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Oregon, incorporated on July 6, 1910, is located on the eastern side of Oregon's Cascade Range and is considered the geographical heart of Central Oregon, within easy access to a multitude of recreational opportunities including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing, and golf. Redmond is a progressive full-service municipality and one of the fastest growing industrial and residential communities in the State of Oregon, currently hosting a population of 25,445 residents; the growth rate continues to be about 8% per year. This High Desert community encompasses 15 1/2 square miles (approx. 9,974 acres) and is located on a flat plateau, at an elevation of 3,077 feet above sea level. Redmond is 15 miles north of Bend, the county seat for Deschutes County; 144 miles from Portland; 129 miles from Salem, the State Capital; and 126 miles from Eugene.
Oregon had been a State for 45 years by the time Frank and Josephine Redmond pitched their first homestead tent near the area that would later take on their namesake in 1906. With these agricultural roots, the city was platted by an irrigation company building a major canal project. In 1911, a year after the town was incorporated; electrification reached Redmond as well as the Oregon Trunk Line Railroad, which opened new markets for farmers and merchants in the area. By 1930 the town grew to 1,000 people, and ten years later population had nearly doubled. During the 1940's Redmond was selected as a US Air Force Base and commercial air service was established at Roberts Field after WW II. The following three decades (1950's, 60's, 70's) and most of the 80's the town's population remained relatively static, growing slowly around a small commercial/retail center and manufacturing industry. However, during the 1990's the town's population began to grow along with most of Deschutes County. Between 2000 and 2006, Redmond's population grew by 74.3% making it among Oregon's fastest growing incorporated cities each year. This rapid growth has continued through 2006, 11.3% this past year, increasing the population to 23,500. Its growth is fueled by employment, comparatively lower cost of living, and great quality of life.