Oroville, Washington

Last updated

Oroville
Oroville Washington - aerial.jpg
View of Oroville, Washington and Osoyoos Lake, looking north towards Canada.
Oroville, WA flag.jpg
Okanogan County Washington Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Oroville Highlighted.svg
Location of Oroville in
Okanogan County, Washington
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Oroville
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 48°56′19″N119°26′6″W / 48.93861°N 119.43500°W / 48.93861; -119.43500
Country United States
State Washington
County Okanogan
EstablishedJanuary 1, 1892
Incorporated August 7, 1908
Government
  Type Mayor–council
  MayorEd Naillon [1]
   Governing body Oroville City Council
Area
[2]
  Total1.85 sq mi (4.78 km2)
  Land1.69 sq mi (4.38 km2)
  Water0.16 sq mi (0.40 km2)
Elevation
938 ft (286 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total1,795
  Density970/sq mi (380/km2)
Time zone UTC-8 (PST)
  Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
98844
Area code 509
FIPS code 53-51970 [3]
GNIS feature ID1524077 [4]
Website City of Oroville

Oroville is a city located in the northern bulk of the Okanogan Highlands in north-central Washington, United States. Oroville is a member municipality of Okanogan County, Washington, situated between Omak and Penticton. The population was 1,795 at the 2020 census.

Contents

History

Oroville was first settled by European settlers in the late 1850s and known as 'rag town.' The settlement was named Oro, after the Spanish word for gold, in 1892 after the surrounding gold mines and in an attempt to attract prospectors and merchants. The Post Office objected to the name "Oro" because a town was already named "Oso" in Washington, so the name was changed to Oroville, [5] in 1909. Oroville was a stop along the Spokane Falls and Northern Railway line from British Columbia to Spokane, via Molson and Chesaw. In 1914 a third branch south to Wenatchee was constructed to avoid the steep inclines on the original Spokane track. [6] [7]

Passenger train service to Oroville was operated by the Great Northern Railway until July 14, 1953, with freight operations continuing later. [8]

Oroville started to become a tourist location in the mid-2000s, large condo developments were proposed. After peaking in 2005–07, the city’s economy has suffered since the Great Recession of 2008. Oroville is home to the Dorothy Scott Airport, an international municipal airport with U.S. Customs check, located two miles outside of the town center. The airport opened in August 1937. [9] [10]

Geography

The townsite of Osoyoos Lake within the northern Okanogan Highlands in Oroville, Washington Osoyoos Lake (2584320783).jpg
The townsite of Osoyoos Lake within the northern Okanogan Highlands in Oroville, Washington

Oroville is located 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the Canada–US border, and features an official crossing into Osoyoos, British Columbia. [11] It is located at the south end of Osoyoos Lake, which empties into the Okanogan River on the east side of the town; the town is bound to the west by the Similkameen River. U.S. Route 97 runs through Oroville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.68 square miles (4.35 km2), of which, 1.64 square miles (4.25 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water. [12]

Climate

Oroville lies in a climatic region that is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and moderately cold winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Oroville has a humid continental climate, Dfb on climate maps. [13]

Economy

Most of the economy of Oroville and the surrounding areas is based on agriculture. Numerous orchards and a few grape vineyards are within the town limits. During Oroville's heyday as a mining town, many saloons, restaurants, shops, and a drive-in movie theater were there. [14] Today, the town's economy is depressed with a nearly 30% poverty rate and a median household income of only $22,000. Recently, three vacation cottage developments have been built, two east of Lake Osoyoos, Sandalia, and the Veranda Beach Resort, and one just north of downtown, Sonora Shores.

The city is home to a weekly newspaper, the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune, established in 1905 as the Oroville Weekly Gazette. [15] Okanogan Living, a monthly lifestyle magazine based in Tonasket, also serves the region. [16]

Oroville is the northern terminus of the Cascade and Columbia River Railroad, a short line railroad owned by Genesee & Wyoming.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1910 495
1920 1,013104.6%
1930 800−21.0%
1940 1,20650.8%
1950 1,50024.4%
1960 1,437−4.2%
1970 1,5558.2%
1980 1,483−4.6%
1990 1,5051.5%
2000 1,6539.8%
2010 1,6862.0%
2020 1,7956.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [17]
2020 Census [18]

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 1,686 people in 698 households, including 434 families, in the city. The population density was 1,028.0 inhabitants per square mile (396.9/km2). There were 797 housing units at an average density of 486.0 per square mile (187.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 78.8% White, 0.8% African American, 2.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 12.7% from other races, and 4.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 21.4%. [3]

Of the 698 households 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.8% were non-families. 32.1% of households were one person and 16.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age was 39.4 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.3% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 1,653 people, 691 households, and 433 families in the town. The population density was 1,336.5 people per square mile (514.7/km2). There were 794 housing units at an average density of 642.0 per square mile (247.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 82.34% White, 0.12% African American, 4.23% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 9.32% from other races, and 3.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.06% of the population.

Of the 691 households 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.2% were non-families. 32.0% of households were one person and 14.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.99.

The age distribution was 28.9% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.

The median household income was $22,301 and the median family income was $30,114. Males had a median income of $25,833 versus $21,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,220. About 22.6% of families and 28.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.0% of those under age 18 and 19.5% of those age 65 or over.

