Linn County, Oregon

Last updated

Linn County
Albany, Oregon - Linn County Courthouse 01.jpg
Linn County Courthouse in Albany
Flag of Linn County, Oregon.jpg
Seal of Linn County, Oregon.png
Map of Oregon highlighting Linn County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Oregon
Oregon in United States.svg
Oregon's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°38′N123°05′W / 44.63°N 123.09°W / 44.63; -123.09
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Oregon.svg Oregon
FoundedDecember 28, 1847
Named after Lewis F. Linn
Seat Albany
Largest cityAlbany
Area
  Total
2,309 sq mi (5,980 km2)
  Land2,290 sq mi (5,900 km2)
  Water19 sq mi (50 km2)  0.8%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
128,610
  Estimate 
(2024)
132,474 Increase2.svg
  Density56/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 Linn County.svg
Map of Linn County
Sign welcoming visitors to the county Linncounty.jpg
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]

Contents

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
1850 994
1860 6,772581.3%
1870 8,71728.7%
1880 12,67645.4%
1890 16,26528.3%
1900 18,60314.4%
1910 22,66221.8%
1920 24,5508.3%
1930 24,7000.6%
1940 30,48523.4%
1950 54,31778.2%
1960 58,8678.4%
1970 71,91422.2%
1980 89,46524.4%
1990 91,2272.0%
2000 103,06913.0%
2010 116,67213.2%
2020 128,61010.2%
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)86,28487,08194,012101,579104,11896.41%95.46%91.21%87.06%80.96%
Black or African American alone (NH)1271712854566230.14%0.19%0.28%0.39%0.48%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)7421,0011,1921,2681,2830.83%1.10%1.16%1.09%1.00%
Asian alone (NH)4747657891,0781,4340.53%0.84%0.77%0.92%1.11%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)x [16] x [17] 125150280xx0.12%0.13%0.22%
Other race alone (NH)24332921266580.27%0.04%0.09%0.11%0.51%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)x [18] x [19] 2,0602,8887,643xx2.00%2.48%5.94%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1,6252,1774,5149,12712,5711.82%2.39%4.38%7.82%9.77%
Total89,49591,227103,069116,672128,610 100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%

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. [20] 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). [21] 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. [20] In terms of ancestry, 22.9% were German, 14.1% were English, 12.7% were Irish, and 7.1% were American. [22]

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. [20]

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. [23]

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 . [24] The Rough-skinned Newt is a common amphibian occurring in the oak woodlands of the county. [25]

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. [26] 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 [27] 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. [28]

United States presidential election results for Linn County, Oregon [29] [30]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2024 43,07860.31%25,74936.05%2,6023.64%
2020 43,48659.87%26,51236.50%2,6423.64%
2016 33,48857.03%17,99530.65%7,23612.32%
2012 28,94456.28%20,37839.63%2,1044.09%
2008 28,07154.00%22,16342.64%1,7483.36%
2004 31,26060.07%19,94038.32%8411.62%
2000 25,35957.13%16,68237.58%2,3475.29%
1996 18,33144.36%17,04141.24%5,95314.41%
1992 16,46136.35%15,39934.00%13,42729.65%
1988 18,31250.69%17,00747.08%8032.22%
1984 23,46359.10%16,16140.71%750.19%
1980 18,94352.19%13,51637.24%3,83410.56%
1976 14,12845.22%15,77650.50%1,3374.28%
1972 15,07954.21%11,17840.19%1,5575.60%
1968 12,60451.90%10,03241.31%1,6486.79%
1964 8,38235.96%14,92664.04%00.00%
1960 12,89953.89%11,03546.11%00.00%
1956 12,46955.12%10,15344.88%00.00%
1952 13,76162.67%8,05836.70%1400.64%
1948 7,93650.37%7,26046.08%5593.55%
1944 6,87750.97%6,48048.02%1361.01%
1940 6,52350.34%6,36049.08%760.59%
1936 4,11036.66%5,85652.23%1,24511.11%
1932 4,10640.93%5,36653.49%5595.57%
1928 5,87767.62%2,64530.43%1691.94%
1924 4,14149.56%2,61831.33%1,59619.10%
1920 4,69356.17%3,17738.03%4855.80%
1916 4,52446.26%4,67547.81%5805.93%
1912 1,30124.20%2,13439.69%1,94136.10%
1908 2,20248.87%1,81340.24%49110.90%
1904 2,34654.36%1,20627.94%76417.70%
1900 1,92745.10%1,99746.74%3498.17%
1896 2,06442.06%2,73655.76%1072.18%
1892 1,68939.38%63014.69%1,97045.93%
1888 1,60347.51%1,63348.40%1384.09%
1884 1,44445.60%1,64151.82%822.59%
1880 1,41645.43%1,67753.80%240.77%

Communities

Cities

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Former communities

Education

School districts covering sections of the county include: [31]

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. [32]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. "Presidential Election of 1976, by County". geoelections.free.fr. USA.
  27. "Linn County in 2008 Presidential election". uselectionatlas.org.
  28. Payne, Ed; Ward, Ric (January 16, 2013). "Oregon sheriff: 'Unconstitutional' gun control laws won't be enforced". CNN. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  29. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  30. "Geo-elections website". Archived from the original on November 18, 2005. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  31. 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
  32. "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

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