Linn County, Oregon

Not to be confused with Lane County, Oregon.

Linn County
County
Linn County Courthouse in Albany
Flag Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Oregon
Oregon's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°38′N123°05′W / 44.63°N 123.09°W / 44.63; -123.09
Country	United States
State	Oregon
Founded	December 28, 1847
Named for	Lewis F. Linn
Seat	Albany
Largest city	Albany
Area
• Total	2,309 sq mi (5,980 km2)
• Land	2,290 sq mi (5,900 km2)
• Water	19 sq mi (50 km2)  0.8%
Population  (2020)
• Total	128,610
• Estimate  (2023)	131,496
• Density	56/sq mi (22/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional districts	4th, 5th
Website	www.co.linn.or.us

Map of Linn County

Sign welcoming visitors to the county

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

• Polk County (northwest)
• Marion County (north)
• Jefferson County (east)
• Deschutes County (southeast)
• Lane County (south)
• Benton County (west)

National protected area

• Willamette National Forest (part)

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1850	994		—
1860	6,772		581.3%
1870	8,717		28.7%
1880	12,676		45.4%
1890	16,265		28.3%
1900	18,603		14.4%
1910	22,662		21.8%
1920	24,550		8.3%
1930	24,700		0.6%
1940	30,485		23.4%
1950	54,317		78.2%
1960	58,867		8.4%
1970	71,914		22.2%
1980	89,465		24.4%
1990	91,227		2.0%
2000	103,069		13.0%
2010	116,672		13.2%
2020	128,610		10.2%
2023 (est.)	131,496	[6]	2.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [7] 1790–1960 [8] 1900–1990 [9] 1990–2000 [10] 2010–2020 [1]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 128,610 people, the racial makeup of the county was 81% non-Hispanic white, .5% African American, 1% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 5.9% of two or more races, and 9.8% Hispanic.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 116,672 people, 45,204 households, and 30,976 families living in the county. ^[11] 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). ^[12] 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. ^[11] In terms of ancestry, 22.9% were German, 14.1% were English, 12.7% were Irish, and 7.1% were American. ^[13]

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. ^[11]

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. ^[14]

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 . ^[15] The Rough-skinned Newt is a common amphibian occurring in the oak woodlands of the county. ^[16]

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. ^[17] 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 ^[18] 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. ^[19]

United States presidential election results for Linn County, Oregon ^{[20] [21]}

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

Communities

Cities

• Albany (county seat) (part)
• Brownsville
• Gates (part)
• Halsey
• Harrisburg
• Idanha (part)
• Lebanon
• Lyons
• Mill City (part)
• Millersburg
• Scio
• Sodaville
• Sweet Home
• Tangent
• Waterloo

Census-designated places

• Cascadia
• Crabtree
• Crawfordsville
• Holley
• Lacomb
• Peoria
• Shedd
• South Lebanon
• West Scio

Unincorporated communities

• Berlin
• Calapooia
• Cascadia
• Crabtree
• Crawfordsville
• Foster
• Fox Valley
• Holley
• Jordan
• Kingston
• Lacomb
• Marion Forks
• Peoria
• Riverside
• Santiam Junction
• Shedd
• Shelburn
• West Scio

Former communities

• Burlington
• Orleans
• Rowland
• Syracuse
• Tallman
• Thomas

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Linn County, Oregon
• USS Linn County (LST-900)

References

1. "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. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
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. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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
16. 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.
17. "Presidential Election of 1976, by County". geoelections.free.fr. USA.
18. "Linn County in 2008 Presidential election". uselectionatlas.org.
19. Payne, Ed; Ward, Ric (January 16, 2013). "Oregon sheriff: 'Unconstitutional' gun control laws won't be enforced". CNN. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
20. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
21. "Geo-elections website". Archived from the original on November 18, 2005. Retrieved January 13, 2021.

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.

External links

• Media related to Linn County, Oregon at Wikimedia Commons

44°38′N123°05′W / 44.63°N 123.09°W / 44.63; -123.09