Sherman County, