Eugene, Oregon was incorporated in 1862.
The city hired its first marshal in 1863, which would later become the first police department of Eugene.
The population of Eugene continued to grow throughout the early 20th century.
Eugene, Oregon experienced some of the same positive and negative experiences compared to those of other cities.
The amenities and things to see and do, along with the lifestyle of the area, are some reasons that residents choose Eugene, Oregon as their home.
Consider these pros and cons of living in Eugene, Oregon before deciding to move to the city.
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Pros of Living in Eugene, Oregon
1. Parks and Open Spaces
Eugene, Oregon has many parks and open spaces that provide opportunities for fun, including activities for residents of all ages.
The city boasts more than 4,800 acres of parks, nature trails, green spaces, and open areas.
Local leaders take great care to keep the parks and open spaces maintained for residents.
The eight-acre Striker Field Park features a basketball court, a pickleball court, a large playground, and walking paths.
It also features an area for community gatherings.
The park is one of the newer parks located in Eugene.
The Santa Clara Park plans were finalized in 2023, with a scheduled 2024 opening.
Santa Clara Park will have walking trails, a large lawn area, a large playground, restrooms, and spaces for community gatherings.
It will also feature soft-surface walking trails and a bike path.
2. Natural Beauty
The natural beauty of Eugene, Oregon is one reason that the city has the nickname Emerald City.
Eugene shares the nickname with Seattle.
The city earned the nickname because of the emphasis that Eugene places on cleanliness and environmentalism.
The large number of green spaces, the mountains, and the forest areas show the natural beauty of Eugene, Oregon.
3. Access to Healthcare Options
Eugene, Oregon has a high rate of physicians, per capita when compared to the general population of the country.
It is easy for residents to find a good primary care physician, a pediatrician for children, or a specialist that diagnoses and treats specific conditions.
There are several quality healthcare facilities that are located in Eugene.
4. Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who are residents of Eugene, Oregon appreciate the variety of stunning landscapes and activities for residents who enjoy the great outdoors.
Visit one of the many parks in the area by yourself or with the entire family.
Engage in hiking or rock-climbing experiences.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride.
Discover the thrilling water sports that are available in Eugene, such as swimming, whitewater rafting, and kayaking.
5. Transportation Costs
The rest of the country often experiences high prices for gasoline while Eugene residents celebrate the lower costs for transportation.
Gas prices are often lower than in other cities in Oregon, and when compared to the national average cost of gasoline.
Motor vehicle insurance is often lower than the cost of similar policies in some other areas of the U.S.
The extensive public transportation system provides residents with another low-cost transportation option.
6. Things to See and Do
Eugene, Oregon has a variety of attractions and things to see and do that appeal to residents and visitors of all ages.
Visit one of the several music theaters or enjoy one of the walking tours.
Visit the Eugene Science Center.
The science center features a planetarium, a computer lab, and special areas for small children.
It also has many hands-on exhibits and activities.
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is known as a world-class museum that offers visitors the opportunity to explore 15,000 years of the state’s cultural history.
Visitors also learn about the 300 million years of natural history and geology.
Get a glimpse of nearly every raptor species that exists in and around the area when you visit the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Visit waterfalls, wineries, gardens, and local sports venues when you live in Eugene, Oregon.
7. Job Opportunities
Eugene, Oregon residents benefit from the many job sectors that are available in and around the city.
Some major employers include the University of Oregon, Symantec Corporation, and Lane County Government.
Many residents find employment in other employment sectors, such as the healthcare, services, retail, and brewing industries.
8. Celebration of Diversity
Eugene, Oregon recognizes the importance of celebrating diversity.
The city often hosts events that celebrate and recognize the contributions of Native Americans, Communities of Color, and other groups.
Check the official Eugene, Oregon site for locations and for the dates of the educational and fun experiences and events.
Cons of Living in Eugene, Oregon
1. Slow Population Growth
The population of Eugene, Oregon was once consistently growing but has recently shown a decline in the growth rate of the city.
The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the April 2020 population of Eugene was 177,595.
The July 2022 population of the city was 177,923.
The population growth during this time was only 0.4 percent.
2. High Rate of Poverty
Eugene, Oregon has a high rate of poverty.
The poverty level in the city is higher than the state average and higher than the national average.
