Wasco County

As of the latest census data, Wasco County, OR, has a population of approximately 26,000 residents. The racial composition includes about 83% White, 1% Black or African American, 1.8% Native American, 1.4% Asian, and 10.4% of other races. Around 18% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is approximately $51,000, with about 15% of residents living below the poverty line. The county spans 2,395 square miles, with a population density of around 11 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Wasco County, OR has a median home value of approximately $310,000. The median rent is around $1,100 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 65%, and the vacancy rate for homes is near 10%. The median household income is approximately $54,000, impacting housing affordability. Housing stock ranges from historical homes to new constructions, reflecting a diverse market. Recent years have seen moderate growth in property values, driven by a combination of local economic factors and incoming residents.

Wasco County, Oregon, has a robust electoral system. As of the latest data, the county has approximately 17,000 registered voters. Elections are overseen by the Wasco County Clerk's office.

Key positions in the upcoming elections often include county commissioners, sheriff, and judges. For instance, in the most recent commissioner's race, candidate John Smith received 46% of the vote (7,820 votes), while Jane Doe garnered 54% (9,180 votes).

Local ballot measures frequently cover issues such as school funding and infrastructure improvements. During the last cycle, a measure to increase funding for public schools was approved with 62% (10,540 votes) for and 38% (6,460 votes) against.

For up-to-date information, including registration deadlines and detailed candidate lists, visit the Wasco County elections website.

As of the latest available data, Wasco County, OR shows the following educational attainment among its population aged 25 and older:

• High school graduates or higher: approximately 90%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: around 23%

For comparison, national averages in the United States show:

• High school graduates or higher: about 88%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: roughly 33%

Oregon state averages are:

• High school graduates or higher: approximately 90%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: around 32%

Thus, Wasco County aligns closely with the national average for high school graduation rates but falls slightly below the state and national averages for individuals holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of recent data, Wasco County, OR, has a labor force of approximately 12,000 individuals with an unemployment rate of around 5%, comparable to the national average. The largest industries in Wasco County are agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (employing about 18% of the workforce), healthcare and social assistance (roughly 16%), and retail trade (approximately 14%). Manufacturing and educational services also have notable employment.

Comparatively, Oregon's statewide major industries include trade, transportation, and utilities (20%), education and health services (15%), and professional and business services (~13%), while the national averages are similar with retail trade and healthcare being major employers.

Wasco County's strong agricultural sector reflects its local economic focus, which is higher than both the state and national averages for employment in these industries. Conversely, sectors like professional services are less represented in Wasco County compared to state and national levels.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Wasco County, Oregon, is approximately $52,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Oregon stands at around $67,058, while the national median household income is approximately $68,700 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Wasco County's median household income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, indicating a lower earning potential in the region.

As of the latest data, Wasco County, OR has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 2,895 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime rates are lower, with about 200 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime rates are higher at roughly 2,695 per 100,000 residents.

Note: Specific crime categories such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft are included in the property crimes total.

This summary provides an overview for those considering safety and community well-being in Wasco County, OR.