Wasco County, Oregon
Wasco County | |
---|---|
![]() Wasco County Courthouse in The Dalles | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state ofOregon | |
![]() Oregon's location within theU.S. | |
Coordinates:45°10′N121°10′W/ 45.16°N 121.16°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | January 11, 1854 |
Named for | Wasco people |
Seat | The Dalles |
Largest city | The Dalles |
Area | |
• Total | 2,395 sq mi (6,200 km2) |
• Land | 2,382 sq mi (6,170 km2) |
• Water | 14 sq mi (40 km2) 0.6% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 26,670 |
• Estimate (2023) | 26,333![]() |
• Density | 11/sq mi (4.3/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−8(Pacific) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−7(PDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | co |
Wasco Countyis one of the36 countiesin theU.S. stateofOregon.As of the2020 census,the population was 25,213.[1]Itscounty seatisThe Dalles.[2]The county isnamed fora local tribe ofNative Americans,theWasco,aChinooktribe who live on the south side of theColumbia River.It is near theWashington stateline. Wasco County comprises The DallesMicropolitan Statistical Area.
History
[edit]Celilo Fallson the Columbia River served as a gathering place and major trading center for the local Native Americans, including theWasco,Paiute,and Warm Springs tribes, for thousands of years. These rapids came to be namedLes Grandes Dalles de la Columbiaor "The Great Falls of the Columbia" by the French Canadian fur traders.
The Dalles initially served as a way station on theOregon Trailas it approached theWillamette Valley.The construction of theBarlow Roadover theCascade Rangein 1845, and theDonation Land Claim Act of 1850encouraged families to settle in the area. Over the following years, Wasco County was a major transportation hub for both river and inland traffic.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Wasco_Co_courthouse_-_Aug_12_1916.jpg/220px-Wasco_Co_courthouse_-_Aug_12_1916.jpg)
TheOregon Territorial Legislaturecreated Wasco County on January 11, 1854, from the parts ofClackamas,Lane,LinnandMarioncounties, that were east of the Cascade Range. At the time of its creation, it was the largest county in the United States, consisting of 130,000 square miles (340,000 km2) that stretched clear to theRocky Mountains.Its northern border was theWashington Territoryline (theColumbia River). WhenDakota Territory(including present-dayWyoming) was created in 1861,Idaho Territoryin 1863, andMontana Territoryin 1864, the parts of Wasco County east of the present Oregon boundaries were ceded to those territories. Other Oregon counties were split away, and Wasco was reduced to its current size.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Wpdms_oregon_washington_territories_1853.png/250px-Wpdms_oregon_washington_territories_1853.png)
Dates of Secession of Other Eastern Oregon Counties | |
County | Secession Date |
Baker | 1862 |
Umatilla | 1862 |
Grant | 1864 |
Lake | 1874 |
Crook | 1882 |
Morrow | 1884 |
Gilliam | 1885 |
Sherman | 1889 |
Hood River | 1908 |
The Dalles was designated the county seat with the creation of the county, and has been its only location.
The river traffic on the Columbia River was profoundly affected in 1935 by the building ofBonneville DaminMultnomah Countyand byThe Dalles Damin 1957 in Wasco County (which submerged Celilo Falls).
Wasco County attracted international attention in the 1980s, whenBhagwan Shree Rajneeshestablished theRajneeshpurammovement at a marginal ranch originally called "The Big Muddy". Disagreements with the county government and other residents over zoning rules and building codes escalated, while his followers, known as Rajneeshees, settleden blocinAntelope, Oregonand were able to elect a majority of the town councillors. When the Rajneeshees subsequently recruitedhomeless peoplefrom across the United States to settle at Rajneeshpuram, it was widely seen as an attempt to use the ballot box to seize control of the county. Anintentional outbreakofsalmonellain salad bars at ten restaurants in The Dalles in 1984 was traced to the acts of Rajneeshees.
Rajneesh was arrested as he was fleeing the U.S. in 1985 and he was subsequently indicted along with seven followers for immigration crimes by a federal grand jury. A separate grand jury in Wasco County charged three Rajneeshees of attempted murder, while Rajneesh entered anAlford pleaand was given a suspended sentence on condition that he leave the country.
The former Rajneesh ranch is now known as "Washington Family Ranch". It is owned and operated byYoung Life Ministries,aChristianorganization providing camp services for youth.
Geography
[edit]According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the county has a total area of 2,395 square miles (6,200 km2), of which 2,382 square miles (6,170 km2) is land and 14 square miles (36 km2) (0.6%) is water.[3]The northern boundary withWashingtonis theColumbia River(the state line).
Adjacent counties
[edit]- Klickitat County, Washington- north
- Sherman County, Oregon- east
- Gilliam County, Oregon- east
- Wheeler County, Oregon- southeast
- Jefferson County, Oregon- south
- Marion County, Oregon- southwest
- Clackamas County, Oregon- west
- Hood River County, Oregon- west
National protected area
[edit]Demographics
[edit]Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 1,689 | — | |
1870 | 2,509 | 48.5% | |
1880 | 11,120 | 343.2% | |
1890 | 9,183 | −17.4% | |
1900 | 13,199 | 43.7% | |
1910 | 16,336 | 23.8% | |
1920 | 13,648 | −16.5% | |
1930 | 12,646 | −7.3% | |
1940 | 13,069 | 3.3% | |
1950 | 15,552 | 19.0% | |
1960 | 20,205 | 29.9% | |
1970 | 20,133 | −0.4% | |
1980 | 21,732 | 7.9% | |
1990 | 21,683 | −0.2% | |
2000 | 23,791 | 9.7% | |
2010 | 25,213 | 6.0% | |
2020 | 26,670 | 5.8% | |
2023 (est.) | 26,333 | [4] | −1.3% |
U.S. Decennial Census[5] 1790–1960[6]1900–1990[7] 1990–2000[8]2010–2020[1] |
2010 census
[edit]As of the2010 census,there were 25,213 people, 10,031 households, and 6,540 families living in the county.[9]The population density was 10.6 inhabitants per square mile (4.1/km2). There were 11,487 housing units at an average density of 4.8 units per square mile (1.9 units/km2).[10]Theracial makeupof the county was 86.1% white, 4.4% American Indian, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% Pacific islander, 0.4% black or African American, 5.2% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 14.8% of the population.[9]In terms of ancestry, 19.8% wereGerman,14.0% wereEnglish,10.6% wereIrish,6.4% wereAmerican,and 5.0% wereSwedish.[11]
Of the 10,031 households, 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.8% were non-families, and 28.8% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.98. The median age was 41.7 years.[9]
The median household income was $42,133 and the median family income was $50,279. Males had a median income of $40,658 versus $27,996 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,922. About 11.1% of families and 15.5% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 20.1% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.[12]
2000 census
[edit]As of the2000 census,there were 23,791 people, 9,401 households, and 6,505 families living in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile (3.9 people/km2). There were 10,651 housing units at an average density of 4 units per square mile (1.5/km2). Theracial makeupof the county was 86.58% White, 3.81% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.50% Pacific Islander, 0.30% Black or African American, 5.65% from other races, and 2.36% from two or more races. 9.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.8% were ofGerman,11.8%English,9.8%American,9.5%Irishand 5.0%Norwegianancestry of the 9,401 households 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.80% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 26.10% of households were one person and 11.50% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.96.
The age distribution was 25.40% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 25.20% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 16.70% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.10 males.
The median household income was $35,959 and the median family income was $42,412. Males had a median income of $36,051 versus $21,575 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,195. About 10.30% of families and 12.90% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 17.70% of those under age 18 and 7.30% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
[edit]The Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility (Norcor), a short-term jail, serves Wasco,Gilliam,Hood River,andShermancounties.[13]
Politically, Wasco is a swing county. No presidential candidate has won more than 55% of the county's vote sinceRonald Reaganin 1984, and none has won an absolute majority sinceBarack Obamain 2008. From 1972 to 2008, it voted for the election's national winner every time except the drought and farm crisis-influenced 1988 election; Obama lost here by just 18 votes or 0.2% of the popular vote in 2012.
