| Corvallis, Oregon | |
| Settlement Type: | City |
| Motto: | Enhancing Community Livability |
| Mapsize: | 250px |
| Pushpin Map: | Oregon#USA |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Oregon##Location in the United States |
| Pushpin Relief: | yes |
| Pushpin Label: | Corvallis |
| Coordinates: | 44.5697°N -123.2783°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name1: | Oregon |
| Subdivision Name2: | Benton |
| Established Title: | Founded / Incorporated |
| Established Date: | 1845 / 1857 |
| Leader Title: | Mayor |
| Leader Name: | Charles Maughan[1] |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Area Footnotes: | [2] |
| Area Total Km2: | 37.79 |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 14.59 |
| Area Land Km2: | 37.46 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 14.46 |
| Area Water Km2: | 0.33 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 0.13 |
| Elevation Ft: | 256 |
| Population Total: | 61087 |
| Population As Of: | 2023 |
| Population Density Km2: | 1599.64 |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | 4143.12 |
| Population Urban: | 69,583 (US: 436th) |
| Population Metro: | 97,713 (US: 365th) |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP codes |
| Postal Code: | 97330-97331, 97333, 97339 |
| Area Codes: | 541, 458 |
| Website: | City of Corvallis |
| Timezone: | PST |
| Utc Offset: | −8 |
| Timezone Dst: | PDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | −7 |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank Info: | 41-15800[3] |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 Info: | 2410237 |
Corvallis is a city in and the county seat of Benton County in central western Oregon, United States.[4] It is the principal city of the Corvallis, Oregon Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Benton County. As of the 2023 Census Population Estimates, the population was 61,087, making it the 9th most populous city in Oregon.[5] This does include the nearly 25,000 Oregon State University students attending classes in Corvallis, over 5,250 of which live in one of 16 residence Halls on the main campus.[6] [7] Corvallis is the location of Oregon State University and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, and a 2.2 million square foot, 197 acre Hewlett Packard research and development campus that invented the Laser jet printer and the Computer mouse.[8] [9] Corvallis is a part of the Silicon Forest[10] [11] Corvallis is the westernmost city in the contiguous 48 states with a population larger than 50,000.
Corvallis is the largest principal city of the Albany-Corvallis-Lebanon CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Corvallis metropolitan area (Benton County) and the Albany-Lebanon micropolitan area (Linn County),[12] [13] [14] which had a combined population of 229,209 at the 2023 U.S. Census Estimates.[3]
In October 1845, Pennsylvanian Joseph C. Avery arrived in Oregon.[15] Avery took out a land claim at the mouth of Marys River, where it flows into the Willamette River, and in June 1846 took up residence there in a log cabin hastily constructed to hold what seemed a potentially lucrative claim. Avery's primitive 1846 dwelling was the first home within the boundaries of today's Corvallis and his land claim included the southern section of the contemporary city.[16]
Avery was quickly joined by other settlers along the banks of the Willamette River, including a 640acres claim directly to his north taken in September 1846 by William F. Dixon. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 temporarily stalled development of a township, with Avery leaving his Oregon claim to try his hand at mining in the fall of that year. His stay proved to be brief, and in January 1849, Avery returned to Oregon with a small stock of provisions with a view to opening a store.
During 1849, Avery opened his store at the site, platted the land, and surveyed a town site on his land claim, naming the community Marysville.[17] The city was possibly named after early settler Mary Lloyd, but now the name is thought to be derived from French fur trappers' naming of Marys Peak after the Virgin Mary.[18]
In the summer of 1851, Joseph Avery and William Dixon each granted back-to-back 40acres land parcels from their land holdings for the establishment of a county seat.[19] Avery's holding lay to the south and Dixon's to the north, with the Benton County Courthouse marking the approximate line of demarcation between these two land parcels.
In December 1853 the 5th Oregon Territorial Legislature met in Salem, where a petition was presented seeking to change the name of that city to either "Thurston" or "Valena".[20] At the same time, another petition was presented seeking to change the name of Salem to "Corvallis", from the Latin meaning "heart of the valley", while a third resolution was presented to the upper house seeking to change the name of Marysville to Corvallis.
A heated debate followed, with the name ultimately awarded to Corvallis in an act passed on December 20 of that same year. By way of rationale, the name "Marysville" was successfully argued to duplicate the moniker of a town in California, located on the same stagecoach route and that a name change was thus necessary to avoid confusion.[21]
A faction within the deeply divided legislature sought to make Corvallis the capital of the Oregon Territory, and in December 1855 the 6th Territorial Legislature initially convened there before returning to Salem later that month—the town which would eventually be selected as the permanent seat of state government.[17]
Corvallis was incorporated as a city on January 29, 1857.[22]
Corvallis had a three-year boom beginning in 1889, which began with the establishment of a privately owned electrical plant by L.L. Hurd.[23] A flurry of publicity and public and private investment followed, including construction of a grand county courthouse, planning and first construction of a new street railway, construction of a new flour mill along the river between Monroe and Jackson Avenues, and construction of the Hotel Corvallis, today known as the Julian Hotel.
In addition, a carriage factory was launched in the city and the town's streets were improved, while the size of the city was twice enlarged through annexation. Bonds were issued for a city-owned water works, a sewer system, and for public ownership of the electric plant. A publicity campaign was launched to attempt to expand the tax base through new construction for new arrivals. This effort proved mostly unsuccessful, however, and in 1892, normality returned, with the city saddled with about $150,000 in bonded debt.
Corvallis is at river mile 131–32 of the Willamette River.[24] Corvallis is bordered on the northwest by the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, with Bald Hill providing a view of the town.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.3sqmi, of which 14.13sqmi are land and 0.17sqmi is covered by water.[25]
Like the rest of the Willamette Valley, Corvallis lies in the Marine West Coast climate zone, with Mediterranean characteristics. Under the Köppen climate classification scheme, Corvallis has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb). Temperatures are mild year round, with warm, dry, sunny summers and mild, wet winters with persistently overcast skies. Spring and fall are also moist seasons with varied cloudiness, and light rain falling for extended periods.
Winter snow is rare, but occasionally does fall, and amounts can range between a dusting and a few inches that do not persist on the ground for more than a day. The northwest hills will often experience more snow. During the midwinter months after extended periods of rain, thick, persistent fogs can form, sometimes lasting the entire day. This can severely reduce visibility to as low as 20feet. The fog often persists until a new storm system enters the area. This fog could be seen as a type of tule fog.
Rainfall totals within the town itself are surprisingly variable, due to Corvallis lying right on the eastern edge of the Oregon Coast Range, with a small portion of the town inside of the range. Rainfall amounts can range from an average of 66.4inches per year [26] in the far northwest hills, compared to 43.66inches per year at Oregon State University, which is located in the center of Corvallis.
Because of its close proximity to the coastal range, Corvallis can experience slightly cooler temperatures, particularly in the hills, than the rest of the Willamette Valley. The average annual low temperature is 42F, 4.2F-change less than that of Portland just 85miles to the north. Despite this, temperatures dropping far below freezing are still a rare event.
Corvallis is the largest principal city of the Albany-Corvallis-Lebanon CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Corvallis metropolitan area (Benton County) and the Albany-Lebanon micropolitan area (Linn County),[12] [13] [14] which had a combined population of 229,209 at the 2023 U.S. Census Estimates.[3]
As of the 2020 census, there were 59,922 people and 23,952 households in the city. The population density was 4200.3/mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 79.4% White, 10% Asian, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 6.0% from two or more races. 8.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 23,952 households, with an average of 2.24 people per household. 33.8% were married couples living together, 30.7% had a female householder with no spouse present, and 26.6% had a male householder with no spouse present. 40.1% of housing units were owner-occupied.[27]
In the city, 13.5% were under the age of 18, and 13.1% were over the age of 65. The median age was 26.4 for males, 29.0 for females, and 27.5 for both sexes.
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, there were 54,462 people, 22,283 households, and 10,240 families residing in the city. The population density was 4004.5/mi2. There were 23,423 housing units at an average density of 1722.3/mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 83.8% White, 7.3% Asian, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.3% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. 7.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[3]
There were 22,283 households, of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.3% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.0% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.82.[3]
In the city, 14.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 32.4% was from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26.4 years. For every 100 males there were 98.7 females.[3]
As of the 2000 U.S. Census the median income for a household in the city was $35,437, and the median income for a family was $53,208. Males had a median income of $40,770 versus $29,390 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,317. About 9.7% of families and 20.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.[3]
In 1903, Franz Edmund Creffield, commonly known as Edmund Creffield (circa 1870–1906), a German-American religious leader who called himself Joshua, founded a movement in Corvallis which became known locally as the "Holy Rollers".
