Quick Facts
| County | Deschutes County |
|---|---|
| Region | Central Oregon |
| Population (2020 Census) | 99,178 |
| Population (2010 Census) | 76,639 |
| Change 2010–2020 | +29.41% |
| Land area | 33.62 sq mi |
| Population density | 2,950 people per sq mi |
| Incorporated | 1905 |
| Status | Incorporated city — county seat of Deschutes County |
| Official city website | ci.bend.or.us |
| Coordinates | 44.0581° N, 121.3153° W |
| Nearest major hospital | St. Charles Bend (in-city, 2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend) |
| Public transit | Cascades East Transit (CET) fixed-route buses plus regional Community Connector routes |
About Bend
Bend is an incorporated city in Deschutes County, in Oregon’s Central Oregon region, with a 2020 Census population of 99,178.
Bend is a city in Central Oregon and the seat of government of Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. It is located to the east of the Cascade Range, on the Deschutes River.
The site became known by pioneers as a fordable crossing point of the river, where it ran through a bend. An 1870s ranch popularized the name "Farewell Bend," with the post office later distinguishing the area as Bend. It was incorporated as a city in 1905, starting off as a logging town. In 1910, Mirror Pond was created as a dammed river reservoir to provide energy. In 1950, the two major logging companies were consolidated due to depleted timber, causing an economic drop. In later decades, it experienced rapid growth as a center of tourism and recreation.
Source: adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Moving to Bend
⚡ Utilities Checklist
- Electricity: Pacific Power / Central Electric Cooperative (confirm by address)
- Natural gas: NW Natural, Avista or Cascade Natural Gas (where available)
- Water & sewer: City of Bend
- Trash: Franchised hauler — verify by service address
- Internet: Compare providers at the FCC broadband map
💼 Jobs & Economy
- Notable employers: St. Charles Health System, Bend-La Pine Schools, Deschutes County, Les Schwab Tire Centers
- WorkSource Oregon (free)
- iMatchSkills job board
🚗 DMV Steps
- Vehicle registration & Oregon license within 30 days
- New resident guide
- Find a DMV office
🎓 Schools
- Districts vary by address — verify before renting/buying
- Oregon Dept. of Education
- Contact the Deschutes County district office
🏥 Healthcare & Assistance
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bend, Oregon?
Bend had 99,178 residents at the 2020 U.S. Census (up from 76,639 in 2010).
What is the cost of living in Bend, Oregon?
Bend lies in the Central Oregon region, where costs vary mainly by housing. Oregon charges no statewide sales tax.
How do I connect utilities in Bend?
Electricity in this area is generally provided by Pacific Power / Central Electric Cooperative (confirm by address); natural gas, where available, by NW Natural, Avista or Cascade Natural Gas. Water, sewer, and trash are typically arranged through the City of Bend.
How do I find a job near Bend?
WorkSource Oregon offers free career coaching, and iMatchSkills is the state's largest job board.
Which schools serve families in Bend?
Assignment depends on your exact address. Start with the Oregon Department of Education directory or the Deschutes County district office.
After moving to Bend, what's the DMV deadline?
Within 30 days of establishing residency — both the vehicle registration and an Oregon driver's license.
Are there food banks or assistance programs near Bend?
Yes. Apply for SNAP at the ONE Oregon portal, find a pantry through Oregon Food Bank, or dial 211 for Deschutes County community resources.