OregonPop. 103,390Mid-size cities
Is Bend a Good Place to Live? Bend, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bend ranks #288 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #38 of 256 mid-size cities and #3 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.3 min, #4 of 256) and low violent crime (193 per 100,000, #52 of 235), and trails on expensive homes ($718,400, #222 of 256).
Bend by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bend's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bend?
Bend's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,883/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $729,189, 47% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Bend | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $729,189#1024 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,288/mo#834 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $718,400#1161 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,883/mo#1028 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.5x#1187 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.4%#820 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bend housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bend is in the Bend, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Bend safe?
Bend recorded 193 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 328 and 38% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #345 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #52 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bend Police Department. Property crime runs 1,339 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bend | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 193#345 of 1,085 | 311 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,339#378 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bend?
The median household in Bend earns $96,394, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bend | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $96,394#395 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bend?
The median resident of Bend is 40.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 52.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #214 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bend | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 52.9%#214 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bend's schools and health?
Bend's 27 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20.2 students per teacher and $14,077 spent per pupil. 26.5% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bend | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.2#950 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,077#689 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 26.5%#199 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.5%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,521 students are enrolled in Bend's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bend?
The average commute in Bend is 16.3 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 0.2% of workers take transit and 24.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bend scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.2°F and winters 33.6°F, with 10.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bend | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 16.3 min#106 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 63.5% | 65.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.5% | 1.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 24.8% | 17.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42.5 | 24.6 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 45.7 | 24.3 | 1 |
| Mar | 51.7 | 27.6 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 57.7 | 30.5 | 0.8 |
| May | 66.3 | 37 | 1 |
| Jun | 73.7 | 42 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 83.8 | 48.6 | 0.4 |
| Aug | 83.3 | 47.8 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 75.8 | 41.3 | 0.3 |
| Oct | 63 | 33.7 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 49.1 | 28.2 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 41 | 23.3 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bend.
| Measure | Bend | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 47.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 63.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 10.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bend.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bend?
Deschutes County's air had a median air quality index of 23, and 89% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Deschutes County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Bend | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 23#36 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#428 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Deschutes County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Deschutes County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.024% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bend compare with similar-size cities?
Bend is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #38 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 103,390.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #288 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #36 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #179 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #130 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 | 26.1 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 min |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #841 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 | 14.3 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bend compare with the rest of Oregon?
Bend ranks #3 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 13% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 38% below the statewide rate. Homes are 47% above the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Bend's score calculated?
Bend scores 62.2 out of 100, #288 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bend. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bend's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
84.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bend. Similar-size median 53.8.
71.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bend's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bend's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
42.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bend. Similar-size median 51.2.
66.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bend. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bend. Similar-size median 50.1.
70.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bend's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
82.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bend's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bend has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bend
Is Bend, OR a good place to live?
Bend ranks #288 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #38 of 256 mid-size cities and #3 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.3 min, #4 of 256) and low violent crime (193 per 100,000, #52 of 235), and trails on expensive homes ($718,400, #222 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Bend?
Bend's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,883/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $729,189, 47% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Bend?
Bend recorded 193 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 328 and 38% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #345 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #52 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bend Police Department. Property crime runs 1,339 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bend?
The median household in Bend earns $96,394, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bend?
Median rent in Bend is $1,883/mo (Census), #1028 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,288/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bend?
The typical home value in Bend is $729,189, down 0.8% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $718,400.
How are the public schools in Bend?
Bend's 27 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20.2 students per teacher and $14,077 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bend?
The average commute is 16.3 minutes, #106 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bend?
Bend averages 47.6°F over the year, 63.2°F in summer and 33.6°F in winter, with 10.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bend walkable?
Bend scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bend at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Deschutes County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bend?
Deschutes County's air had a median air quality index of 23, and 89% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bend?
Bend has 103,390 residents. The median resident of Bend is 40.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 52.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #214 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bend compare with the rest of Oregon?
Bend ranks #3 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 13% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 38% below the statewide rate. Homes are 47% above the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Bend?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bend's population of 103,390 are Columbia, MD (#36 overall), Lee's Summit, MO (#179 overall), San Mateo, CA (#130 overall), South Bend, IN (#863 overall), and Wichita Falls, TX (#841 overall). Bend is #288.