Corvallis lies in the middle of the Unchurched Belt. A 2003 study, released once every 10 years, listed Benton County (of which Corvallis makes up the majority of the population) as the least religious county per capita in the United States. Only one in four people indicated that they were affiliated with one of the 149 religious groups the study identified. The study indicated that some of the disparity, however, may be attributed to the popularity of less common religions (ones not included as an option in the study) in the Pacific Northwest.[28]
The campus of Oregon State University, which is the major local employer, is located near the edge of the main downtown area.
Other major employers include Samaritan Health Services,[29] SIGA Technologies,[30] Evanite Fiber,[31] ONAMI,[32] and HP Inc., which has a large printing research and development operation in the northeast area of town. Because of this relative concentration of employment and the need for diversity, the city launched a website to attract creative industry to the region by branding it with the slogan "Yes Corvallis".[33]
The National Clonal Germplasm Repository at Corvallis is a gene bank of the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. The gene bank preserves temperate fruit, nut, and agronomic crops from around the world.[34]
Corvallis was ranked number 48[35] on the 100 best places in the US to live and launch a business by Fortune Small Business 2008.[36] This places Corvallis as the second-best place in Oregon to launch a business, after Portland (number 6). Bend (number 87) and Eugene (number 96) were other Oregon localities ranked in the top 100.
Previously known as 'Rhapsody in the Vineyard', the annual, sometimes biannual, 'Downtown Corvallis Wine Walk' is hosted by the Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce and is held in downtown Corvallis since 2012. It pairs local wineries up with, and inside of, downtown local retailers. Attendees get to sample wine and shop local. Anywhere between 15 and nearly 40 wineries and retailers participate annually. It typically takes place in late Spring or early Fall, with the 21st Wine Walk occurring in May 2024.[37]
The da Vinci Days Summer Festival is an annual festival held in Corvallis since 1988. The science, technology, and art based festival includes live music, a kinetic sculpture race during the summer event, and lecture series in the spring. The festival is named after Italian inventor, artist, and writer, Leonardo da Vinci. The festival celebrates its 31th anniversary in 2024.[38]
The Red White and Blue Riverfront Festival takes place annually on July 4 on the downtown Riverfront Park banks of the Willamette River with food, vendors and a main stage with live bands. The day begins with the "All-American, Everyone-Can-Join, Fabulous, Fantastic 4th of July Parade!" at 9:30 am through Downtown Corvallis and ends at the Commemorative Riverfront Park. The parade began in 1985. At 10pm there is a fireworks display put on by the "Corvallis Jaycees" along the riverfront.[39]
The Philomath Folic & Rodeo celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2023 and typically takes place in mid-July and is a family-oriented festival and rodeo focused on the traditions the Philomath community was founded, namely American Western heritage and traditions and the history of the logging industry. The Frolic began in 1953, originally called the 'Philomath Western Frolic', then called the 'Philomath Buckaroo and Loggers' Frolic'. In 1983 land was donated and an arena was contracted at Skirvin Park, creating what has since been known as the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo. The rodeo attracts over 5,000 spectators each year and has been distinguished as the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association "Rodeo of the Year" eight times (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2007).[40]
The Corvallis Celtic Festival is a new summertime celebration held in late July, in and around Central Park in Corvallis. It celebrates Celtic culture through lively music performances, participatory sessions, spirited dancing, and engaging workshops that showcase Celtic traditions. The 2nd annual Corvallis Celtic Festival will be held July 25–28, 2024.[41]
The Benton County Fair & Rodeo was first held in 1859 with it typically held annually since 1913 and has been at its current location at the Benton County Fairgrounds in West Corvallis, since 1956. The Benton County Fair & Rodeo celebrated "100 years of Rides, Ribbons & Rodeos" in 2013. The Fair & Rodeo includes carnival games, rides, animals, food, live music and the rodeo. The Benton County Fair is usually scheduled for the first weekend in August.[42]
Septembeerfest (September Beer Festival) is held annually since 2007 in September, "amongst the trees" in Avery Park in Corvallis. Septembeerfest is a family and pet friendly fun-filled community celebration of the local homebrewers and dozens of local breweries from the craft beer industry as well as a successful fundraiser for the "'Heart of the Valley Homebrewers", a non-profit organization. The 17th annual Corvallis Septembeerfest will be held September 7, 2024.[43]
The Corvallis Fall Festival is an Annual Arts Party in Central Park and was founded in 1972, with the 50th occurrence in 2022.[44]
BlockTober Fest celebrated their 10th Anniversary in 2018 and is typically held annually since 2008 to coincide with Oktoberfest, in downtown Corvallis hosted by local craft brew Block 15 Brewing. The Oktoberfest celebration takes place under the traditional big tent occupying one whole city block by their downtown Block 15 brew pub. The celebrations typically feature live German music, German-inspired beer and food, face painting, a Stein Holding Competition, German Spelling Bee, and College Football on the big screen.[45]
The Saint Anne Greek Fest is held annually since 2003, celebrating their 20th Anniversary in 2023. It is typically held in mid-October in the Corvallis metro area unincorporated community of Lewisburg. The Saint Anne Greek Fest is held at the St. Anne Greek Orthodox Church grounds with live traditional Greek music, traditional Greek dances, face-painting, games and traditional Greek food. All the money raised by the festival goes to maintain the Lewisburg Grange Hall just north of the Corvallis city limits. The grange has been one of Benton County's most prominent historic landmarks. Built by executives of the O&C Railroad as a depot in 1911, trains stopped there for just 14 years until it became the grange hall for the unincorporated community of Lewisburg in 1925. The building faced significant peril by the early 1990s.[46]
The 2 Town's Harvest Party has been in place annually since 2010 and typically takes place mid to late October, but before Halloween. It is hosted by 2 Town's Ciderhouse, a national leader in alcoholic hard ciders at their main facility. In 2024 they will celebrate their 14th Anniversary. There are typically over 55 Craft beverages on tap, a "pumpkin bar", hot cider bar, cidery tours, photo-booth, raffle, live music and food trucks to celebrate the harvest of locally grown apples for their award-winning ciders, with proceeds going towards a local non-profit or charity. In 2023 over 3,400 people attended the annual Harvest Party.[47]
The Pastega Christmas Light Display typically takes place just after Thanksgiving and last until just after New Years Day. The Pastega Drive-thru Christmas Light Display began in 1981 at a Pepsi Bottling Plant in North Corvallis. It was hosted there for 31 years, until 2013 when the display was moved across town to the Benton County Fairgrounds. The Display features over 200 figures and mechanized scenes. The radiant display of festive lights and mechanized decorations transforms the area into a holiday wonderland enjoyed by thousands. Between 400 and 700 cars visit the display each day it's open. In 2022 over 30,000 people drove through the display. It has been a CorvallisHoliday tradition for over 40 years.[48]
The Corvallis Art Guild is almost 80 years old.
There are over 30 colorful murals around town, most are within walking distance of each other in downtown Corvallis.
Corvallis is home to the Corvallis-OSU Symphony, which celebrated its centennial in 2005. According to the OSU College of Liberal Arts website (as of 2022) the symphony is the oldest continuously operating orchestra in the state of Oregon.[63] [64]
Other musical organizations include:
Along with these the "Corvallis Environmental Center" offers the "SAGE Live Music Concert Series" every summer at Bruce Starker Arts Park in Southwest Corvallis.[74] In the Corvallis metro area Philomath also host a "Music in the Park" summer concert series held at City Park.[75]
Named Oregon's best festival of its size in 2014, for over 30 years the River Rhythms concert series draws in acts with a wide variety of musical styles at Albany's Monteith Riverfront Park. From the Dixie Chicks to Herman's Hermits to Sugar Ray and Tower of Power
Live music in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere, the Summer Sounds concert series is a Monday night concert series at Albany's Monteith Riverpark each summer since 1997.
As the home of Oregon State University, Corvallis is the home for 17 NCAA Division I OSU teams (7 men's, 10 women's) in the Pac-12 Conference. Corvallis is also the home of the Corvallis Knights baseball team, who play in the summer at OSU's Goss Stadium. The Knights play in the West Coast League, an independent collegiate summer baseball league with teams from Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alberta.
Corvallis is recognized as a Tree City USA. The city has at least 47 public parks within and adjacent to the city limits.[83] One such park is Avery Park and Natural Area, which is one of Corvallis' most popular parks.[84] The Avery Park Cross Country Course is located in the park. It is the home course for the Oregon State Beavers cross-country teams. Beazell Memorial Forest, the largest park maintained by Benton County, is located 10 miles from the town.
