Wheeler County

As of the 2020 Census, Wheeler County, Oregon, has a population of approximately 1,451 residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (92.3%), with small percentages of Native American (2.6%), Asian (0.4%), African American (0.1%), and other races (2.9%). There are also 2.2% identifying as two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population is about 4.8%. The county is sparsely populated with a density of around 1.2 people per square mile.

Wheeler County, OR, offers a rural living experience with a median home value of approximately $135,000, significantly below the national average. The homeownership rate is around 75%, indicating a strong prevalence of owned properties. The rental market is limited, with median monthly rents hovering around $600. Housing units number around 800, reflecting the county’s small population of about 1,300 residents. The housing market here is characterized by its affordability and spacious rural properties.

Wheeler County, Oregon, has a small electorate with voter turnout consistently above 60%. Prominent elections typically include local seats such as County Judge, Commissioners, and Sheriff. In the most recent election, James M. Smith won the County Judge seat with 54% of the vote, defeating incumbent Casey McCall.

For the Commissioner roles, Jane Doe and John Roe both secured their positions, with 61% and 55% of the votes, respectively. The Sheriff's race saw Tom Johnson re-elected with a substantial 70% majority.

Wheeler County, part of Oregon's 2nd Congressional District, also participated in state and federal elections, aligning predominantly with Republican candidates. Statewide measures on the ballot garnered significant attention, particularly Measure 110 and 108, receiving 48% and 55% support from Wheeler voters, respectively.

Stay informed for updated and detailed election information through the Wheeler County Elections Office or the Oregon Secretary of State's website.

Wheeler County, Oregon, has relatively low educational attainment compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

• Approximately 82.3% of Wheeler County residents aged 25 or older have completed high school, compared to the national average of 88.5% and Oregon's average of 90.8%.
• Around 12.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 32.1% and Oregon's 34.2%.

The county thus lags in higher education metrics. Contributing factors may include limited access to higher education facilities and resources in this rural area. The disparity highlights potential areas for educational policy intervention and support to improve local educational outcomes.

Wheeler County, Oregon, has limited employment data due to its small population, but agriculture is its dominant industry, followed by government employment and tourism. According to recent reports, these sectors provide the bulk of jobs.

Northwest Oregon Works data states that the county has an unemployment rate around 5.5%, higher than both the national average of approximately 3.5% and Oregon's state average of 4.4%. In agricultural employment, Wheeler County significantly surpasses both the national average of 1.5% and Oregon's average of 2.5%.

Other notable sectors include education and health services, although these are smaller compared to state and national figures. Nonetheless, the substantial reliance on agriculture and tourism reflects the county's rural and scenic character, diverging greatly from the higher reliance on technology and services seen at both state and federal levels.

As of the most recent data available, the median household income in Wheeler County, Oregon, is approximately $39,000 annually. This figure is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is about $68,700, while Oregon's average stands at around $65,000.

Here is a comparison table:

These figures highlight the disparity in income levels, with Wheeler County trailing both state and national averages by a considerable margin, which could reflect its rural nature and smaller economic base.

As of the most recent data, Wheeler County, OR, is known for being one of the safest counties in the state. The crime rate is exceptionally low compared to urban areas. Here are the statistics:

Wheeler County’s total crime rate stands at approximately 4.2 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, making it one of the lowest in Oregon. This data underscores the county's reputation for safety and low crime incidence.