Linn County, Oregon

Not to be confused with Lane County, Oregon.

Linn County, Oregon
County
Linn County Courthouse in Albany
Flag
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Oregon
Coordinates: 44°38′N 123°05′W / 44.63°N 123.09°W / 44.63; -123.09
Country United States
State Oregon
FoundedDecember 28, 1847
Named afterLewis F. Linn
SeatAlbany
Largest cityAlbany
Area
 • Total
2,309 sq mi (5,980 km2)
 • Land2,290 sq mi (5,900 km2)
 • Water19 sq mi (49 km2)  0.8%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
128,610
 • Estimate 
(2024)
132,474
 • Density56.2/sq mi (21.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional districts4th, 5th
Websitewww.co.linn.or.us

Linn County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2023 census population estimates, the population was 131,496.[1] The county seat is Albany.[2] The county is named in the honor of Lewis F. Linn,[3] a U.S. Senator from Missouri who advocated the American settlement of the Oregon Country. Linn County comprises the Albany, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Portland-Vancouver-Salem, OR-WA Combined Statistical Area. It is located in the Willamette Valley. In 2010, the center of population of Oregon was located in Linn County, near the city of Lyons.[4]

History

On December 28, 1847, the Provisional Legislature created Linn County from the southern portion of Champoeg (later Marion) County. The boundaries were altered in 1851 and 1854 with the creation of Lane and Wasco Counties. The county seat was originally located in Calapooia (later known as Brownsville), but in 1851 the Territorial Legislature passed an act establishing Albany as the county seat. A special election in 1856 reaffirmed Albany as the county seat.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,309 square miles (5,980 km2), of which 2,290 square miles (5,900 km2) is land and 19 square miles (49 km2) (0.8%) is water.[5]

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850994—
18606,772581.3%
18708,71728.7%
188012,67645.4%
189016,26528.3%
190018,60314.4%
191022,66221.8%
192024,5508.3%
193024,7000.6%
194030,48523.4%
195054,31778.2%
196058,8678.4%
197071,91422.2%
198089,46524.4%
199091,2272.0%
2000103,06913.0%
2010116,67213.2%
2020128,61010.2%
2024 (est.)132,474[6]3.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2020[1]

2020 census

Linn County, Oregon – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 1980[11] Pop 1990[12] Pop 2000[13] Pop 2010[14] Pop 2020[15] % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 86,284 87,081 94,012 101,579 104,118 96.41% 95.46% 91.21% 87.06% 80.96%
Black or African American alone (NH) 127 171 285 456 623 0.14% 0.19% 0.28% 0.39% 0.48%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 742 1,001 1,192 1,268 1,283 0.83% 1.10% 1.16% 1.09% 1.00%
Asian alone (NH) 474 765 789 1,078 1,434 0.53% 0.84% 0.77% 0.92% 1.11%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) x [16] x [17] 125 150 280 x x 0.12% 0.13% 0.22%
Other race alone (NH) 243 32 92 126 658 0.27% 0.04% 0.09% 0.11% 0.51%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) x [18] x [19] 2,060 2,888 7,643 x x 2.00% 2.48% 5.94%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1,625 2,177 4,514 9,127 12,571 1.82% 2.39% 4.38% 7.82% 9.77%
Total 89,495 91,227 103,069 116,672 128,610 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 128,610. Of the residents, 21.9% were under the age of 18 and 19.9% were 65 years of age or older; the median age was 40.4 years. For every 100 females there were 97.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.5 males.[20] 65.8% of residents lived in urban areas and 34.2% lived in rural areas.[21]

The racial makeup of the county was 83.7% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 3.7% from some other race, and 9.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 9.8% of the population.[22]

There were 49,344 households in the county, of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 24.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[20]

There were 51,921 housing units, of which 5.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 66.1% were owner-occupied and 33.9% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.1% and the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%.[20]

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 116,672 people, 45,204 households, and 30,976 families living in the county.[23] The population density was 50.9 inhabitants per square mile (19.7/km2). There were 48,821 housing units at an average density of 21.3 units per square mile (8.2 units/km2).[24] The racial makeup of the county was 90.6% white, 1.3% American Indian, 1.0% Asian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 3.3% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 7.8% of the population.[23] In terms of ancestry, 22.9% were German, 14.1% were English, 12.7% were Irish, and 7.1% were American.[25]

Of the 45,204 households, 32.1% had children under age 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.5% were non-families, and 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.01. The median age was 39.2 years.[23]

The median income for a household in the county was $45,832 and the median income for a family was $55,320. Males had a median income of $44,450 versus $32,055 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,165. About 11.0% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.0% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.[26]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 103,069 people, 39,541 households, and 28,232 families living in the county. The population density was 45 people per square mile (17 people/km2). There were 42,521 housing units at an average density of 19 units per square mile (7.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.20% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 1.27% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.80% from other races, and 2.49% from two or more races. 4.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 22.2% were of German, 13.0% American, 11.2% English and 8.6% Irish ancestry.

There were 39,541 households, out of which 32.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 23.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.00% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 14.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $37,518, and the median income for a family was $44,188. Males had a median income of $35,586 versus $24,073 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,633. About 8.90% of families and 11.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.80% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Principal industries are wood products, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Linn County's economy relies heavily on the lumber and wood products industry; in 1990, this industry accounted for 40% of the county's manufacturing jobs. The climate and soil conditions provide one of Oregon's most diversified agriculture areas, allowing a wide variety of specialty crops such as common and perennial ryegrass. Linn County is also home to the only emery mine in the United States, and the production of manufactured and motor homes.

Natural history

A variety of flora and fauna occur in Linn County. Fauna include mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Trees include a variety of oaks and conifers as well as other species such as Salix sessilifolia.[27] The Rough-skinned Newt is a common amphibian occurring in the oak woodlands of the county.[28]

Carpenter Mountain, one of the highest points in the western Cascades is located in Linn County, although road access to the peak is only possible through Lane County.

Government and politics

Linn County has only supported a Democrat for president four times since 1920, and only twice since 1940. Jimmy Carter is the last Democrat to carry the county, in 1976.[29] In 2012 Mitt Romney won 56.28 percent to incumbent president Obama's 39.63 percent, and Obama's 2008 result of 42.64 percent[30] is the best by a Democrat since Michael Dukakis in a 1988 election affected by a major drought.

In January 2013, Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller gained national attention for a letter he sent to then Vice-president Joe Biden, informing Biden that he [Mueller] would not enforce any federal firearms laws he considered to be "offending the constitutional rights of my citizens." He further stated that he would not permit federal officers to come to his county to enforce such laws.[31]

United States presidential election results for Linn County, Oregon[32][33]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
№  % №  % №  %
1880 1,416 45.43% 1,677 53.80% 24 0.77%
1884 1,444 45.60% 1,641 51.82% 82 2.59%
1888 1,603 47.51% 1,633 48.40% 138 4.09%
1892 1,689 39.38% 630 14.69% 1,970 45.93%
1896 2,064 42.06% 2,736 55.76% 107 2.18%
1900 1,927 45.10% 1,997 46.74% 349 8.17%
1904 2,346 54.36% 1,206 27.94% 764 17.70%
1908 2,202 48.87% 1,813 40.24% 491 10.90%
1912 1,301 24.20% 2,134 39.69% 1,941 36.10%
1916 4,524 46.26% 4,675 47.81% 580 5.93%
1920 4,693 56.17% 3,177 38.03% 485 5.80%
1924 4,141 49.56% 2,618 31.33% 1,596 19.10%
1928 5,877 67.62% 2,645 30.43% 169 1.94%
1932 4,106 40.93% 5,366 53.49% 559 5.57%
1936 4,110 36.66% 5,856 52.23% 1,245 11.11%
1940 6,523 50.34% 6,360 49.08% 76 0.59%
1944 6,877 50.97% 6,480 48.02% 136 1.01%
1948 7,936 50.37% 7,260 46.08% 559 3.55%
1952 13,761 62.67% 8,058 36.70% 140 0.64%
1956 12,469 55.12% 10,153 44.88% 0 0.00%
1960 12,899 53.89% 11,035 46.11% 0 0.00%
1964 8,382 35.96% 14,926 64.04% 0 0.00%
1968 12,604 51.90% 10,032 41.31% 1,648 6.79%
1972 15,079 54.21% 11,178 40.19% 1,557 5.60%
1976 14,128 45.22% 15,776 50.50% 1,337 4.28%
1980 18,943 52.19% 13,516 37.24% 3,834 10.56%
1984 23,463 59.10% 16,161 40.71% 75 0.19%
1988 18,312 50.69% 17,007 47.08% 803 2.22%
1992 16,461 36.35% 15,399 34.00% 13,427 29.65%
1996 18,331 44.36% 17,041 41.24% 5,953 14.41%
2000 25,359 57.13% 16,682 37.58% 2,347 5.29%
2004 31,260 60.07% 19,940 38.32% 841 1.62%
2008 28,071 54.00% 22,163 42.64% 1,748 3.36%
2012 28,944 56.28% 20,378 39.63% 2,104 4.09%
2016 33,488 57.03% 17,995 30.65% 7,236 12.32%
2020 43,486 59.87% 26,512 36.50% 2,642 3.64%
2024 43,078 60.31% 25,749 36.05% 2,602 3.64%

