Discover the 25 Largest Cities in Oregon (Population, Geography, and Economics)

Written by Stella Bouldin
Updated: October 10, 2023
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Oregon, known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Let’s compare the 25 largest cities in Oregon.

Delve into the largest cities in the Beaver State, with valuable insights into their populations, population density, and key demographic trends. Additionally, explore the geographical characteristics, climates, and natural attractions that make these cities stand out.

Whether you’re a potential resident, a curious traveler, or simply interested in Oregon’s urban landscape, this comprehensive overview will quench your thirst for Oregon knowledge.

Population Overview

Robertson Tunnel

The Robertson Tunnel for the MAX mass transit light rail train system. The tunnels are about 3 miles long.

©born1945, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0> – Original / License

Let’s begin with a look at the top 25 cities in Oregon, ranked by population size in 2022. The table below displays the estimated population figures, annual growth rates, and population density for each city.

RankCity2022 Population (Est.)Growth Rate (Annual)Population Density (per sq mi)
1Portland641,162-1.7%4,828.1
2Salem177,7231.1%3,060.9
3Eugene175,0960.2%4,064.9
4Gresham113,103-1.3%4,726.7
5Hillsboro106,633-0.3%2,621.8
6Bend102,0592.5%1,912.4
7Beaverton98,2160.8%3,200.2
8Medford86,3670.6%2,801.3
9Springfield62,256-0.1%3,455.9
10Corvallis59,8640.3%4,223.4
11Albany56,8280.4%2,946.8
12Tigard55,7671.4%3,215.4
13Lake Oswego40,411-0.9%2,639.2
14Grants Pass39,3640.4%2,264.3
15Keizer39,157-0.5%3,732.7
16Oregon City37,411-0.6%3,043.9
17Redmond35,5825.3%2,030.3
18McMinnville34,6660.7%2,674.8
19Tualatin27,537-1.2%3,123.7
20West Linn27,103-1.0%1,561.6
21Wilsonville26,519-0.4%1,455.3
22Forest Grove26,089-0.3%2,648.2
23Woodburn26,0540.2%4,004.0
24Happy Valley25,6796.7%2,661.9
25Newberg25,4770.1%2,247.5

Now, let’s shift our focus to the geographical aspects of these cities. Explore their total land area, distinctive features, climates, and natural attractions.

Total Area Overview

Oregon welcomes you sign at state line. US-HWY 199 Redwood Highway in rain.

Oregon’s land area is roughly equivalent to that of the United Kingdom.

©arboursabroad.com/Shutterstock.com

The following table ranks the top 25 Oregon cities by their total land area. It also provides insights into their geographic characteristics and notable natural attractions.

RankCityTotal Land Area (sq mi)Geographic FeaturesClimateNotable Natural Attractions
1Bend33.08Deschutes River, Cascade MountainsHigh Desert, Cold WintersMount Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park
2Portland133.43Willamette River, Columbia River, Mount HoodMarine West CoastForest Park, Powell Butte Nature Park
3Salem48.86Willamette River, Cascade MountainsMediterraneanSilver Falls State Park, Bush’s Pasture Park
4Gresham23.22Sandy River, Mount HoodMarine West CoastPowell Butte Nature Park, Hogan Butte Nature Park
5Eugene44.32Willamette River, Spencer ButteMarine West CoastHendricks Park, Mount Pisgah
6Hillsboro25.99Tualatin River, Jackson Bottom WetlandsMarine West CoastJackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Rood Bridge Park
7Beaverton19.83Tualatin River, Fanno CreekMarine West CoastTualatin Hills Nature Park, Cooper Mountain Nature Park
8Medford25.74Rogue River, Cascade MountainsMediterraneanCrater Lake National Park, Table Rock
9Springfield15.77Willamette River, Thurston HillsMediterraneanMount Pisgah Arboretum, Dorris Ranch
10Corvallis14.03Willamette River, Bald HillMediterraneanMcDonald-Dunn Research Forest, Fitton Green Natural Area
11Albany17.87Willamette River, Talking Water GardensMediterraneanTalking Water Gardens, Monteith District
12Tigard11.63Tualatin River, Cook ParkMarine West CoastCook Park, Tualatin River Greenway
13Lake Oswego10.10Willamette River, Oswego LakeMarine West CoastTryon Creek State Natural Area, George Rogers Park
14Grants Pass10.23Rogue River, Applegate ValleyMediterraneanApplegate Valley Wine Trail, Riverside Park
15Keizer7.47Willamette River, Keizer Rapids ParkMediterraneanKeizer Rapids Park, Willamette Mission State Park
16Oregon City9.16Willamette River, Willamette FallsMarine West CoastWillamette Falls, McLoughlin Promenade
17Redmond15.11Deschutes River, Cascade MountainsHigh Desert, Cold WintersSmith Rock State Park, Dry Canyon Trail
18McMinnville10.47Yamhill River, Coast RangeMediterraneanEvergreen Aviation & Space Museum, Joe Dancer Park
19Tualatin7.87Tualatin River, Brown’s Ferry ParkMarine West CoastTualatin River, Brown’s Ferry Park
20West Linn7.59Willamette River, Mary S. Young State ParkMarine West CoastMary S. Young State Park, Willamette Park
21Wilsonville7.58Willamette River, Graham Oaks Nature ParkMarine West CoastGraham Oaks Nature Park, Memorial Park
22Forest Grove5.91Tualatin River, Pacific University CampusMarine West CoastPacific University, Fernhill Wetlands
23Woodburn5.13Pudding River, Mount HoodMediterraneanMount Angel Abbey, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
24Happy Valley8.73Clackamas River, Mount ScottMarine West CoastMount Scott, Eagle Fern Park
25Newberg5.65Willamette River, Champoeg State Heritage AreaMarine West CoastChampoeg State Heritage Area, Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint

Now you know the specifics about the population and geography, let’s explore the economies of the largest cities.

Economic Impact of Oregon’s Top 25 Cities

Hood River

Hood River is perhaps one of Oregon’s busiest rivers.

©Tusharkoley/Shutterstock.com

Let’s delve into the economic aspects of these cities, including key industries, employment rates, and notable economic contributors. The table below provides an overview of the economic impact of Oregon’s top 25 cities.

RankCityMajor IndustriesUnemployment Rate (%)Median Household Income ($)Notable Employers
1PortlandTechnology, Healthcare, Manufacturing5.5%$68,421Nike, Intel, Providence Health & Services
2SalemGovernment, Healthcare, Education5.1%$54,021State of Oregon, Salem Health, Chemeketa Community College
3EugeneEducation, Healthcare, Technology5.6%$50,727University of Oregon, PeaceHealth, Symantec
4GreshamManufacturing, Retail, Healthcare6.2%$53,572ON Semiconductor, Boeing, Mt. Hood Medical Center
5HillsboroTechnology, Manufacturing, Healthcare4.2%$78,846Intel, ASML, Genentech
6BendTourism, Technology, Healthcare5.3%$64,964Les Schwab Tire Centers, St. Charles Health System, G5
7BeavertonTechnology, Manufacturing, Retail4.2%$71,332Nike, Tektronix, Reser’s Fine Foods
8MedfordHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail5.9%$44,994Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, Lithia Motors, Harry & David
9SpringfieldHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail5.9%$45,654PeaceHealth, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, Symantec
10CorvallisEducation, Technology, Healthcare3.6%$51,905Oregon State University, Hewlett-Packard, Samaritan Health Services
11AlbanyHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail4.6%$52,744Linn-Benton Community College, ATI Wah Chang, Samaritan Albany General Hospital
12TigardRetail, Healthcare, Manufacturing4.0%$70,248Washington Square Mall, Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center, Consumer Cellular
13Lake OswegoProfessional Services, Retail, Healthcare4.0%$98,485The Greenbrier Companies, Lake Oswego Corporation, Providence Mercantile Health & Services
14Grants PassHealthcare, Retail, Manufacturing6.7%$39,372Asante Three Rivers Medical Center, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Fire Mountain Gems
15KeizerRetail, Healthcare, Manufacturing5.0%$54,505Salem-Keizer School District, Kettle Foods, Walgreens
16Oregon CityHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing5.5%$61,838Clackamas Community College, Oregon City School District, Benchmade Knife Company
17RedmondTechnology, Manufacturing, Healthcare5.0%$56,608Les Schwab Tire Centers, St. Charles Health System, Facebook
18McMinnvilleManufacturing, Healthcare, Retail4.9%$52,361Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, Linfield University, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
19TualatinTechnology, Manufacturing, Retail4.4%$77,420Lam Research, Oregon Episcopal School, Edwards Vacuum
20West LinnHealthcare, Professional Services4.3%$105,583Marylhurst University, West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Safeway
21WilsonvilleTechnology, Manufacturing, Healthcare4.0%$79,862Xerox, Mentor Graphics, Sysco
22Forest GroveEducation, Manufacturing, Retail5.4%$51,750Pacific University, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, Stimson Lumber Company
23WoodburnAgriculture, Retail, Manufacturing6.7%$50,027Woodburn Premium Outlets, NORPAC Foods, Inc., Legacy Health
24Happy ValleyRetail, Healthcare, Professional Services4.2%$78,609Clackamas Town Center, Clackamas County Service District #1, Banfield Pet Hospital
25NewbergEducation, Manufacturing, Healthcare5.3%$56,948George Fox University, A-dec, Inc., Providence Newberg Medical Center

These economic insights shed light on the diverse industries and economic strengths that drive Oregon’s top cities, making them not only great places to live but also key contributors to the state’s overall prosperity.