Helen Berg served as mayor of Corvallis for three terms from 1994 until 2006. Berg was the first female mayor of Corvallis, and the longest-serving mayor of the city to date.[85] The current mayor is Charles Maughan, elected in 2022.[86]
The City of Corvallis uses the City Council/City Manager form of government with a weak mayor. The City Council is made of nine city councilors who represent their representative wards and are elected to two-year terms. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager primary job is to run the administrative day-to-day operations of the city.
| Position | Name | Ward/At-large | Term Expires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Charles Maughan | City (at-large) | December 31, 2026 | |
| City Councilor | Jan Napack | Ward 1 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor | Briae Lewis | Ward 2 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor/Council Vice-president | Hyatt Lytle | Ward 3 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor | Gabe Shepherd | Ward 4 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor | Charlyn Ellis | Ward 5 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor | Laurie Chaplen | Ward 6 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor | Paul Shaffer | Ward 7 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor/Council President | Tracey Yee | Ward 8 | December 31, 2024 | |
| City Councilor | Tony Cadena | Ward 9 | December 31, 2024 |
The Corvallis Police Department provides law enforcement services to the city.
Education has had a place in Corvallis since the earliest days of the town, with the first school building constructed in 1848 and put to use in 1850.
During the first decade of the 21st century, local boosters claimed that Corvallis had the highest education rate per capita of any city in the state of Oregon.[88]
Public schools in the city are administered by the Corvallis School District, with two acting high schools, Corvallis High School and Crescent Valley High School. Corvallis is also the home of Oregon State University and the Benton Center campus of Linn-Benton Community College.
The Corvallis Gazette-Times is a daily newspaper for Corvallis. The newspaper, along with its sister publication, the Albany Democrat-Herald of neighboring Albany, Oregon, is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa.[89]
The paper in its current form was created in 1909 as the result of the merger of two competing weekly newspapers, The Corvallis Gazette (established 1863), and The Corvallis Times (established 1888).
The Corvallis Advocate is a free alternative newsweekly[90]
The Corvallis Advocate is self described 'fiercely independent' and maintain separate departments covering area business, local government, social justice, and parenting.The Advocate states: "Our primary purpose is to advocate for our shared community. The Corvallis Advocate is led by an Editorial Board, and is locally owned."
The Daily Barometer is an independent campus newspaper of Oregon State University. It is published weekly. Also known as "The Baro", the news team covers local news and events and brings awareness to important student issues. Students serve as editors, reporters, and photographers to cover news through the newspaper, website, social media, and online videos.
On March 16, 1896, the first issue of a monthly called The Barometer rolled off the presses at Oregon Agricultural College, today's Oregon State University.[91]
Local radio stations serving the Corvallis area:
| Channel | Name | Notes/ Slogan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88.7 FM | KBVR | "Award Winning Student Radio" (Oregon State student lead & ran radio) | |
| 90.3 FM | KAKK | "CSN International" | |
| 92.9 FM | KCCK | "Classical Music Radio" | |
| 95.7 FM | KBPK | "All Classical Radio" | |
| 101.5 FM | KFLY | "US 101 Country" | |
| 103.1 FM | KOPB | "OPB" (Oregon Public Broadcasting/ PBS station) | |
| 104.3 FM | KBOO | "Community Radio" (Philomath) | |
| 105.9 FM | KORC | "Corvallis' Community Radio" | |
| 106.3 FM | KLOO | "Timeless Rock" | |
| 550 AM | KOAC | "OPB" (Official Oregon Public Broadcasting and NPR station) | |
| 1240 AM | KEJO | "Joe Radio" (Official Oregon State Beavers, Corvallis Knights Baseball, Seattle Mariners Baseball & Fox Sports Radio station) | |
| 1340 AM | KLOO | "News Talk Radio" |
| Channel | Name | Notes/ Slogan | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88.1 FM | KGRI | "Air1" (Christian radio) | Lebanon, Oregon | |
| 90.1 FM | KAJC | "Christian Radio" | Monmouth-Independence, Oregon | |
| 91.3 FM | KEIK | "Life Talk Radio" | Scio, Oregon | |
| 92.5 FM | KCVK | "Life Talk Radio" | Albany, Oregon | |
| 94.1 FM | KSHO | "America's Best Music" | Lebanon, Oregon | |
| 94.9 FM | KRAD | "Christian Radio" | Millersburg-Albany, Oregon | |
| 95.1 FM | "La Pantera" (Spanish Mix) | Monmouth, Oregon | ||
| 96.5 FM | KPIK | "The Santiam Community Radio" | Stayton, Oregon | |
| 99.9 FM | KRKT | "Kricket Country" | Albany, Oregon | |
| 100.5 FM | KAFK | "Kricket Country" | Sweet Home, Oregon | |
| 103.9 FM | KGSK | "La Campeona" (Spanish Mix) | Dallas, Oregon | |
| 107.9 FM | KHPE | "HOPE 1079, The Valley's Chrisitan Music Station" | Albany, Oregon | |
| 720 AM | KFIR | "News Talk Radio" | Sweet Home, Oregon | |
| 790 AM | KWIL | "KWIL For Christ" (Christian Radio) | Albany, Oregon | |
| 880 AM | "La Campeona" (Spanish Mix) | Dallas, Oregon | ||
| 920 AM | KSHO | "Unforgetable Music" (50's-60's-70's) | Lebanon, Oregon | |
| 990 AM | KTHH | "Comedy" | Albany, Oregon | |
| 1460 AM | KCKX | "La Pantera" (Spanish Mix) | Stayton, Oregon | |
| 1580 AM | KGAL | "News Talk Radio" | Lebanon, Oregon |
Corvallis is part of the Eugene, Salem and Portland, Oregon radio and television market.
