Bend

Bend, Oregon Overview

Bend ranks #3 of 20 cities in Oregon, earning a A grade with a composite score of 62.5/100. The city stands out in Safety (83/100) and Health (72/100), placing it among the state’s strongest performers across the metrics we track.

Income & Employment in Bend

Bend’s median household income of $95,527 is 23% above the Oregon median of $77,630, and its 3.8% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 5.4%. That economic strength is drawing residents — the population grew 2.1% recently.

Safety in Bend

At 190.3 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Bend sits meaningfully below the Oregon average of 292 — a 53% lower gap. The property crime rate is 1631.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Bend

Bend has a cost of living index of 105.8 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $646,800. Median monthly rent is $1,767. Renters spend 22.2% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Bend

Bend’s adult obesity rate of 26.5% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 8.9%. Residents report an average of 16 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Oregon ranks #19 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Bend

Bend has a high school graduation rate of 86.6%. The student-teacher ratio is 21.7:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,060. The city has 30 public schools serving 15,393 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Bend

Bend enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 55°F. Summers average 76.3°F. Winters average 37.7°F. The area is arid, receiving only 14.4 inches of precipitation annually. 19% of workers in Bend work from home, well above the national average. The average commute of 13.8 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions