Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bend, OR
Thinking of moving to Bend, OR? With a population just over 100,000, Bend is known for its sunny climate, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community. The median home price is $690,000 and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $1,950, reflecting a higher cost of living but balanced by short commute times and strong educational attainment. The city boasts a low violent crime rate of 148 per 100K, excellent schools, and abundant sunny days—making it a top pick for those who value both lifestyle and opportunity in Central Oregon.
Demographics - Bend, OR
Bend is a city of just over 103,000 residents, with a median age of 39.4 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, though it includes a mix of other backgrounds, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and age profile make Bend appealing for both families and professionals.
Population:
103,254
Density:
3,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.4%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
9.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bend, OR?
Living in Bend comes with a higher cost of living, highlighted by a median home value of $690,000 and average rent around $1,950. The overall cost of living index sits at 128.7, driven largely by housing prices, while utilities and daily expenses remain closer to the national average. Residents should also consider Oregon’s state tax rates when budgeting for a move.
Median House Value:
$690,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$675
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.7
Grocery:
104.5
Housing:
166.2
Utilities:
89.3
Transportation:
104.2
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
101.8
Crime
Is Bend, OR a safe place to live?
Bend enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 148 per 100,000 people, offering a sense of safety for residents. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 44 chance, but overall crime rates are below national urban averages. This makes Bend a secure choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
148
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,269
Crime Index:
2,417
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 676
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Bend, OR year-round?
Bend's climate features four distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers reaching highs in the low 80s and chilly winters dropping to the low 20s. The city experiences about 66% sunny days each year and receives just over 11 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Mild springs and colorful falls further enhance Bend’s year-round appeal.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
29°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Bend residents typically enjoy a household income of about $70,700 and a relatively low poverty rate of 9.2%. The area is well-educated, with nearly 97% of adults holding a high school diploma and almost half having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average commute times are short at just over 18 minutes, contributing to a relaxed local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,200
Household Income:
$70,700
Family Income:
$92,300
Per Capita Income:
$40,600
Income Male:
$52,100
Income Female:
$40,200
Poverty Rate:
9.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
18.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
48.2%
Education
How are the schools in Bend, OR?
Bend offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Summit High and Cascade Middle, as well as private options such as Trinity Lutheran School. Higher education is accessible locally through Oregon State University – Cascades and Central Oregon Community College. The city’s strong educational infrastructure makes it attractive for families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Summit High School
Street:
2855 NW Clearwater Dr
Phone:
541-355-4000
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Cascade Middle School
Street:
19619 Mountaineer Way
Phone:
541-355-7000
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Lutheran School
Street:
2550 NE Butler Market Rd
Phone:
541-382-1850
Students:
340
Colleges
Name:
Oregon State University – Cascades
City:
Bend
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
Central Oregon Community College
City:
Bend
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Bend is served by major healthcare providers like St. Charles Medical Center, ensuring access to comprehensive medical services and emergency care. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, the city offers strong healthcare support. The healthcare index of 75.8 reflects overall good accessibility and quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Charles Medical Center - Bend
Address:
2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend, OR 97701
Phone:
(541) 382-4321
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
75.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bend, OR?
Bend’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $690,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 62.7%. Rental options remain available, as reflected by a 4.6% vacancy rate and average two-bedroom rents of $1,950. Home values have appreciated moderately in the past year, signaling steady demand in this sought-after city.
Median Home Price:
$690,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Bend residents can access driver and vehicle services at the local Oregon DMV office conveniently located on North Highway 97. The office provides essential licensing, registration, and title services, with more information available on the Oregon DMV website. This ensures straightforward access for newcomers and residents alike.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon DMV
Address:
63085 N Hwy 97, Suite 110, Bend, OR 97701
Phone:
541-388-6322
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.