Malheur County

As of the latest U.S. Census data, Malheur County, OR has a population of approximately 31,571 people. The racial composition is about 75.6% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.2% Pacific Islander. Additionally, 36.2% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county has around 11,823 households, with a median household income of $41,202 and a poverty rate of 20.4%. The median age is roughly 36.5 years.

As of 2023, Malheur County, OR, has a median home value of approximately $175,000. The median gross rent is around $825 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 64.7%. The county has a diverse housing market, comprising single-family homes, rental apartments, and rural properties. Housing availability and costs can vary significantly between urban centers like Ontario and more rural areas. The county's relatively low cost of living makes it attractive for both buyers and renters.

As of the latest elections, Malheur County, OR typically participates in multiple electoral events, including local, state, and federal contests. For local elections, positions often include County Commissioner, Sheriff, District Attorney, and various city council seats among others.

In the 2022 elections, notable races included:

• County Commissioner, Position 2: Ron Jacobs (incumbent) received 6,234 votes (55.4%) and Karen Dunham 5,015 votes (44.6%).
• County Sheriff: Brian Wolfe (incumbent) ran unopposed, securing 8,540 votes (98.6%).

Voter turnout in Malheur County generally ranges between 60-75% during major election years, reflecting an engaged electorate. Check the Malheur County Clerk's website for updated information, as candidates and results can vary by election cycle.

As of the latest data, Malheur County, Oregon's educational attainment lags behind both state and national averages. Approximately 18% of residents aged 25 and older possess a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to about 32% nationwide and 35% statewide. High school graduation rates in Malheur County stand at roughly 80%, lower than the national average of 88% and Oregon's average of approximately 85%. These figures indicate that Malheur County faces challenges in education relative to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest data, Malheur County, OR, has an unemployment rate of approximately 5.3%, higher than the national average of about 3.7% and Oregon’s state average of 4.0%. Key industries in Malheur County include agriculture, food processing, and healthcare. Agriculture employs around 25% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of about 1.3%. Food processing is also prominent, leveraging local agricultural outputs. Healthcare and social assistance make up approximately 15% of the workforce, closely aligned with national trends. Other notable sectors include retail trade and education services. Compared to national and state averages, Malheur County has a markedly higher dependency on agriculture and related industries but a lesser focus on technology and professional services.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Malheur County, OR is approximately $46,000 annually. This is notably lower compared to the national average household income of around $68,700 and the Oregon state average of approximately $63,400.

Income Statistics Table

In comparison, Malheur County's income is roughly 33% below the state average and 49% below the national average. This highlights significant income disparity in this rural area compared to broader regional and national benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Malheur County in Oregon has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to other regions in the U.S. The overall crime rate stands at approximately 30.7 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. This includes both violent and property crimes. Here is a breakdown of crime types and their occurrence:

Violent crimes include offenses such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, and murder, while property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. It's important to note that crime rates can fluctuate, and the community has made efforts to implement crime prevention strategies for better safety and security.