Established in 1868, Prineville is the oldest community in Central Oregon, and one of the state’s first incorporated cities. Prineville was the primary place of trade until 1911, when the Union Pacific and Oregon Trunk Railways extended south from the Columbia River to Bend. Still today Prineville’s origins are tied to the land in agriculture, forest products, the railroad, and manufacturing. Prineville’s population growth has been the highest in the state in recent years. Much of that growth is attributed to the small, rural feel of Crook County, recreational opportunities, relatively mild climate, and more affordable housing compared with other Central Oregon communities.

Prineville is the gateway to the Ochoco National Forest, Painted Hills National Monument, and a host of lakes and reservoirs popular with boaters and fishermen. Just as other cities in Central Oregon, there is no shortage of recreational activities to take advantage of.

 An attractive aspect of doing business in Prineville is the low cost and abundance of industrial lands. Prineville boasts over 2,000 acres of industrial land with large tracts of land available, an enterprise zone and a renewable energy zone in place and a large supply of electric power. Companies with big power requirements, like Facebook who began construction on a 147,000 SF datacenter in Prineville in January 2010, may consider Prineville for relocation or expansion.

Prineville, Oregon - Stats at a Glance
Elevation: 2868’
Population (July 2008) 10,370 (Prineville); 26,845 (Crook County)
Median Resident Age 39.4
Estimated Median Hh Income (2007) $44,951
Median single family home price (YTD thru Dec 2008) $177,500 (Crook County)
Average household size 2.49
Property Tax Rate 2007/2008 $13.10 per $1000 assessed value
Assessed Value 2008 $1,494,834,473 (Crook County)
Telecommunications Infrastructure BendBroadband (commercial), Crestview Cable (residential & commercial), Quantum Communications (commercial), Qwest (residential & commercial)
Top Five Private Largest Employers (in 2007, in order) Les Schwab, Contact Industries, Woodgrain Millwork, Central Oregon Trucking, Pioneer Memorial Hospital
Top 5 Crook County Taxpayers in 2008-09 (in order) Les Schwab Warehouse Center, Brasada Ranch, Clear Pine Moulding, Norman K Ross, Ironhorse Development