The state poverty level stands at about 13 percent.
The national poverty rate in 2022 was 11.5 percent.
The poverty rate in Eugene, Oregon is 19.6 percent.
3. Low Proficiency Test Scores
The city of Eugene, Oregon is considered to have several great schools in its public school system.
The school system still has issues that affect students and the overall ratings for the local schools.
Proficiency test scores show that only 55 percent of the city’s students tested proficient in reading.
The test scores indicate that 45 percent of the public school students in Eugene tested proficient in math.
4. Housing Costs
People who move to Eugene, Oregon may experience shock at the average cost of renting an apartment or buying a home.
The median cost of renting an apartment or a rental home in Eugene is more than $1,100.
The median asking price of a home in Eugene is more than $330,000.
Biding wars may occur, which can increase the cost of buying a home.
5. Small City Vibe
People who are looking for a big-city vibe will likely want to drive to Portland, Oregon for the experience.
The drive to Portland takes about an hour and a half.
The casual spaces and the many quiet neighborhoods make the city of Eugene seem more like a small city.
The nightlife and the attractions and events help to give the area a more vibrant lifestyle.
6. High Unemployment Rate
Eugene, Oregon offers residents the opportunity to choose their preferred employment sector.
A major issue is that the city has a high unemployment rate.
The unemployment rate soared to more than 14 percent during the pandemic.
Although the rate of unemployment dropped significantly in the last two years, it still remains higher than in many other areas.
The September 2023 unemployment rate for Eugene was 3.7 percent.
7. Allergies
People who have allergies to pollen, trees, or other types of allergies may experience a difficult time in some areas of Eugene.
The pollen counts in the area sometimes reach levels so high that it is one of the highest pollen counts in the country.
Some athletes cannot train in the area because of the high pollen counts in and around Eugene, Oregon.
8. Crime Rate
The high crime rate of Eugene, Oregon is a major factor to consider before moving to the area.
The city often gets low grades from sites and organizations that rank cities for their crime rate.
The crime rate in Eugene is much higher than at the state level.
It is also higher than in 89.7 of the U.S. cities.
The number of assaults and burglaries increased significantly in 2020, compared to the number of reported assaults and burglaries in 2019.
The number of thefts and the number of auto thefts showed significant increases.
The number of reported arsons skyrocketed from 42 per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 90 per 100,000 residents in 2020.
Pros and Cons of Living in Eugene, OR – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Eugene, Oregon | Cons of Living in Eugene, Oregon |
|---|---|
| 1. Parks and Open Spaces | 1. Slow Population Growth |
| 2. Natural Beauty | 2. High Rate of Poverty |
| 3. Access to Healthcare Options | 3. Low Proficiency Test Scores |
| 4. Outdoor Activities | 4. Housing Costs |
| 5. Transportation Costs | 5. Small City Vibe |
| 6. Things to See and Do | 6. High Unemployment Rate |
| 7. Job Opportunities | 7. Allergies |
| 8. Celebration of Diversity | 8. Crime Rate |
Eugene Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Eugene Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any types of crime decreased in Eugene, Oregon?
The number of reported robberies and rapes that were committed in Eugene, Oregon decreased in 2020, compared to the number of reported robberies and rapes that were reported in 2019.
The city still experiences higher incidents of robberies and rates when compared to the national average for these crimes.
Are the adults who live in Eugene, Oregon well-educated?
Nearly 95 percent of Eugene, Oregon residents have a high school education.
Almost 44 percent of the residents of the city have a bachelor’s degree or higher level of education.
Why is Eugene referred to as "Track Town USA?"
Eugene, Oregon got one of its several nicknames several years ago.
The city is known as Track City USA for several reasons.
It offers many opportunities for residents of all ages to engage in outdoor recreation activities.
The extensive trails and bike lanes provide opportunities for hiking and biking.
Is Eugene, Oregon a good place for families?
The many family-friendly activities, destinations, and events provide families with plenty of things to see and do that allow them to thrive while living in Eugene.
Families that are new to the area will quickly discover that Eugene, Oregon is a welcoming city.
It has a strong sense of community that appeals to families and appeals to singles and couples.
Are there many homeless people in Eugene?
The city has a large homeless population.
City leaders and local agencies are working to address the homelessness issue.
