Lane County

COASTAL & CASCADE RECREATION

Lane County is situated in Central Western Oregon and was established in 1851. It was named after the territory’s governor, Joseph Lane. It went under many boundary changes in the late 1800’s, but today the county is about 4,620 square miles and the county seat is Eugene, Oregon. Historically, the county’s industry and economy were based on timber and agriculture. Agriculture flourished due to the moderate climate and fertile soil, and the county’s edge is on the largest stand of timber. However, Lane County is shifting its efforts away from the timber industry to healthcare, education, and trade.

Today, the key sectors of Lane County include manufacturing, technology, food and beverage, and wood products. Lane County is a hub to over 501 tech companies, and over 200 wood manufacturing companies. It is also home of the Oregon Duck Football team at the University of Oregon. Lane County’s largest employers are the Peace Health Corp. and the University of Oregon, employing over 10,300 people. With easy access to the coast and mountain range, Lane County’s tourism is also a contributor to its economy. 

Lane County has a diverse culinary scene especially in Eugene, Oregon. From $2 tacos to a simmering bowl of shrimp tom kha, you’ll find a variety of food that will please every palate. Lane County is also the heartbeat of the art and music scene. There are a variety of performing art centers, museums, and artistic hubs that locals cherish. The Cascades and Coast Range is a year-round playground for visitors and locals. The McKenzie River is a 90-mile tributary of the Willamette River, and is a favorite destination for fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, and dining. There is plenty to do along the coastline such as visiting the Heceta Head Lighthouse, sightseeing the sea lion caves, sandboarding, and strolling along the old Florence boardwalk.

There are 113 public schools and 16 school districts in Lane County, serving over 42,400 students. There are also 37 private schools. The top ranked schools are South Eugene High School, Charlemagne French Immersion Elementary School, and Ridgeline Montessori. Lane County has 6 colleges including the University of Oregon. The University serves over 23,000 students each year.

There are 12 cities in Lane County, and the most well-known towns include Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Florence. The median household income is $55,000, and the median house price is $489,000.