These figures and insights provide a comprehensive view of Oregon’s largest cities, both in terms of their populations and geographical features.

Whether you’re considering a move, planning a visit, or simply curious about the state, this data offers valuable knowledge about Oregon’s urban and natural landscapes.

OK, now you have lots of data about Oregon, but what do you really know about Oregon?

Oregon Trivia Series

Test your knowledge of Oregon by answering these trivia questions!

  1. City Spotlight: What is the largest city in Oregon? Where does it rank among the largest cities in the United States?
  2. Major Metropolises: Name at least three major cities in Oregon with populations exceeding 100,000.
  3. Seat of Power: What is the capital city of Oregon, and what is its population size?
  4. Rapid Expansion: Among Oregon’s 100 largest cities, which one has experienced the fastest population growth since the year 2000? By what percentage has it grown?
  5. Population Decline: Identify the Oregon city among the 100 largest that has seen the most significant population decrease since the year 2000? What percentage decrease has it experienced? Additionally, what was its peak population, and how does its current population compare?
  6. Oregon Counties: Several counties divide Oregon. Can you name at least three counties in Oregon?
  7. Natural Wonders: What famous natural landmark is located in Oregon, known for its stunning waterfalls and picturesque vistas?
  8. Brewing Culture: Oregon’s craft beer scene is well-known. Name one well-known city in Oregon that is particularly famous for its breweries.
  9. Pacific Wonderland: Oregon boasts a beautiful coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Approximately how many miles of coastline does the state have?
  10. Higher Learning: Name one prestigious university in Oregon renowned for its research and academic programs.
  11. Trailblazing Women: In 1964, an Oregon native became the first woman to run for President of the United States as the nominee of a major political party. Who was she, and which party nominated her?
  12. Environmental Gem: Oregon is home to one of the deepest lakes in the United States. What is the name of this stunningly clear and deep lake, and where is it located in Oregon?
  13. Famous Film Setting: In Astoria, Oregon, which iconic 1985 adventure film starring a group of kids had its setting and partial filming?
  14. State Motto: Oregon’s state motto reflects a commitment to individualism and freedom. What is this motto, and what does it mean?
  15. Avian Wonder: The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Oregon hosts a massive gathering of waterfowl during their annual migration and is renowned for it. What bird species are especially prominent in this area during migration season?

How did you do? Here are the answers to the Oregon trivia questions:

  1. City Spotlight: The largest city in Oregon is Portland, which ranks 26th among the largest cities in the United States.
  2. Major Metropolises: Three major cities in Oregon with populations exceeding 100,000 are Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
  3. Seat of Power: The capital city of Oregon is Salem, with a recent population of approximately 177,723.
  4. Rapid Expansion: Millersburg is the fastest-growing city in Oregon among the 100 largest cities, experiencing a 379.4% population growth since the year 2000.
  5. Population Decline: Sheridan is the fastest-shrinking city among Oregon’s 100 largest, with a population decline of 16.1% since the year 2000. Its peak population was 6,215 in 2019, and its current population is 4,658, representing a 25.1% decline from its peak.
  6. Oregon Counties: Some of the counties in Oregon include Multnomah County, Lane County, and Marion County.
  7. Natural Wonders: Oregon is known for Crater Lake, a stunning natural landmark famous for its waterfalls and picturesque vistas.
  8. Brewing Culture: Portland, Oregon, is particularly famous for its breweries.
  9. Pacific Wonderland: Oregon has approximately 363 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
  10. Higher Learning: One prestigious university in Oregon is the University of Oregon, known for its research and academic programs.
  11. Trailblazing Women: Oregon native Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to run for President of the United States as the nominee of a major political party. She was nominated by the Republican Party.
  12. Environmental Gem: Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the United States, located in Oregon.
  13. Famous Film Setting: The iconic 1985 adventure film “The Goonies” was set and partially filmed in Astoria, Oregon.
  14. State Motto: Oregon’s state motto is “She Flies With Her Own Wings,” reflecting a commitment to individualism and self-reliance.
  15. Avian Wonder: During migration season, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Oregon hosts a massive gathering of waterfowl, including species like snow geese and sandhill cranes.

Now you are ready to challenge your friends and family to test their knowledge (and show how smart you are!).

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nature's Charm/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Stella is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel and animals. She has over 20 years of professional writing experience. She holds a doctorate degree and several writing certifications. Stella is a digital nomad currently living in Mexico. As she has a passion for travel, she has also lived in China, S. Korea, Thailand, Kenya, and Ecuador in the past ten years. Stella has two rescue dogs, Paisley and Tinosa who travel with her around the world. Her hobbies include reading, quilting, and meeting new people.

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