North Central Oregon
Madras, Oregon
City
Jefferson County seat and gateway to the high desert
Madras is the seat of Jefferson County, sitting at the junction of US 97 and US 26 in the high desert north of Bend.
History & Local Character
Madras was founded in 1902 and named after Madras, India, at the suggestion of a railroad official. Farming, ranching and the railroad shaped it.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing is among the more affordable in Central Oregon, with single-family homes and some newer development.
Restaurants & Shopping
The city has a mix of cafes, Mexican restaurants and family diners along US 97, with more options in Redmond.
Schools & Education
Jefferson County School District serves Madras, with elementary, middle and high school campuses and a strong bilingual program.
Parks & Recreation
The Deschutes and Metolius rivers, Lake Billy Chinook and the Warm Springs Reservation boundary sit nearby, with hiking at Smith Rock 30 minutes south.
Transportation & Accessibility
US 97 and US 26 intersect at Madras, and Cascades East Transit connects the city to Bend, Redmond and Warm Springs.
Local Businesses
Mexican restaurantsFarm and ranch supplyCafesTire and auto shops
No businesses are listed in Madras yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Lake Billy Chinook
- Smith Rock State Park
- Deschutes River
- Warm Springs
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Affordable housing
- Central location for high desert recreation
- Lake Billy Chinook nearby
Considerations
- Limited services and retail
- Hot summers and cold winters
- Long drive to Bend
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Madras get its name?
A railroad official suggested naming the townsite after Madras, India, and the name was adopted when the town was platted in 1902.