3.3 Step 3: Describe the demographic <br />characteristics of the population and, if <br />possible, housing trends that relate to <br />demand for different types of housing <br />To understand the dynamics of the Eugene housing market, it is <br />important to consider state and regional demographic and housing trends. <br />Eugene exists in a regional economy; trends in the region impact the local <br />housing market. Demographic trends provide a broader context for <br />growth in a region; factors such as age, income, migration and other <br />trends show how communities have grown and shape future growth. <br />Characteristics such as age and ethnicity are indicators of how population <br />has grown in the past and provide insight into factors that may affect <br />future growth. <br />This section documents state and regional demographic and housing <br />trends relevant to Eugene. To provide context, we compare Eugene with <br />Lane County and Oregon where appropriate. <br />Part 11 - Eugene Housing Needs Analysis ECONorthwest Page 53 <br />