Communities

Cities

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Former communities

Education

School districts covering sections of the county include:[34]

Most of the county is in the Linn-Benton Community College district. A piece in the southwest is in the Lane Community College district, and a piece to the northeast is in the Chemeketa Community College district.[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 187 – via Archive.org.
  4. ^ "Centers of Population by State". United States Census Bureau. 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  6. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". UVA Library. mapserver. University of Virginia. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  9. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  11. ^ "1980 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Oregon - Table 58 - Persons by Race and Table 59 - Total Persons and Spanish Origin Persons by Type of Spanish Origin and Race (p. 39/24-39/32)" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  12. ^ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Oregon - Table 5 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 9-30.
  13. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Linn County, Oregon". United States Census Bureau.
  14. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Linn County, Oregon". United States Census Bureau.
  15. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Linn County, Oregon". United States Census Bureau.
  16. ^ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
  17. ^ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
  18. ^ not an option in the 1980 Census
  19. ^ not an option in the 1990 Census
  20. ^ a b c "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  21. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  22. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  23. ^ a b c DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics (table). 2010 Demographic Profile Data. United States Census Bureau. 2010. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  24. ^ 2010 County Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density (table). United States Census Bureau. 2010. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  25. ^ DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States (table). 2006–2010 American community survey 5 year estimates. United States Census Bureau. 2010. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  26. ^ DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics (table). 2006–2010 American community survey 5 year estimates. United States Census Bureau. 2010. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  27. ^ Piper, Charles Vancouver; Beattie, Rolla Kent (November 10, 1915). Flora of the Northwest Coast. Lancaster, PA: New Era Printing Co. LCCN 15025085. Retrieved May 6, 2021 – via Archive.org. Including the area west of the summit of the Cascade Mountains, from the forty-ninth parallel south to the Calapooia Mountains on the south border of Lane County, Oregon.
    reprint ed. publ. August 26, 2016, by Wentworth Press ISBN 978-1362369318
  28. ^ Hogan, C. Michael (2009) [November 4, 2008]. Strömberg, Nicklas (ed.). "Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) (Skilton, 1849)". Globaltwitcher. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  29. ^ "Presidential Election of 1976, by County". geoelections.free.fr. USA.
  30. ^ "Linn County in 2008 Presidential election". uselectionatlas.org.
  31. ^ Payne, Ed; Ward, Ric (January 16, 2013). "Oregon sheriff: 'Unconstitutional' gun control laws won't be enforced". CNN. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  32. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  33. ^ "Geo-elections website". Archived from the original on November 18, 2005. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  34. ^ Geography Division (December 18, 2020). 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Linn County, OR (PDF) (Map). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 13, 2025. - Text list
  35. ^ "Oregon Community Colleges and Community College Districts" (PDF). Oregon Department of Community Colleges & Workforce Development. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2025.

Further reading

  • Lang, H.O., ed. (1885). History of the Willamette Valley. Portland, OR: Himes and Lang – via Archive.org. Being a description of the valley and its resources, with an account of its discovery and settlement by white men, and its subsequent history; together with personal reminiscences of its early pioneers.
  • n.a. (1903). Portrait and Biographical Record of the Willamette Valley, Oregon (illustrated ed.). Chicago, IL: Chapman Publishing Co. Retrieved May 6, 2021 – via Archive.org. Containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.
  • Media related to Linn County, Oregon at Wikimedia Commons

44°38′N 123°05′W / 44.63°N 123.09°W / 44.63; -123.09

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