Grant County, Oregon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Grant County, Oregon | |
| Map | |
 Location in the state of Oregon |
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| Statistics | |
| Formed | October 14, 1864 |
|---|---|
| Seat | Canyon City |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
11,731 km² (4,529 mi²) 11,729 km² (4,529 mi²) 2 km² (1 mi²), 0.02% |
| Population - (2000) - Density |
7,935 1/km² |
Grant County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. The county was named for General Ulysses S. Grant, who at the time of the county's creation in 1864, was well-known as an American Civil War hero. As of 2000, the population is 7,935. The county seat is located at Canyon City.
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[edit] Economy
Grant County contains the headwaters of the John Day River, which has more miles of Wild and Scenic designation than any other river in the United States, attracting tourism and recreation. About 54% of the county is owned by the Forest Service. Other principal industries include forestry, agriculture, and ranching.
The county's dependence on resource extraction and tourism has resulted in its experiencing the second highest unemployment rate in Oregon for over 30 years. Many high school graduates depart upon graduation, never to return, thus creating a steady loss of talent and people.
[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 11,731 km² (4,529 mi²). 11,729 km² (4,529 mi²) of it is land and 2 km² (1 mi²) of it (0.02%) is water. Grant shares boundaries with more counties (eight) than any other county in Oregon.
[edit] Adjacent Counties
- Malheur County, Oregon - (southeast)
- Harney County, Oregon - (south)
- Crook County, Oregon - (west)
- Wheeler County, Oregon - (west)
- Morrow County, Oregon - (north)
- Umatilla County, Oregon - (north)
- Union County, Oregon - (northeast)
- Baker County, Oregon - (east)
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 7,935 people, 3,246 households, and 2,233 families residing in the county. The population density was 1/km² (2/mi²). There were 4,004 housing units at an average density of 0/km² (1/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.69% White, 0.10% Black or African American, 1.60% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. 2.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 3,246 households out of which 30.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 5.60% from 18 to 24, 24.00% from 25 to 44, 27.90% from 45 to 64, and 16.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 99.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,560, and the median income for a family was $37,159. Males had a median income of $31,843 versus $22,253 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,794. About 11.20% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.60% of those under age 18 and 10.20% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] History
Grant County was established on October 14, 1864, from parts of Wasco and Umatilla counties. Prior to its creation, cases brought to court were tried in The Dalles, county seat of the vast Wasco County. The great distance to The Dalles made law enforcement a difficult problem, and imposed a heavy burden on citizens who had a need to transact business at the courthouse.
After gold was discovered in 1862 on Whiskey Flat, it has been estimated that within ten days 1,000 miners were camped along Canyon Creek. This increased population created a need for county government. Over $20 million in gold was mined from the Canyon City and Susanville areas before the inevitable exhaustion of the deposits.
At the time of its creation, Grant County was the largest county in the state. Its size was later reduced by the transfer of land to Lake County and the creation of Harney and Wheeler Counties.
[edit] Communities
[edit] Incorporated cities
[edit] Unincorporated communities and CDPs
- Austin
- Austin Junction
- Bates
- Beech Creek
- Cabell City
- Courtrock
- Dale
- Fox
- Galena
- Hamilton
- Izee
- Kimberly
- Ritter
- Silvies
- Susanville
