OregonPop. 179,591Mid-size cities
Is Eugene a Good Place to Live? Eugene, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Eugene ranks #889 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.4 min, #20 of 256), and trails on high poverty (19%, #206 of 256) and low graduation rates (81.3%, #159 of 205).
Eugene by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Eugene'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 Eugene?
Eugene's cost of living index is 101.6, 2% above the US level of 100 and #767 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,402/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $475,563, 4% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Eugene | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 101.6#767 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $475,563#771 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 | $1,806/mo#581 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $460,400#908 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,402/mo#644 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.9x#1140 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.3%#1030 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.
Eugene 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. Eugene is in the Eugene-Springfield, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Eugene safe?
Eugene recorded 347 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% above the US rate of 328 and 11% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #631 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #116 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Eugene Police Department. Property crime runs 2,842 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Eugene | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 347#631 of 1,085 | 311 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,842#925 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 Eugene?
The median household in Eugene earns $66,562, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Eugene | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $66,562#892 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 19%#1080 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Eugene?
The median resident of Eugene is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #347 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Eugene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.1%#347 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47.9% | 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 Eugene's schools and health?
Eugene's 43 public schools graduate 81.3% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $16,384 spent per pupil. 34% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Eugene | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81.3%#845 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.9#891 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,384#452 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34%#702 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.3%#414 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. 20,435 students are enrolled in Eugene's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Eugene?
The average commute in Eugene is 18.4 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 2.6% of workers take transit and 17.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Eugene scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.5°F and winters 41.8°F, with 40.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Eugene | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.4 min#215 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 61.3% | 65.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.6% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5.7% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 4.3% | 1.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 17.3% | 17.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.7#209 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 | 48.1 | 34.7 | 6.1 |
| Feb | 51.5 | 35 | 4.7 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 37.2 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 61.3 | 40 | 3.3 |
| May | 68.1 | 44 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 74.2 | 47.6 | 1.2 |
| Jul | 84 | 51.7 | 0.3 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 51.5 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 78 | 47.8 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 64.9 | 41.8 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 53.2 | 37.7 | 6 |
| Dec | 46.8 | 34.3 | 7.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Eugene-Mahlon Sweet Fld.
| Measure | Eugene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 65.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 41.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.8 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 Eugene-Mahlon Sweet Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Eugene?
Lane County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lane County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Eugene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.22%#995 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 Lane County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lane County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.065% | 94% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 84% 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 Eugene compare with similar-size cities?
Eugene is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #162 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 179,591.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #889 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 | 18.4 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #244 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 | 30.8 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 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 Eugene compare with the rest of Oregon?
Eugene ranks #16 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 22% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below 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 Eugene's score calculated?
Eugene scores 51.9 out of 100, #889 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Eugene. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Eugene's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
64.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Eugene. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Eugene's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Eugene's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
60.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Eugene. Similar-size median 51.2.
34.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Eugene. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Eugene. Similar-size median 50.1.
69.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Eugene's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
35.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Eugene'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 Eugene 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 Eugene
Is Eugene, OR a good place to live?
Eugene ranks #889 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.4 min, #20 of 256), and trails on high poverty (19%, #206 of 256) and low graduation rates (81.3%, #159 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Eugene?
Eugene's cost of living index is 101.6, 2% above the US level of 100 and #767 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,402/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $475,563, 4% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Eugene?
Eugene recorded 347 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% above the US rate of 328 and 11% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #631 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #116 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Eugene Police Department. Property crime runs 2,842 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Eugene?
The median household in Eugene earns $66,562, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Eugene?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,402/mo (Census), #644 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,806/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Eugene?
The typical home value in Eugene is $475,563, up 0.8% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $460,400.
How are the public schools in Eugene?
Eugene's 43 public schools graduate 81.3% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $16,384 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Eugene?
The average commute is 18.4 minutes, #215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Eugene?
Eugene averages 53.1°F over the year, 65.5°F in summer and 41.8°F in winter, with 40.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Eugene walkable?
Eugene scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Eugene at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lane County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Eugene?
Lane County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Eugene?
Eugene has 179,591 residents. The median resident of Eugene is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #347 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Eugene compare with the rest of Oregon?
Eugene ranks #16 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 22% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Eugene?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Eugene's population of 179,591 are Paradise, NV (#1205 overall), Fort Lauderdale, FL (#931 overall), Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), and Aurora, IL (#376 overall). Eugene is #889.