Discovered in 1845, when a pioneer from Illinois named J.C. Avery staked out a claim at the junction of the Marys and Willamette Rivers the town was officially laid out in 1851 as the Town of Marysville, later renamed Corvallis, meaning "Heart of the Valley".  Substantial growth and development of the town occurred in the latter part of the 19th century when the town evolved from a pioneer community to a vibrant regional trading center and college town.

Corvallis' livability stems not only from its scenic vistas and recreational opportunities but also from its cosmopolitan offerings.  The college town atmosphere and economy rooted in education, high tech industry and first class healthcare contribute to a community spirit that embraces diversity.  Corvallis is home to a burgeoning innovation economy centered on engineering and high technology.  The Software Association of Oregon, the Economic Development Partnership, the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) and Oregon State University are just a few of the active players contributing to this vibrant, creative environment. 

The area's early economy was based on agriculture, timber and education. Oregon State University, once known as the Oregon Agricultural College, was established in Corvallis in 1862. Designated as a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution, OSU has grown to be the second largest and the oldest institution of higher learning in Oregon.  The OSU Engineering School is actively engaged in an expansion of its facilities and offerings with an eye to becoming the sought-after engineering program on the west coast.

A unique combination of soil and climate has made the Willamette Valley a world leader in seed and specialty crops, as well as Christmas Trees.  Grass and legume seeds, dairy, sheep, plywood, lumber and paper are important local products and we have an exciting, well-respected and growing wine industry with over 50 wineries within a two hour drive.

While wood products, agriculture and tourism continue to be major industries in the state, high technology is the fastest growing.  As part of the silicon forest, Corvallis has over 25 software companies ranging in size from Summit Information Systems with over 300 employees to one person operations, plus an important Hewlett Packard campus.  Corvallis benefits from its identity as a college town and has a workforce that is among the highest educated in the Northwest.

Distances:

• 81 miles south of Portland
• 35 miles south of Salem
• 40 miles north of Eugene
• 50 miles east of the Oregon beaches
• 50 miles west of the Cascade Mountains

Climate:

At 235 feet above sea level, the climate in Corvallis is mild. Average high temperature in winter is 40 degrees Fahrenheit and in the upper 80's in the summer.  We have an average rainfall of 40 inches per year.  Snow is unusual on the valley floor, averaging one inch or less per year in Corvallis.

What does the rest of the world think of Corvallis?

• Eighth best place to live in the nation - Men's Magazine
• Ranked 15th in the nation for creativity - Harvard Business Review
• Ranked number nine of the country's top ten places to retire - Top Ten Places to Retire
• Tenth best place to live in the nation - Cities Ranked and Rated
• Ranked in the top ten percent of U.S. cities for Golf - Golf Digest
• Tree City USA -National Arbor Day Foundation
• Bicycle Friendly Community - League of American Bicyclists

Population:

• Corvallis: 52,500
• Benton County: 79,900
• 30 mile radius: 428,323
• 50 mile radius: 932,364
• University enrollment: 18,979

Leading Employers:

• Oregon State University
• Hewlett-Packard
• Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
• Corvallis School District 509J
• The Corvallis Clinic
• Georgia-Pacific - Halsey Mill
• Linn-Benton Community College
• City of Corvallis
• Summit Information Systems
• Benton County
• CH2M Hill Engineering
• ATS Systems
• Environmental Protection Agency