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
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.
Rank | City | 2022 Population (Est.) | Growth Rate (Annual) | Population Density (per sq mi) |
1 | Portland | 641,162 | -1.7% | 4,828.1 |
2 | Salem | 177,723 | 1.1% | 3,060.9 |
3 | Eugene | 175,096 | 0.2% | 4,064.9 |
4 | Gresham | 113,103 | -1.3% | 4,726.7 |
5 | Hillsboro | 106,633 | -0.3% | 2,621.8 |
6 | Bend | 102,059 | 2.5% | 1,912.4 |
7 | Beaverton | 98,216 | 0.8% | 3,200.2 |
8 | Medford | 86,367 | 0.6% | 2,801.3 |
9 | Springfield | 62,256 | -0.1% | 3,455.9 |
10 | Corvallis | 59,864 | 0.3% | 4,223.4 |
11 | Albany | 56,828 | 0.4% | 2,946.8 |
12 | Tigard | 55,767 | 1.4% | 3,215.4 |
13 | Lake Oswego | 40,411 | -0.9% | 2,639.2 |
14 | Grants Pass | 39,364 | 0.4% | 2,264.3 |
15 | Keizer | 39,157 | -0.5% | 3,732.7 |
16 | Oregon City | 37,411 | -0.6% | 3,043.9 |
17 | Redmond | 35,582 | 5.3% | 2,030.3 |
18 | McMinnville | 34,666 | 0.7% | 2,674.8 |
19 | Tualatin | 27,537 | -1.2% | 3,123.7 |
20 | West Linn | 27,103 | -1.0% | 1,561.6 |
21 | Wilsonville | 26,519 | -0.4% | 1,455.3 |
22 | Forest Grove | 26,089 | -0.3% | 2,648.2 |
23 | Woodburn | 26,054 | 0.2% | 4,004.0 |
24 | Happy Valley | 25,679 | 6.7% | 2,661.9 |
25 | Newberg | 25,477 | 0.1% | 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
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.
Rank | City | Total Land Area (sq mi) | Geographic Features | Climate | Notable Natural Attractions |
1 | Bend | 33.08 | Deschutes River, Cascade Mountains | High Desert, Cold Winters | Mount Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park |
2 | Portland | 133.43 | Willamette River, Columbia River, Mount Hood | Marine West Coast | Forest Park, Powell Butte Nature Park |
3 | Salem | 48.86 | Willamette River, Cascade Mountains | Mediterranean | Silver Falls State Park, Bush’s Pasture Park |
4 | Gresham | 23.22 | Sandy River, Mount Hood | Marine West Coast | Powell Butte Nature Park, Hogan Butte Nature Park |
5 | Eugene | 44.32 | Willamette River, Spencer Butte | Marine West Coast | Hendricks Park, Mount Pisgah |
6 | Hillsboro | 25.99 | Tualatin River, Jackson Bottom Wetlands | Marine West Coast | Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Rood Bridge Park |
7 | Beaverton | 19.83 | Tualatin River, Fanno Creek | Marine West Coast | Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Cooper Mountain Nature Park |
8 | Medford | 25.74 | Rogue River, Cascade Mountains | Mediterranean | Crater Lake National Park, Table Rock |
9 | Springfield | 15.77 | Willamette River, Thurston Hills | Mediterranean | Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Dorris Ranch |
10 | Corvallis | 14.03 | Willamette River, Bald Hill | Mediterranean | McDonald-Dunn Research Forest, Fitton Green Natural Area |
11 | Albany | 17.87 | Willamette River, Talking Water Gardens | Mediterranean | Talking Water Gardens, Monteith District |
12 | Tigard | 11.63 | Tualatin River, Cook Park | Marine West Coast | Cook Park, Tualatin River Greenway |
13 | Lake Oswego | 10.10 | Willamette River, Oswego Lake | Marine West Coast | Tryon Creek State Natural Area, George Rogers Park |
14 | Grants Pass | 10.23 | Rogue River, Applegate Valley | Mediterranean | Applegate Valley Wine Trail, Riverside Park |
15 | Keizer | 7.47 | Willamette River, Keizer Rapids Park | Mediterranean | Keizer Rapids Park, Willamette Mission State Park |
16 | Oregon City | 9.16 | Willamette River, Willamette Falls | Marine West Coast | Willamette Falls, McLoughlin Promenade |
17 | Redmond | 15.11 | Deschutes River, Cascade Mountains | High Desert, Cold Winters | Smith Rock State Park, Dry Canyon Trail |
18 | McMinnville | 10.47 | Yamhill River, Coast Range | Mediterranean | Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, Joe Dancer Park |
19 | Tualatin | 7.87 | Tualatin River, Brown’s Ferry Park | Marine West Coast | Tualatin River, Brown’s Ferry Park |
20 | West Linn | 7.59 | Willamette River, Mary S. Young State Park | Marine West Coast | Mary S. Young State Park, Willamette Park |
21 | Wilsonville | 7.58 | Willamette River, Graham Oaks Nature Park | Marine West Coast | Graham Oaks Nature Park, Memorial Park |
22 | Forest Grove | 5.91 | Tualatin River, Pacific University Campus | Marine West Coast | Pacific University, Fernhill Wetlands |
23 | Woodburn | 5.13 | Pudding River, Mount Hood | Mediterranean | Mount Angel Abbey, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm |
24 | Happy Valley | 8.73 | Clackamas River, Mount Scott | Marine West Coast | Mount Scott, Eagle Fern Park |
25 | Newberg | 5.65 | Willamette River, Champoeg State Heritage Area | Marine West Coast | Champoeg 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
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.
