10 Biggest Cities in Oregon: How Well Do You Know The Beaver State?

By    |   Monday, 13 April 2015 09:51 AM EDT ET

With a population of 3.93 million, Oregon is the 27th most populated state in America. More than 40 percent of the state's population lives in its biggest cities.

Here are the 10 biggest cities in Oregon, as ranked by Portland.com:

1. Portland: With 583,776 people, Portland boasts a population more than three times the size of Eugene or Salem. The only U.S. city to make the top 25 in the Quality of Life Survey conducted by Monocle, Portland is also ranked by Men's Fitness as the fittest city in America. Cyclocross and trail running are popular outdoor activities.

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2. Eugene: This city of 156,185 people places a high value on nature. With 4,000 acres of parks and urban forests, it is estimated Eugene's natural resources bring $42 million to the local economy each year. Lumber is the major industry in Oregon's second largest city, followed closely by agriculture, according to City-Data.com.

3. Salem: Originally called Chemeketa, an Indian word meaning "resting place," Salem serves as the capital of Oregon and is one of the state's oldest communities. The city was given its new name in the early 1850s. Salem is the anglicized version of the Hebrew word for "peace." Salem's current population stands at 154,637, making it the third largest city in Oregon.

4. Gresham: The fourth largest city in Oregon has a population of 105,594. Gresham has seen a population increase of 16.53 percent since 2010. Among the major employers are Boeing Portland and Brooks Automation.

5. Hillsboro: This city has a population of 91,000 and is home to Intel Corp.'s semiconductor research and development operations.

6. Beaverton:
About 90,000 people live in Beaverton, which sits 7 miles west of Portland. Known for its green space, Beaverton includes more than 1,000 acres of parks. It has a diverse housing stock, making it one of the most affordable cities in the Portland area, according to the city's website.

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7. Bend: The story goes that the city's name was going to be the more romantic Farewell Bend, but the United States Post Office decided that was too long, according to the city's website. Bend has more than 76,000 residents who enjoy about 300 days of sunshine per year. The seventh largest city in Oregon, Bend is known for its proximity to mountain climbing and skiing.

8. Medford: The highlight of a trip to Medford may very well be a tour of the Harry & David kitchen. The gourmet food catalog mail-order company was founded in Medford in 1934 and is one of the region's major employers. As the eighth largest city in Oregon, Medford has a population of 74,907.

9. Springfield: Elias and Mary Briggs settled in Springfield in 1848, close to a water spring where Elias eventually built a flour mill and a sawmill. Today, Springfield has a population of 59,403, and is said to be the inspiration for the town of Springfield in "The Simpsons."

10. Corvallis: Although not as famous as Salem, Corvallis holds the distinction of briefly serving as the capital of Oregon (during part of 1855). The 10th largest city in Oregon, Corvallis has a population of 54,462, and is home to Oregon State University.

URGENT: Do You Approve of the Job John Kitzhaber Is Doing as Oregon Governor?

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With a population of 3.93 million, Oregon is the 27th most populated state in America. More than 40 percent of the state's population lives in its biggest cities.
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2015-51-13
Monday, 13 April 2015 09:51 AM
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