Gilliam County, Oregon
According to countryaah.com, Gilliam County is located in the north-central part of Oregon and is one of the 36 counties that make up the state. The county was established in 1885 and has a total area of 1,094 square miles. According to the 2019 census, Gilliam County had a population of 1,872 people with a population density of 1.7 people per square mile.
The largest city in Gilliam County is Condon with a population of 981 people. Other cities include Arlington (population: 231), Lexington (population: 108), and Ione (population: 104). The remaining cities have populations ranging from 19 to 50 people.
The majority of the population in Gilliam County is White (91%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (5%), Black or African American (1%) and Asian (1%). Other racial groups make up the remaining 2% of the population.
The median age in Gilliam County is 46 years old which is slightly higher than the national median age of 37 years old. Approximately 27% of the population is under 18 years old and around 17% are 65 years or older. The gender ratio in Gilliam County is almost even with 49% male and 51% female residents.
The median household income in Gilliam County as per 2019 census figures was $40,972 which is significantly lower than the national median household income of $61,937 for that same year. Approximately 12% of families live below the poverty line compared to 11% nationally and 16% of individuals live below the poverty line compared to 10% nationally.
History of Gilliam County, Oregon
Gilliam County, Oregon was established in 1885 and named after former Governor of the Oregon Territory, Cornelius Gilliam. The county was formed from the northern half of Wasco County and is located in the north-central part of Oregon. It is one of the 36 counties that make up the state and has a total area of 1,094 square miles.
The first settlers to Gilliam County were cattle ranchers who arrived in 1865. The town of Condon was established in 1876 and became the county seat shortly after its establishment. The first post office was opened in Condon in 1878 and it soon became a hub for commerce and transportation.
The railroad arrived in Gilliam County in 1888 which helped to spur development throughout the region. Several towns, such as Arlington, Ione, Lexington, and Fossil were all founded during this time period due to its close proximity to the railroad lines.
Agriculture has long been an important part of Gilliam County’s economy with wheat being one of its primary crops for many years. In recent years, however, other crops such as corn, potatoes, onions, beans, hay and alfalfa have become increasingly important for farmers in the region.
In addition to agriculture and ranching, there are also several industries that contribute to Gilliam County’s economy including timber production as well as manufacturing companies that produce wood products such as furniture and flooring among other things. Tourism is also becoming increasingly important with several recreational areas located throughout the county including John Day Fossil Beds National Monument which attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
Gilliam County has a rich history with many historical sites located throughout the region including old homesteads dating back to 1865 when settlers first began arriving here as well as several small museums dedicated to preserving local history for future generations.
Major cities and towns in Gilliam County, Oregon
Gilliam County, Oregon is home to several major cities and towns, all of which contribute to the county’s economy and culture. The county seat is Condon, which was established in 1876 and is located in the northern part of the county. Condon is home to many businesses including a grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy, auto repair shop and several restaurants. It also has a post office, library and a small museum dedicated to preserving local history.
Arlington is another major town in Gilliam County located in the south-central part of the county. Arlington was founded in 1889 when the railroad arrived in the region and it soon became an important hub for commerce and transportation. Today, it has several businesses including a grocery store, hardware store and several restaurants. It also has a post office and library as well as a museum dedicated to preserving local history.
Ione is located on the eastern side of Gilliam County near the Columbia River Gorge and was established in 1890 when settlers began arriving in search of homesteads. Ione has several businesses including two general stores, two restaurants, a post office and library as well as other services such as auto repair shops.
Lexington is another major town located on the western side of Gilliam County near Fossil Creek Reservoir State Park. Lexington was founded when settlers began arriving here during the 1880s looking for homesteads and it soon became an important hub for commerce with several stores selling everything from groceries to hardware supplies being established here at that time. Today, Lexington has several businesses including two general stores, two restaurants, a post office and library as well as other services such as auto repair shops.
Fossil is located on Fossil Creek Reservoir State Park near Lexington but unlike its neighbor it wasn’t founded until much later during World War II when soldiers were stationed here while working on construction projects at nearby dams (Fossil Dam). Today, Fossil has several businesses including two general stores, two restaurants, a post office and library as well as other services such as auto repair shops.
Gilliam County also includes many smaller unincorporated communities such as Grass Valley which was originally settled by miners looking for gold during the 1860s but today serves mainly as an agricultural community with many farms producing wheat being located here; Hardman which was founded in 1895 by homesteaders who were looking for fertile land; Mayville which serves mainly as an agricultural community producing potatoes among other things; Mitchell which serves mainly as an agricultural community producing hay among other things; Rufus which serves mainly as an agricultural community producing alfalfa among other things; Shaniko which was once known for its wool industry but today serves mainly as an agricultural community; Spray which serves mainly as an agricultural community producing onions among other things; Swalley which serves mainly hay production among other things; Tygh Valley which serves mainly hay production among other things; Wasco which serves mainly hay production among other things; Weston which serves mainly hay production among other things; Wilcox which served originally served primarily sheep ranching but today produces wheat among other crops; Wishram whose main industry used to be timber production but now produces wheat along with many smaller farming operations located throughout Gilliam County making it one of Oregon’s most productive agricultural regions.
Population in Gilliam County, Oregon
According to Act-Test-Centers, Gilliam County, Oregon is located in the northeastern part of the state. It has a population of just over 1,800 people as of 2020. The majority of the population is white (85%), followed by Hispanic (6%), Asian (3%), and African American (1%). The median age is 46 years old, with a median household income of $44,500. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is lower than the national average.
The majority of the population lives in Condon, which is the county seat and largest city in Gilliam County. Other small towns include Arlington, Fossil, and Rufus. There are also several unincorporated communities such as Mitchell and Wasco. Agriculture remains a major industry in Gilliam County, with wheat being one of the most important crops grown here. Livestock production and timber are also important parts of the local economy. In recent years, tourism has become increasingly popular due to its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and hunting.
Gilliam County offers an idyllic rural lifestyle that appeals to many people looking for a slower pace away from large cities. Despite its small size and rural setting, it offers modern amenities such as good schools and healthcare services as well as access to larger cities like Portland or Bend for jobs or entertainment options within an hour’s drive or less. With its combination of natural beauty and economic opportunities, Gilliam County continues to attract more newcomers who are looking for a peaceful place to call home with all the benefits that come along with it.
