Central Oregon—which includes Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, and Madras—continues to see some of the fastest population growth in the Pacific Northwest. Its economy features multiple vibrant sectors, including tourism, construction, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and specialized financial support for small businesses. The region’s scenic attractions, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus on quality of life keep drawing visitors and new residents.
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s economy, with more than four million visitors arriving annually to experience skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor, rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, and hiking or biking in the Deschutes National Forest. Madras and Prineville also draw outdoor enthusiasts seeking the high desert’s distinctive beauty; The Cove Palisades State Park near Madras is a favorite for boating and fishing, while Prineville’s access to the Ochoco National Forest creates ample opportunities for camping and off-roading.
In 2022, the region’s tourism spending reached an estimated $1.2 billion, with Deschutes County alone accounting for $1.1 billion. These expenditures support thousands of jobs in lodging, dining, guided tours, equipment rentals, and other travel-related services. Bend’s craft beer sector—which boasts over 20 breweries—further elevates the region’s reputation, drawing visitors for year-round festivals and tasting events. Seasonal demand for accommodations often pushes occupancy rates above 80% during peak summer and winter months, benefiting resorts, short-term rentals, and hospitality providers in regional communities.
Construction and Real Estate Development
Rapid population growth has driven a robust real estate market. Bend’s population surpassed 105,000 in 2023—a more than 30% increase since 2010—while Redmond, Sisters, Madras, and Prineville have all experienced notable double-digit growth, bringing the broader region’s population to more than 250,000. High housing demand pushed Bend’s median home price near $800,000, with prices also climbing in Redmond and Sisters. Prineville, known historically for ranching and timber, is now seeing a surge in commercial and residential development, while Madras is investing in new housing projects to accommodate its steady population rise.
These trends have spurred significant construction activity, including new subdivisions, apartment complexes, retail centers, and medical facilities. Over 10,000 workers are employed in the construction sector, and this boom extends to related industries such as architecture, engineering, and real estate services. In parallel, city and county authorities face the challenge of upgrading roads, schools, and other infrastructure to serve a growing populace spread across communities, large and small.
Technology and Startups
Central Oregon’s technology ecosystem has expanded steadily, fueled by professionals relocating from significant tech hubs such as Seattle and the Bay Area—co-working facilities like BendTECH host software developers, fintech startups, and companies creating outdoor-related innovations. Remote tech workers further bolster consumer spending with salaries that tend to be above the local average.
Bend garners significant attention through the annual Bend Venture Conference, which often allocates more than $1 million in combined funding to promising startups. Prineville has become a tech focal point in its own right, hosting large-scale data centers operated by Meta (Facebook) and Apple—facilities that bring infrastructure investments and stable, year-round employment. Although the tech sector faced some national challenges in 2023, Central Oregon’s tech and data-center workforce remains resilient, partly supported by OSU-Cascades’ expanding technology and engineering programs.
Manufacturing and Craft Industries
Manufacturing in the region has evolved beyond timber, although mills and wood-product facilities remain active in Prineville, Madras, and surrounding areas. Advanced manufacturing, such as biotech and pharmaceutical research at Lonza in Bend, continues to gain momentum. The local craft industry also flourishes, led by Deschutes Brewery’s nationwide distribution of millions of barrels annually and by outdoor-gear brands such as Ruffwear and Hydro Flask. Madras-based food processing and specialty crop operations benefit from nearby farmland, reflecting the area’s agricultural roots, while Prineville supports smaller craft and light-manufacturing enterprises.
This blend of year-round manufacturing and craft production helps mitigate the seasonal fluctuations associated with tourism. Many positions in this sector offer higher wages, strengthening the long-term sustainability of Central Oregon’s economy and creating diverse job opportunities across its cities and towns.
Healthcare and Professional Services
Healthcare has grown significantly as the regional population expands. St. Charles Health System—a major employer with roughly 4,900 staff across Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras—anchors a network of clinics, eldercare facilities, and wellness services that continue to broaden in response to community needs. Specialized practices in orthopedic medicine, cardiology, and physical therapy meet demand from an increasingly active and aging population.
Professional services, including law firms, accounting agencies, and consulting practices, have expanded. These are complemented by co-working spaces that cater to remote workers in finance, design, and other fields. Because healthcare and professional services meet essential, everyday needs, they stabilize Central Oregon’s economy, creating a buffer against downturns in cyclical sectors like tourism or real estate.
Financial Institutions and Small Business Support
Local banks and credit unions are essential in funding regional growth, with Summit Bank prominent among those supporting small businesses. Through specialized lending options, credit lines, and advisory services, Summit Bank helps entrepreneurs and small firms invest in equipment, hire more staff, or expand their operations. Its partnerships with business incubators, local economic development committees, and chambers of commerce throughout Central Oregon—encompassing Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras—ensure these enterprises can access professional guidance and networking opportunities.
Because lending decisions are made locally, Summit Bank can tailor financial solutions to the specific market conditions of each Central Oregon community. This relationship-driven approach fosters confidence among entrepreneurs, reinforcing small business resilience across various industries.
Balancing Growth and Housing Affordability
While Central Oregon’s economy has diversified, local governments face ongoing challenges in housing and infrastructure. Elected officials and community planners in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras must balance new development with environmental conservation. Keeping roadways, schools, and public utilities in step with population increases remains a top priority.
Housing affordability is another pressing issue. In Deschutes County, median household income reached about $72,000 in 2023, yet rapidly escalating home and rental prices can strain budgets for longtime residents and newcomers. Policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and private developers are examining affordable housing initiatives that could help preserve economic and social diversity, ensuring that Central Oregon’s growth benefits a broad spectrum of its population.
From tourism to technology and manufacturing, Central Oregon’s economic strength rests on the interconnections among multiple sectors. Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, and Madras each bring distinct elements to the region’s overall vitality, whether attracting visitors to natural wonders, offering stable data-center jobs, cultivating craft goods, or delivering essential healthcare services. The region’s appeal—rooted in its outdoor lifestyle, entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative ethos—continues to draw new residents, while local financial institutions like Summit Bank help businesses secure the capital needed for further expansion. By addressing infrastructure, housing, and workforce training, Central Oregon can sustain its record of growth and maintain a healthy balance between opportunity and livability.