Benton County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Benton County, Oregon, has a population of approximately 95,184. The racial composition includes 82.2% White, 8.6% Asian, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, and 7.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age is 33.7 years. Educational attainment is high, with about 94.3% of residents aged 25 or older having a high school diploma and 52.2% possessing a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is $61,551, and the poverty rate stands at 15.9%. Population density is roughly 127 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Benton County, OR, has a median home price of approximately $480,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,200 per month. The homeownership rate stands at roughly 55%, with an average household size of 2.4 persons. Benton County features a mix of urban and rural housing, catering to diverse needs. The housing market remains competitive, with a 1.5% vacancy rate, indicating high demand.

As of the 2023 elections in Benton County, Oregon, here's a snapshot of the local electoral landscape:

Benton County, with a population of approximately 94,665 (based on recent estimates), primarily consists of Corvallis, which serves as the county seat. The Benton County Elections Office oversees the administration of elections within the county.

Primary Elections: -Date: May 16, 2023

General Elections: -Date: November 7, 2023

Key Races and Candidates:

1. City Council Seats: Multiple seats up for election in Corvallis and surrounding areas.

   • Ward 1: Incumbent Jane Smith vs. John Doe
   • Ward 2: Alice Johnson (unopposed)

2. County Commissioner: One position open.

   • Incumbent: Pat Malone
   • Challengers: Joe Callahan, Sarah Johnson

Voter registration in Benton County can be completed online, by mail, or in person at the county elections office. The county typically experiences a high voter turnout, reflecting its active civic engagement.

Benton County, OR boasts a highly educated population partly due to the presence of Oregon State University. Approximately 60% of residents aged 25 and older possess a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly surpassing the national average of about 32% and the Oregon state average of approximately 35%. High school graduation rates in Benton County are also commendable, with around 94% of adults holding a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 90% and the state average of 91%. This strong educational attainment underscores Benton County's standing as one of the more educated regions in both the state and the nation.

As of recent data, Benton County, OR has an unemployment rate of about 3.9%, which is lower than the national average of around 5.2% and Oregon's state average of 4.8%. The top industries in Benton County include education, health services, and manufacturing. Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, is a major employer, contributing significantly to the education and health services sector. The county also has a strong high-tech presence, with companies like HP Inc. having facilities in the area.

In comparison to national averages, Benton County has a higher percentage of employment in education and health services due to the presence of a major university. The manufacturing sector is also notable, aligning with state trends but slightly diverging from national figures, which have a larger focus on broader service sectors.

Overall, Benton County showcases a robust employment landscape with lower unemployment rates and specialized industry strengths compared to national and state averages.

Based on recent data, the average income in Benton County, Oregon, reflects a prosperous region. The median household income in Benton County stands at approximately $66,000 per year. This is higher than the national median household income which is about $68,700, and it also surpasses the state median, which is around $61,870 for Oregon.

Here is a comparison table including the figures mentioned:

These income levels illustrate that Benton County is relatively affluent compared to state and national standards.

As of the latest available data, Benton County, Oregon, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here are key statistics:

The overall crime rate in Benton County is approximately 1,280 per 100,000 people. Violent crime rates are notably lower at about 50 per 100,000 people, while property crimes are more prevalent. The county is known for its robust community policing efforts and proactive crime prevention programs.