Bend is a city located in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. The name Bend was derived from "Farewell Bend," the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town eventually was planted, one of the few fordable points along the river. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 52,029. As of 2005, there are about 70,000 people, and still growing.
Bend is located on the edge of the Ponderosa pine forest on the west as it transitions into the high desert plateau, characterized by junipers, sagebrush, bitter-brush, and little water. Originally a logging town, Bend has become identified as a jump-off point for multiple outdoor sports; such as fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, skiing, and golf.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 83.5 km2 (32.2 mi2). 82.9 km2 (32.0 mi2) of it is land and 0.6 km2 (0.2 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 0.68% water.
Just south of Bend is Newberry National Volcanic Monument easily reached on U.S 97.
Bend is located at 44°3'23" North, 121°18'29" West (44.056434, -121.308085). Elevation 3,623 feet.
As of the census of 2000, there are 52,029 people, 21,062 households, and 13,395 families residing in the city. The population density is 627.4/km2 (1,624.8/mi2). There are 22,507 housing units at an average density of 271.4/km2 (702.9/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 93.98% White, 0.28% African American, 0.79% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. 4.61% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 21,062 households out of which 31.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% are married couples living together, 9.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% are non-families. 26.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 2.92.
In the city the population is spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $40,857, and the median income for a family is $49,387. Males have a median income of $33,377 versus $25,094 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,624. 10.5% of the population and 6.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.8% of those under the age of 18 and 5.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Bend is central Oregon's most populated city, with a projected population within its city limits of 65,210 in 2005.
Tourism is one of Bend's largest sectors. Mount Bachelor ski resort brings in tourists from all over Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. The nearby Cascade Lakes are also a large draw for tourists. Recreational activities include downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, rafting, golfing, camping, and fishing to picnicking, rock climbing and general sightseeing.
Bend is also home to the Deschutes Brewery, the largest of several microbreweries in the city. Since 2004, Bend has also hosted a film festival (Bendfilm).
Much of Bend's rapid growth in recent years is also due to its attraction as a retirement destination.
The nearest commercial airport is Roberts Field, 18 miles north.
Bend is the only metropolitan area west of the Mississippi without a public bus system. A measure that would create a transit district on the November, 2004 ballot was defeated 53 to 41 percent.
Until the winter of 1824, the Bend area was known only to Native Americans who hunted and fished there. In that year, members of a fur trapping party led by Peter Skene Ogden visited the area. John C. Fremont, Dr. John Strong Newberry and other Army survey parties came next. Then pioneers heading further west went through the area and forded the Deschutes River at Farewell Bend.
Actual settlement did not occur until the early 1900s with the founding of the Pilot Butte Development Company by Alexander M. Drake. A small community developed around the bend in the river and in 1904 a city was incorporated by a general vote of the community's 300 residents. On January 4, 1905 the city held its first official meeting as an incorporated municipality, appointing A. H. Goodwillie as the first mayor. Twelve years later, Deschutes County was formed from the western half of Crook County and Bend was designated as the county seat. In 1929, Bend amended the charter and adopted the manager/council form of government.
The settlement was originally known as Farewell Bend.
Bend, Oregon is home to David Stoliar who was the sole survivor of an attack on the Struma, a ship carrying Jewish refugees from the holocaust.
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Bend, OR
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