Wasco County is currently one of 11 counties in Oregon in which therapeutic psilocybin is legal.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 7,035 | 49.79% | 6,604 | 46.74% | 491 | 3.47% |
2016 | 5,833 | 48.75% | 4,781 | 39.96% | 1,350 | 11.28% |
2012 | 5,229 | 48.09% | 5,211 | 47.93% | 433 | 3.98% |
2008 | 5,103 | 44.84% | 5,906 | 51.90% | 371 | 3.26% |
2004 | 6,119 | 50.98% | 5,691 | 47.42% | 192 | 1.60% |
2000 | 5,356 | 50.23% | 4,616 | 43.29% | 692 | 6.49% |
1996 | 3,662 | 36.80% | 4,967 | 49.91% | 1,323 | 13.29% |
1992 | 3,242 | 29.55% | 4,663 | 42.50% | 3,068 | 27.96% |
1988 | 4,462 | 45.37% | 5,141 | 52.28% | 231 | 2.35% |
1984 | 6,905 | 55.36% | 5,526 | 44.31% | 41 | 0.33% |
1980 | 4,703 | 45.95% | 4,336 | 42.36% | 1,196 | 11.69% |
1976 | 4,258 | 46.08% | 4,560 | 49.35% | 422 | 4.57% |
1972 | 4,537 | 51.70% | 3,749 | 42.72% | 489 | 5.57% |
1968 | 3,842 | 46.26% | 3,918 | 47.17% | 546 | 6.57% |
1964 | 2,695 | 31.35% | 5,890 | 68.51% | 12 | 0.14% |
1960 | 4,355 | 49.58% | 4,426 | 50.39% | 3 | 0.03% |
1956 | 4,332 | 50.98% | 4,165 | 49.02% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 4,362 | 63.09% | 2,517 | 36.40% | 35 | 0.51% |
1948 | 2,740 | 51.74% | 2,438 | 46.03% | 118 | 2.23% |
1944 | 2,429 | 50.75% | 2,313 | 48.33% | 44 | 0.92% |
1940 | 2,553 | 45.79% | 3,001 | 53.82% | 22 | 0.39% |
1936 | 1,278 | 24.65% | 3,573 | 68.92% | 333 | 6.42% |
1932 | 1,740 | 37.31% | 2,776 | 59.52% | 148 | 3.17% |
1928 | 2,746 | 60.85% | 1,699 | 37.65% | 68 | 1.51% |
1924 | 2,409 | 51.46% | 1,185 | 25.32% | 1,087 | 23.22% |
1920 | 2,698 | 62.25% | 1,434 | 33.09% | 202 | 4.66% |
1916 | 2,243 | 47.53% | 2,287 | 48.46% | 189 | 4.01% |
1912 | 775 | 29.88% | 929 | 35.81% | 890 | 34.31% |
1908 | 1,309 | 57.14% | 764 | 33.35% | 218 | 9.52% |
1904 | 2,092 | 67.33% | 536 | 17.25% | 479 | 15.42% |
Economy
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Old_Grain_Elevator_%28Wasco_County%2C_Oregon_scenic_images%29_%28wascDA0037b%29.jpg/170px-Old_Grain_Elevator_%28Wasco_County%2C_Oregon_scenic_images%29_%28wascDA0037b%29.jpg)
The county's economy is based upon agriculture (orchards, wheat farming, livestock ranching), lumber, manufacturing, electric power, transportation, and tourism. Aluminum production was previously a major support of the local economy, but electrical price fluctuations and a slump in global aluminum prices has forced the closing of a number of local aluminumfoundries.
Communities
[edit]Incorporated cities
[edit]Census-designated places
[edit]Unincorporated communities
[edit]See also
[edit]- National Register of Historic Places listings in Wasco County, Oregon
- 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack
References
[edit]- ^ab"State & County QuickFacts".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMay 17,2023.
- ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
- ^"2010 Census Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
- ^"Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMarch 24,2024.
- ^"U.S. Decennial Census".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
- ^"Historical Census Browser".University of Virginia Library.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
- ^Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995)."Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
- ^"Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000"(PDF).United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on February 26, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
- ^abc"DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"Norcor HomeArchivedNovember 24, 2011, at theWayback Machine."Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility. Retrieved on November 22, 2011.
- ^Leip, David."Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".uselectionatlas.org.RetrievedApril 11,2018.
Further reading
[edit]- Bruce Harris,The Wasco County History Book.The Dalles, OR: Bruce Harris, 1983.
- John Lundell,Governmental history of Wasco County, Oregon.n.c: n.p., 1970.
- William H. McNeal,History of Wasco County, Oregon.The Dalles, OR: William H. McNeal, 1953.
- Rodger Nichols and Dan Spatz,A Sesquicentennial History of Wasco County.The Dalles, OR: Dalles Chronicle, 2004.
- An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, and Klamath Counties, State of Oregon.Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905.
External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/38px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png)