Rank | City | Major Industries | Unemployment Rate (%) | Median Household Income ($) | Notable Employers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Portland | Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing | 5.5% | $68,421 | Nike, Intel, Providence Health & Services |
2 | Salem | Government, Healthcare, Education | 5.1% | $54,021 | State of Oregon, Salem Health, Chemeketa Community College |
3 | Eugene | Education, Healthcare, Technology | 5.6% | $50,727 | University of Oregon, PeaceHealth, Symantec |
4 | Gresham | Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare | 6.2% | $53,572 | ON Semiconductor, Boeing, Mt. Hood Medical Center |
5 | Hillsboro | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | 4.2% | $78,846 | Intel, ASML, Genentech |
6 | Bend | Tourism, Technology, Healthcare | 5.3% | $64,964 | Les Schwab Tire Centers, St. Charles Health System, G5 |
7 | Beaverton | Technology, Manufacturing, Retail | 4.2% | $71,332 | Nike, Tektronix, Reser’s Fine Foods |
8 | Medford | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail | 5.9% | $44,994 | Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, Lithia Motors, Harry & David |
9 | Springfield | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail | 5.9% | $45,654 | PeaceHealth, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, Symantec |
10 | Corvallis | Education, Technology, Healthcare | 3.6% | $51,905 | Oregon State University, Hewlett-Packard, Samaritan Health Services |
11 | Albany | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail | 4.6% | $52,744 | Linn-Benton Community College, ATI Wah Chang, Samaritan Albany General Hospital |
12 | Tigard | Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing | 4.0% | $70,248 | Washington Square Mall, Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center, Consumer Cellular |
13 | Lake Oswego | Professional Services, Retail, Healthcare | 4.0% | $98,485 | The Greenbrier Companies, Lake Oswego Corporation, Providence Mercantile Health & Services |
14 | Grants Pass | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | 6.7% | $39,372 | Asante Three Rivers Medical Center, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Fire Mountain Gems |
15 | Keizer | Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing | 5.0% | $54,505 | Salem-Keizer School District, Kettle Foods, Walgreens |
16 | Oregon City | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | 5.5% | $61,838 | Clackamas Community College, Oregon City School District, Benchmade Knife Company |
17 | Redmond | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | 5.0% | $56,608 | Les Schwab Tire Centers, St. Charles Health System, Facebook |
18 | McMinnville | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail | 4.9% | $52,361 | Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, Linfield University, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum |
19 | Tualatin | Technology, Manufacturing, Retail | 4.4% | $77,420 | Lam Research, Oregon Episcopal School, Edwards Vacuum |
20 | West Linn | Healthcare, Professional Services | 4.3% | $105,583 | Marylhurst University, West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Safeway |
21 | Wilsonville | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | 4.0% | $79,862 | Xerox, Mentor Graphics, Sysco |
22 | Forest Grove | Education, Manufacturing, Retail | 5.4% | $51,750 | Pacific University, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, Stimson Lumber Company |
23 | Woodburn | Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing | 6.7% | $50,027 | Woodburn Premium Outlets, NORPAC Foods, Inc., Legacy Health |
24 | Happy Valley | Retail, Healthcare, Professional Services | 4.2% | $78,609 | Clackamas Town Center, Clackamas County Service District #1, Banfield Pet Hospital |
25 | Newberg | Education, Manufacturing, Healthcare | 5.3% | $56,948 | George 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!
- City Spotlight: What is the largest city in Oregon? Where does it rank among the largest cities in the United States?
- Major Metropolises: Name at least three major cities in Oregon with populations exceeding 100,000.
- Seat of Power: What is the capital city of Oregon, and what is its population size?
- 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?
- 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?
- Oregon Counties: Several counties divide Oregon. Can you name at least three counties in Oregon?
- Natural Wonders: What famous natural landmark is located in Oregon, known for its stunning waterfalls and picturesque vistas?
- Brewing Culture: Oregon’s craft beer scene is well-known. Name one well-known city in Oregon that is particularly famous for its breweries.
- Pacific Wonderland: Oregon boasts a beautiful coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Approximately how many miles of coastline does the state have?
- Higher Learning: Name one prestigious university in Oregon renowned for its research and academic programs.
- 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?
- 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?
- Famous Film Setting: In Astoria, Oregon, which iconic 1985 adventure film starring a group of kids had its setting and partial filming?
- State Motto: Oregon’s state motto reflects a commitment to individualism and freedom. What is this motto, and what does it mean?
- 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:
- City Spotlight: The largest city in Oregon is Portland, which ranks 26th among the largest cities in the United States.
- Major Metropolises: Three major cities in Oregon with populations exceeding 100,000 are Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
- Seat of Power: The capital city of Oregon is Salem, with a recent population of approximately 177,723.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oregon Counties: Some of the counties in Oregon include Multnomah County, Lane County, and Marion County.
- Natural Wonders: Oregon is known for Crater Lake, a stunning natural landmark famous for its waterfalls and picturesque vistas.
- Brewing Culture: Portland, Oregon, is particularly famous for its breweries.
- Pacific Wonderland: Oregon has approximately 363 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
- Higher Learning: One prestigious university in Oregon is the University of Oregon, known for its research and academic programs.
- 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.
- Environmental Gem: Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the United States, located in Oregon.
- Famous Film Setting: The iconic 1985 adventure film “The Goonies” was set and partially filmed in Astoria, Oregon.
- State Motto: Oregon’s state motto is “She Flies With Her Own Wings,” reflecting a commitment to individualism and self-reliance.
- 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!).
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