Corvallis has 1 television station within the city and 3 Translator stations. KAOC-TV is an Oregon Public Broadcasting/ PBS station. KLSR-TV (FOX 34 Oregon), KGW (NBC 8 Portland) and KATU (TV) (ABC 2 Portland) have translators within the city.
| Channel | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | PBS TV | |
| 7.2 | OBP Kids | |
| 7.3 | OBP World | |
| 7.4 | OPB-FM Jazz Radio |
Translator stations for:
-KLSR-TV (FOX 34 Oregon) at K14GW-D
| Channel | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 34.1 | Fox 34 Oregon News | |
| 34.2 | MyNet | |
| 23.1 | KEVU-CD |
-KGW (NBC 8 Portland) at K16ML-D
| Channel | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | KGW News | |
| 8.2 | True Crime Network | |
| 8.3 | Quest (American TV network) | |
| 8.4 | Nosey TV | |
| 8.5 | This TV | |
| 8.6 | TheGrio |
-KATU (TV) (ABC 2 Portland) at K08PZ-D
| Channel | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | KATU (TV) | |
| 2.2 | Charge! (TV network) | |
| 2.3 | Comet (TV network) | |
| 2.4 | TBD (TV network) |
There is 1 additional television station within the Albany-Corvallis-Lebanon combine statistical area and 1 additional Translator station in the Albany-Corvallis-Lebanon combine statistical area. KSLM-LD is based in Dallas, Oregon. KPDX (FOX 12 Portland) has a translator in neighboring Albany.
-KSLM-LD (Dallas, Oregon) at KVDO-LD in Albany
| Channel | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | QVC | |
| 17.1 | YTA TV | |
| 27.1 | Retro TV | |
| 37.1 | Azteca América |
-KPDX (FOX 12 Portland) at K20DD-D in Albany
| Channel | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 49.1 | MyNet TV | |
| 49.2 | Ion Mystery | |
| 49.3 | Outlaw TV | |
| 49.4 | Court TV |
Corvallis is a part of the Eugene radio and television market with stations such as KVAL, KEZI and KMTR. Corvallis also is within the Salem and Portland area TV market worth stations such as Portland-Salem's CW, KATU, KOIN and KGW are also available on select cable providers.
In 2009, the Corvallis metropolitan statistical area (MSA) ranked as the highest in the United States for percentage of commuters who biked to work (9.3%), and the second-highest percentage of commuters who walked to work (11.2%). More than one of five Corvallis commuters traveled to work via some form of active transportation.[92] In 2013, the Corvallis MSA represented the fifth-lowest mode share for commuting by private automobile (72.6%). During the same period, 8.8% of Corvallis-area commuters biked, another 7.9% walked, and 7.7% worked from home.[93]
Corvallis Municipal Airport (CVO) serves private and corporate aircraft. Many well known celebrities have flown in and out of the Corvallis Municipal Airport over the years including John F. Kennedy in 1960, Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.
The closest commercial air service is available at Eugene Airport (EUG), 35miles, Salem Airport (SLE), 40miles or Portland International Airport (PDX), 95miles.