Crime

Oroville
Crime rates* (2012)
Violent crimes
Homicide 0
Rape 1
Robbery 0
Aggravated assault 1
Total violent crime 2
Property crimes
Burglary 20
Larceny-theft 57
Motor vehicle theft 1
Arson 0
Total property crime 78
Notes

*Number of reported crimes per 100,000 population.

2012 population: 1,715

Source: 2012 FBI UCR Data

According to the Uniform Crime Report statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2012, two violent crimes and 78 property crimes per 100,000 residents occur per year. Of these, the violent crimes consisted of one forcible rape, no robberies, and one aggravated assault, while 20 burglaries, 57 larceny-thefts, one motor vehicle theft, and no arson defined the property offenses. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Okanogan County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Okanogan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington along the Canada–U.S. border. As of the 2020 census, the population was 42,104. The county seat is Okanogan, while the largest city is Omak. Its area is the largest in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferry County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Ferry County is a county located on the northern border of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,178, making it the fourth-least populous county in Washington. The county seat and largest city is Republic. The county was created out of Stevens County in February 1899 and is named for Elisha P. Ferry, the state's first governor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Douglas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 42,938. The county seat is Waterville, while its largest settlement is East Wenatchee. The county was created out of Lincoln County on November 28, 1883 and is named for American statesman Stephen A. Douglas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chelan County, Washington</span> County in Washington, United States

Chelan County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 79,074. The county seat and largest city is Wenatchee. The county was created out of Okanogan and Kittitas Counties on March 13, 1899. It derives its name from a Chelan Indian word meaning "deep water," likely a reference to 55-mile (89 km)-long Lake Chelan, which reaches a maximum depth of 1,486 feet (453 m).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thermalito, California</span> Census designated place in California, United States

Thermalito is a census-designated place (CDP) in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 6,646 at the 2010 census, up from 6,045 at the 2000 census. The area is generally considered an integral part of Oroville, and borders the town on two sides, in addition to the near-enclave of the city of Oroville surrounded by Thermalito on all sides, with the exception of the extremely narrow spit of land connecting Afterbay to Oroville proper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cashmere, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Cashmere is a city in Chelan County, Washington, United States. It is part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,248 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunnyslope, Washington</span> Census-designated place in Washington, United States

Sunnyslope is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Chelan County, Washington, United States. It is part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,041 at the 2020 census, up from 3,252 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Wenatchee, Washington</span> Unincorporated community in Washington, United States

West Wenatchee is a former census-designated place (CDP) and now an unincorporated community in Chelan County, Washington, United States. The United States Census Bureau removed the community at the 2010 census, with most of its former area being merged into Wenatchee city limits, raising the population significantly. The area that was West Wenatchee is part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bridgeport, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Bridgeport is a city in Douglas County, Washington. It is part of the Wenatchee−East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bridgeport's population was 2,141 at the 2020 census. Bridgeport is located near the Chief Joseph Dam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Wenatchee Bench, Washington</span> Former CDP in Washington, United States

East Wenatchee Bench is a former census-designated place in Douglas County, Washington, United States. Most of the area has been annexed by the city of East Wenatchee. It was part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 13,658 at the 2000 census, but it was no longer a CDP in the 2010 census because most of its populated area was annexed by East Wenatchee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waterville, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Waterville is a town in and the county seat of Douglas County, Washington, United States which is known for its wheat industry. As a part of Douglas County, it is part of the Wenatchee-East Wenatchee metropolitan area. The population was 1,134 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

George is a city in Grant County, Washington, United States. The population was 809 at the 2020 census. The "humorous homage" to President George Washington has landed George, Washington on lists of unusual place names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conconully, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Conconully is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 193 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elmer City, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Elmer City is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 239 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nespelem, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Nespelem is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 180 at the 2020 census. The town is located on the Colville Indian Reservation. The name Nespelem is derived from a local Native American term meaning "large flat meadow".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Okanogan, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Okanogan is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,379 at the 2020 census, down from 2,552 at the 2010 census, within the Greater Omak Area. It is the seat of Okanogan County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pateros, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Paterospə-TARR-əs is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population at the 2020 census was 593.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riverside, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Riverside is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 280 at the 2010 census, and increased to 329 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tonasket, Washington</span> City in Washington, United States

Tonasket is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,103 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coulee Dam, Washington</span> Town in Washington, United States

Coulee Dam is a town in Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties in the state of Washington. The Douglas County portion of Coulee Dam is part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,211 as of the 2020 census.

References

  1. ""City of Oroville, Washington; Officials & Staff"". oroville-wa.com. April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  3. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  4. "Oroville". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  5. Gulick, Bill. A Traveler's History of Washington. Caxton Press, 1996. ISBN   0-87004-371-4. p. 340
  6. "Railway Age 1914 Vol 57 Great Northern Line from Oroville to Wenatchee". July 31, 1914.
  7. "GN in Southern BC".
  8. Barta, Linda (March 13, 2014). "Old news: Last run for passenger train". The Wenatchee World . Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  9. "Dorothy Scott Airport". AirNav. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  10. "Airport Identification Information". Washington . Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  11. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  12. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  13. Climate Summary for Oroville, Washington
  14. "Pow Wow Drive-In Oroville". Archived from the original on October 25, 2014.
  15. "Oroville Gazette". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved June 24, 2017.
  16. Hires, Brock. "Oroville, Okanogan, Washington". Okanogan Living. Tonasket . Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  17. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing" . Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  18. "Census Bureau profile: Oroville, Washington". United States Census Bureau. May 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  19. "Washington Offenses Known to Law Enforcement by City, 2012". Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2013.