Many people wonder if Eugene, Oregon is keeping up with the growth seen in other cities. Eugene is growing, but at a slow and steady pace rather than experiencing a big population boom.
The city’s population has been increasing little by little each year, which is changing the way neighborhoods and downtown look.
Eugene is now the second-most populous city in Oregon. From 2020 to now, the city’s population has climbed from about 176,654 and continues to rise, though not as quickly as some might expect based on trends in larger cities.
New apartments and housing developments are appearing, showing signs that more people are choosing to live in Eugene. This slow growth means that while Eugene is changing, it still holds onto much of its unique charm.
For newcomers and longtime residents alike, watching the city adapt and expand while keeping its local feel is both interesting and important. To see more details about population changes, check out this Eugene population update.
Population Growth Trends in Eugene
Eugene, Oregon’s population has continued to rise over the past decade, though the rate of increase has slowed somewhat in recent years. Growth patterns in Eugene are shaped by various factors, including local birth and death rates, as well as migration trends.
Recent Population Statistics
As of 2025, Eugene has a population of about 178,213. This represents a steady increase from previous years, with the city growing by about 0.09% per year recently.
The growth rate has moderated compared to the past decade. While more people are moving in than out, the city isn’t seeing a boom.
Birth and death rates in Eugene contribute, but migration remains the biggest factor for changes in population size. The University of Oregon attracts students from across the country, adding to the city’s numbers.
Most growth comes from people moving to Eugene for jobs, lifestyle, or family. Demographic changes are also happening.
The median age is rising, which shows more older adults living in the city. The number of young families continues to grow slowly.
Historical Growth Patterns
Eugene saw faster growth in the late 20th and early 21st century. Between 2010 and 2020, the city’s population increased by over 10,000 people.
Growth in this period was supported by strong job opportunities, increasing enrollment at the University of Oregon, and a steady flow of residents from other Oregon cities and states. Growth rates were higher in the 1980s and 1990s, when Oregon became popular for its outdoor lifestyle and lower cost of living compared to states like California.
Since then, growth has leveled out, with fewer dramatic spikes or drops. Birth rates have mostly followed national trends, staying stable or gradually declining, while death rates have increased slightly as the population ages.
Comparison With Nearby Cities
Eugene is the largest city in Lane County, but it grows at a slower rate compared to some nearby cities. Portland remains the state’s fastest-growing major city, benefiting from larger employers and more job opportunities.
Salem, the state capital, also shows a steady increase in population. Springfield, right next to Eugene, has similar trends but a smaller total population.
Albany and Corvallis have experienced moderate growth, supported by local universities and businesses. Roseburg has seen less growth, with a more stable population in recent years.
Eugene continues to see more in-migration than out-migration, but it is not experiencing a population surge like some parts of Oregon. The city’s growth is stable, steady, and influenced by a mix of college students, job-seekers, and families looking for new opportunities.
Urban Development and Expansion
Eugene is experiencing both steady population growth and increased demand for housing and jobs. The city’s leaders are using specific strategies and projects to manage this urban growth and shape its future.
Urban Growth Boundaries
Eugene uses urban growth boundaries to help manage where new development happens. These boundaries are set so the city can offer needed services like schools, parks, water, and roads.
The city’s current boundary is designed to match expected population growth through about 2032. Planning efforts look ahead even further, with projects such as urban reserves to accommodate the needs beyond the 20-year mark.
This means extra land is set aside so that when Eugene needs to grow, it has options available. These boundaries also encourage higher-density housing and help reduce sprawl.
Neighboring areas like Springfield work closely with Eugene on where their boundaries meet and overlap. For more information, see Eugene’s urban growth strategies.
Major New Developments
Eugene has seen a number of new developments, especially in residential and commercial spaces. Large apartment complexes and mixed-use buildings are being built near the downtown area to provide more housing and local jobs.
Retail and service businesses have expanded in several neighborhoods, particularly as more people move to the city. New schools, parks, and public spaces have also been added to support growing families.
Some major projects are planned in partnership with Springfield. Development is not just about new buildings; it also looks at making existing areas more vibrant and walkable.
City Council Initiatives
Eugene’s City Council leads many planning and policy efforts to ensure smart growth. One major framework is the “Envision Eugene” plan, which sets goals for housing, jobs, and land use up to 2045.
The council hosts public meetings and workshops, encouraging residents to share their input on development projects. Policies focus on supporting affordable housing and living wage jobs while protecting green spaces.
City Council also approves updates to codes and zoning rules to allow for the new types of homes and businesses Eugene needs. Details on these efforts can be found at Urban Growth Strategies – Homes and Jobs for 2045.
Housing Market Dynamics
Eugene’s housing market is changing due to fast population growth and tight supply. High demand, rising prices, and new policies are shaping the way people buy and rent homes.
Demand for Housing
Eugene has seen strong demand for homes, leading to fast-rising prices and heavy competition for both buyers and renters. In May 2024, the median list price reached about $619,000, and the average sale price was up 5.5% year-over-year, sitting at $517,000.
Many people are moving to Eugene and nearby Springfield because of local job opportunities, university growth, and the area’s general appeal. However, the number of available homes is not keeping up, leading to short time frames for listings and frequent bidding wars.
The development of new housing in Eugene has moved forward, but not as quickly as demand has grown. As a result, affordable homes are hard to find, which puts pressure on residents and newcomers alike.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Eugene has focused on affordable housing through its Envision Eugene plan and related local efforts. The city works with developers to add affordable units and includes policies that encourage mixed-use and higher density construction.