The Groome Transportation Company provides multiple direct shuttles daily between Corvallis and the Eugene Airport (EUG). Groome Transportation also provides multiple shuttles daily between Corvallis and the Portland Airport (PDX) with stops in Albany, Salem and Woodburn.[94]
Historically Corvallis had a very busy passenger train station and depot that was located downtown. They are no longer in use, but have been moved to other areas in the city, preserved, and repurposed. The Corvallis passenger train station is currently the Corvallis Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant. Passenger service is currently provided by the Amtrak Cascades line at the nearby Albany Amtrak Station (ALY).
There are 2 freight lines that run through the city regularly.
Long-distance bus service is provided in Corvallis by Greyhound. It stops at the Downtown Transit Center and at OSU campus Transit stop (station ID: CVI and CVO).
FlixBus provides Regional service from the Downtown Transit Center and OSU campus Transit Center. There are 4 daily trips southbound to Eugene and the U of O campus, and 4 daily northbound trips to Albany, Salem and a Portland.[95]
The Campus Connector – The Groome Transportation Company also provides Shuttle Bus service between the Oregon State University campus and University of Oregon campus in Eugene multiple times daily called the "Campus Connector" with a stop at the Eugene Airport between the two rival university campuses.[94]
Local bus service is provided by 3 different transit systems, the Corvallis Transit System (CTS), the Benton Area Transit System (BAT) and the OSU Transit System "Beaver Bus". The Corvallis City Council approved an additional fee on monthly water utility bills in January 2011, allowing all CTS bus service to become fareless.[96] [97]
The CTS system runs a total of 12 daytime routes, 10 within the city limits, Monday through Saturday, covering most of the city and converging at the Downtown Transit Center. Additional commuter routes run in the early morning and late afternoon on weekdays, and midmorning and midafternoon on Saturdays.
When Oregon State University is in session, CTS also runs 2 routes of the "Night Owl", a set of late-night routes running Thursday through Saturday.
Two short-distance intercity routes are also ran by CTS from the Downtown Transit Center and OSU campus Transit Center. The "Linn-Benton Loop" runs multiple trips daily to the Albany Transit Center/ Albany Amtrak Station (ALY) and Linn-Benton Community College The "Philomath Connection", runs multiple trips daily to downtown Philomath.
Two other intercity routes are ran by the Benton Area Transit System (BAT) from the Downtown Transit Center and OSU campus Transit Center. The "99 Express" runs multiple trips daily to Lewisburg and Adair Village. The "Coast to Valley Express" runs multiple trips daily between the Albany Amtrak station (ALY) and the Newport Transit Center with stops in Philomath, Blodgett, Eddyville and Toledo.
The Beaver Bus is run by the Oregon State University Transit System for transportation across the main campus. The Beaver Bus has 3 routes from the Reser Stadium Transit Center and has multiple stops throughout campus. Buses arrive at every stop every 15–20 minutes from 7am-7pm.
From 2010 to 2011, CTS has seen a 37.9% increase in ridership, partially as a result of going fareless and "the rising cost of fuel for individual vehicles and the desire for residents to choose more sustainable options for commuting to work, school and other activities"[98] According to Tim Bates, the Corvallis Transit System and Philomath Connection had 3,621,387 passenger miles traveled and 85,647 gallons of fuel consumed in fiscal year 2011, a period that covers July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011.In 2019, the local bus system expanded to several more lines throughout the city, and the addition of a minimal Sunday service.
Oregon State Route 34 is the main connector from Corvallis to I-5, the main arterial north–south route though the state of Oregon, which lies 10–12 miles to the east of the city. Continuing on OR 34 another 9–10 miles east of I-5 is the city of Lebanon, Oregon the 3rd largest city of the Albany-Corvallis-Lebanon CSA. Westward on OR 34 connects Corvallis to Philomath, Marys Peak, Alsea and Waldport on the Oregon Coast.
US Route 20 is the main connector between the cities of Corvallis and Albany, Oregon, which is the 2nd largest city of the Albany-Corvallis-Lebanon CSA. US 20 runs approximately parallel to the Willamette River for 11 miles Northeast of Corvallis until it reaches North Albany and crosses the Willamette River into Downtown Albany. Westward US 20 connects Corvallis to Philomath, Blodgett, Eddyville, Toledo and Newport and the Oregon Coast.
Oregon State Route 99W runs a north–south route and is the main connector between Corvallis and Eugene, Oregon, 44 miles to the South. On Highway 99w in between the cities of Corvallis and Eugene are the cities of Monroe, Oregon and Junction City. To the north on OR 99W from Corvallis are the cities of Adair Village, Monmouth, Independence, Rickreall, Amity and McMinnville.
