversity in Central Oregon
In-migration during the 1990's has not only brought more people but also a greater diversity of people to Central Oregon. This trend will continue as new, innovative businesses attract workers of all skill, education, age, race and ethnic backgrounds away from crowded metropolitan areas to this family friendly region. You can see from the chart below that Jefferson County, home to Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, has the most significant American Indian population, as well as the largest Hispanic population, due to its agricultural base. Deschutes and Crook County are predominantly comprised of white residents; however, population demographics are changing in these counties as more new residents with a variety of ethnic backgrounds call the region home. For example, Crook County’s Hispanic population more than doubled over the past decade.
|
| 2008 Race Distribution in Central Oregon Counties |
|
|
Deschutes County |
Crook
County |
Jefferson County |
| White |
94.7% |
93.0% |
68.9% |
| Black |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.3% |
| American Indian |
1.1% |
1.3% |
16.0% |
| Asian |
1.0% |
0.4% |
0.3% |
| Pacific Islander |
0.1% |
0.0% |
0.3% |
| Other |
1.2% |
3.7% |
10.9% |
| Multirace |
1.8% |
1.4% |
3.3% |
| Hispanic |
5.8% |
7.1% |
19.8% |
Source: Oregon Prospector, Applied Geographic Solutions
educational attainment of central Oregon workforce
Overall, Oregon citizens are better educated than the U.S. average. Central Oregon has one of the highest numbers of high school graduates compared to other areas in the state and nation. Although not a direct correlation, we can look at the educational attainment of tri county residents who are 25 and older (not all are in the workforce). In the tri county area, Deschutes County has the highest educational attainment, with over 65% of residents having some college or more; Jefferson County follows at 45% and Crook County at nearly 42%. Over one quarter of all Deschutes County residents have earned a Bachelors or Graduate level degree.
|
| 2008 Educational Attainment |
|
|
Deschutes County |
Crook
County |
Jefferson County |
| Population Age 25+ |
112,006 |
16,570 |
14,159 |
| < Grade 9 |
1.7% |
6.3% |
9.6% |
| Grade 9 - 12 |
5.2% |
12.3% |
12.0% |
| High School |
27.7% |
39.6% |
33.0% |
| Some College |
26.9% |
22.9% |
25.4% |
| Associates Degree |
11.3% |
6.1% |
5.8% |
| Bachelors Degree |
17.6% |
8.2% |
9.6% |
| Graduate Degree |
9.6% |
4.6% |
4.6% |
Source: Oregon Prospector, Applied Geographic Solutions
In the Publications section, EDCO Profiles and Data - Demographic, Consumer Expenditure, and Business/Workforce from Oregon Prospector may be helpful.