Eugene, OR
Population 177,520 · Oregon
About Eugene, OR
Eugene is a major city located in Oregon with a population of 177,520 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,836 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eugene features a median home value of $435,400, which is 78% above the national median of $244,900. This places Eugene in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,347, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 79,554 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (36,246 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (39,894 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eugene shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Eugene have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.2% of Eugene residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 8.0% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Eugene Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Eugene, OR
Compared to national averages, Eugene has a median household income of $63,836 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $435,400, which is 78% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,347 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Eugene's income is 16% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 14% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Eugene, OR?
Eugene offers a well-educated community where 44.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,836) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $435,400. However, as a major city, Eugene provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Eugene has a population of 177,520 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Eugene with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Eugene
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 176,666 | $71,900 | $382,400 | Compare |
| Gresham | 112,818 | $73,608 | $440,000 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 107,050 | $103,207 | $483,400 | Compare |
| Bend | 101,472 | $88,792 | $646,800 | Compare |
| Beaverton | 97,502 | $94,279 | $543,100 | Compare |
| Medford | 85,794 | $70,497 | $387,000 | Compare |
| Springfield | 61,642 | $67,211 | $323,800 | Compare |
| Corvallis | 60,424 | $63,807 | $480,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Eugene With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eugene
What is the population of Eugene, OR?
The population of Eugene, OR is 177,520 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Eugene?
The median household income in Eugene, OR is $63,836 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eugene?
The median home value in Eugene, OR is $435,400, which is 78% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Eugene?
The median monthly rent in Eugene, OR is $1,347, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eugene?
The unemployment rate in Eugene, OR is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Eugene, OR a good place to live?
Eugene offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 177,520 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Eugene, OR?
44.2% of residents in Eugene aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Eugene?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eugene, OR: median home value is $435,400 (78% above national), median rent is $1,347/month, and median household income is $63,836. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Eugene?
The poverty rate in Eugene, OR is 18.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Eugene, OR?
Eugene's population is 8.0% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.