There have been new projects aimed at supporting low-income families and individuals. Through state grants and local partnerships, several apartment complexes and single-family developments have opened in recent years.
Local leaders keep exploring more funding and zoning changes to increase supply and improve access to affordable housing. Challenges remain, but active steps are being taken to help meet demand and lower barriers for at-risk residents.
Rental and Ownership Trends
Eugene’s rental market is tight. The most recent data pointed to a low rental vacancy rate of 2.8% compared to the 5.8% national average.
This makes finding rental homes and apartments challenging, especially for students and lower-income households. The average price per square foot for homes reached $313 in Lane County, which includes Springfield.
Many families are priced out of purchasing homes. As a result, more people are renting longer before they can buy.
Efforts to build more homes for both ownership and rent continue, but rising costs and strong demand mean the housing market will likely stay competitive for the near future.
Economic Growth and Employment Opportunities
Eugene is seeing steady economic progress powered by a mix of long-standing and new industries. The area’s job market is expanding, and the University of Oregon is a major influence in this growth.
Key Industries and Employers
Eugene’s largest employers belong to healthcare, education, government, and manufacturing. PeaceHealth is a leading healthcare provider in the region.
The University of Oregon is also a major employer, supporting thousands of local jobs. Manufacturing remains important, especially in wood products and high-tech.
The city also hosts a growing tech sector, with startups and digital companies opening new offices. Public sector jobs provide stability, with city and county agencies hiring teachers, police officers, and staff.
Retail, food service, and hospitality make up a significant part of Eugene’s workforce. This mix of jobs offers residents a range of work options and attracts new residents to the area.
University of Oregon’s Impact
The University of Oregon is a key driver for economic activity in Eugene. It enrolls over 20,000 students, and employs a large staff of faculty and administrators.
Many university graduates stay in Eugene, starting businesses or working for local companies. Research projects at the university lead to new inventions and partnerships with private companies.
These partnerships help tech and science jobs grow in the region. The university’s sports events and cultural programs also bring tourism dollars and create part-time jobs in the city.
By connecting students to local internships, the university increases job readiness and helps companies find well-trained workers. University-led research projects regularly attract state and federal funding that benefits the region.
Job Growth Rates
Eugene and the surrounding area have seen notable job growth over the past decade. Lane County, which includes Eugene, gained over 22,000 jobs in one year from October 2023 to October 2024.
This growth happened across many industries, not just one sector. Forecasts show employment in Lane County is expected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033.
That means about 11,200 new private-sector jobs are likely to be added by 2033. Job growth in the area has even outpaced projections set in earlier years, showing positive momentum for the local economy.
You can read more on these projections for Lane County jobs at QualityInfo’s report on job growth in Lane County.
Community Engagement and Quality of Life
Eugene’s focus on active community involvement and strong cultural resources creates a welcoming atmosphere. People here care about their environment, education, and the well-being of their neighbors.
Public Participation in City Planning
Residents in Eugene often take part in local decisions. The city actively invites public feedback on important changes through meetings, surveys, and open houses.
For example, growth projects like housing and job development receive community input before plans become official. This helps the city council shape policies that fit what people actually want.
Opportunities for participation are not limited to adults. Youth voices are encouraged as well, with student groups and young residents sharing their ideas with city leaders.
Eugene’s urban growth strategies show how community engagement supports better planning. Their input helps decide where new homes, parks, and workplaces will be placed.
This ongoing dialogue leads to a more livable city for everyone.
Education and Culture
The University of Oregon is a major presence in Eugene. It draws students, teachers, and researchers from across the state and around the world.
Education is important here, with several local public and private schools focusing on student success.
Eugene supports the arts through music festivals, galleries, and theaters. The city hosts community events all year, welcoming people of all backgrounds to connect and celebrate.
The area values both sports and outdoor activities. People can join clubs, attend university events, or explore the many parks.
All of these experiences improve quality of life and help residents feel connected.
Future Growth Projections for Eugene
Eugene, Oregon is expected to keep growing steadily in the coming years. City leaders, planners, and residents are preparing for bigger population numbers, changing housing needs, and how the area’s boundaries will adapt to fit new growth.
Envision Eugene Plan
The Envision Eugene plan is designed to guide Eugene’s development for decades. This city-adopted plan focuses on where people will live, work, and play as more residents arrive.
It includes strategies to add more housing and preserve green space while making sure growth matches the city’s values. Planners look at trends from the past and project future population increases.
Since 2012, Eugene’s population has grown faster than the city expected. The Envision Eugene plan adapts to this by encouraging urban infill, higher-density buildings, and mixed-use areas.
Key parts of the plan are:
- Updating the city’s urban growth boundary regularly
- Adding more affordable housing and apartments
- Supporting local jobs and new businesses
Long-Term Regional Outlook
Looking further ahead, Eugene is expected to see more growth through at least 2035. New predictions show the city will likely need to expand its urban growth boundary again as more people move in for work or school.
The projected population growth could mean more demand for housing and public services in neighborhoods across the city. Local government is studying how schools, parks, transit, and utilities will need to change.
Many new residents are coming for jobs, university programs, or to be part of a community that’s known for its green values and outdoor spaces. City leaders are already planning for new roads, improved transit, and other important updates to keep up with Eugene’s changing needs.
