Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is a city located in Lane County, Oregon. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 137,893.

Founded by Eugene Skinner in 1862, Eugene is located at the south end of the Willamette valley at the confluence of the McKenzie river and the Willamette river.

Eugene is Oregon's second largest city, covering 35 square miles. Eugene's climate is mild, at an average temperature of 53 degrees F and with an annual rainfall of 43 inches. Fog can be a problem, as it occasionally closes down the city's airport.

Eugene is home of the University of Oregon (and thus the Fighting Ducks), Lane Community College, and Northwest Christian College.

To the north of downtown is Skinner Butte park. Hendricks Park is famed for its Rhododendron Garden. Cultural attractions in Eugene include the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, resident ballet, theater, opera and symphony, Bach Festival, Historic District, walking tours, 23 art galleries and museums, the Willamette Science and Technology Center, Festival of Musical Theater, Three Sisters Wilderness and Oregon Dunes. Local events include: Eugene Celebration, Lane County Fair, Asian Celebration, and the notorious Country Fair.

Quick Facts

County: Lane
Elevation: 426'
Latitude 44° 7' N
Longitude 123° 13' W.
Incorporated: 1862
Mayor: James D. Torrey

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 105.0 km² (40.6 mi²). 104.9 km² (40.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.10% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 137,893 people, 58,110 households, and 31,321 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,313.9/km² (3,403.2/mi²). There are 61,444 housing units at an average density of 585.5 persons/km² (1,516.4 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 88.15% White, 1.25% African American, 0.93% Native American, 3.57% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 2.18% from other races, and 3.72% from two or more races. 4.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 58,110 households out of which 25.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% are married couples living together, 9.7% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 46.1% are non-families. 31.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.27 and the average family size is 2.87.

In the city the population is spread out with 20.3% under the age of 18, 17.3% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $35,850, and the median income for a family is $48,527. Males have a median income of $35,549 versus $26,721 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,315. 17.1% of the population and 8.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 14.8% are under the age of 18 and 7.1% are 65 or older.