There are eight major bridges in the city, all but two traverse the Mary's River or the Willamette River.
There are over 100 street and pedestrian crossings that traverse over the tributaries throughout the city. There are 13 creeks and 2 rivers that run through the city.[99] [100]
| Creek | Neighborhoods/ Location | Street/ Pedestrian crossings | Tributary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dixon Creek | Glenridge, Timberhill, Northwest & Central Corvallis | 34 | Willamette River | ||
| Oak Creek | Cardwell Hill, Bald Hill, OSU campus & Southwest Corvallis | 18 | Mary's River | ||
| Dunawi Creek | Sunset, County Club & Southwest Corvallis | 15 | Mary's River | ||
| Sequoia Creek | 9th Street & Northeast Corvallis | 10 | |||
| Ryon Creek | Crystal Lake, South Town & South Corvallis | 3 | Willamette River | ||
| Muddy Creek | Country Club & Southwest Corvallis | 2 | Mary's River | ||
| Mulkey Creek | Bald Hill & West Corvallis | 4 | Oak Creek | ||
| Alder Creek | Bald Hill & West Corvallis | 2 | Oak Creek | ||
| Skunk Creek | Bald Hill & West Corvallis | 2 | Oak Creek | ||
| Village Green Creek | Village Green, Conifer & Northeast Corvallis | 5 | Jackson-Frazier wetlands | ||
| Jackson Creek | Crescent Valley & Northeast Corvallis | 3 | Jackson-Frazier wetlands | ||
| Frazier Creek | Crescent Valley & Northeast Corvallis | align=center | 3 | Jackson-Frazier wetlands | |
| Owl Creek | Colardo Lake, Eastgate, Peoria & East Corvallis | align=center | 3 | Colorado Lake |
The League of American Bicyclists gave Corvallis a gold rating as a Bicycle-Friendly Community in 2011.[101] Also, according to the United States Census Bureau's 2008–12 American Community Survey, 11.2% of workers in Corvallis bicycle to work. The city of Corvallis is ranked third-highest among 'small' U.S. cities (with populations under 200,000) for bicycle commuters, behind Key West, Florida (17.4%) and Davis, California (18.6%).[102]
The city's water system has two water treatment plants, nine processed water reservoirs, one raw water reservoir, and some 210miles of pipe. The system can process up to about 19e6USgal of water per day.[103]
The Rock Creek treatment plant processes water from sources in the 10000acres Rock Creek Municipal Watershed near Marys Peak. The three sources are surface streams, which are all tributaries of the Marys River. Rock Creek has a processing capacity of 7e6USgal of water per day (gpd), though operational characteristics of the 9miles, 20inches pipeline to the city limits capacity to half that.[104] The Rock Creek Plant output remains steady year round at about 3e6USgal.[103]
The H.D. Taylor treatment plant obtains water from the Willamette River, and has been expanded at least four times since it was first constructed in 1949. Its output varies seasonally according to demand, producing from 2e6USgal16e6USgal per day,[103] though it has a capacity of 21e6USgal per day.[104]
The total reservoir capacity is 21e6USgal,[105] though measures to voluntarily reduce water usage begin when reservoir levels fall below 90% of capacity, and become mandatory at 80% or below.[106] As part of its ongoing water-conservation program, the water department jointly publishes a guide to water-efficient garden plants.[107]
According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency report on its "green power communities", Corvallis is among the top cities in the nation in terms of buying electricity produced from renewable resources. Corvallis purchases more than 126 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, which amounts to 21% of the city's total purchased electricity.[108] [109]
The Corvallis Fire Department is headed by Fire Chief Ben Janes as of February 14, 2022 and currently has four stations in the City and 1 station located in the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District staffed by 1 paid Lieutenant and several Resident Interns. A sixth fire station was shuttered several years ago due to budgeting shortfalls and remains closed to date. Corvallis Fire provides ALS ambulance service for all of Benton County with 5 frontline ambulances. In 2021 CFD ran almost 10,000 calls for service. The Corvallis Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2240 represents all line personnel and prevention staff.[110]
This list excludes persons whose only connection to Corvallis is attendance or employment at Oregon State University.
See also: List of Oregon State University people.
Corvallis has two sister cities,[114] as designated by Sister Cities International: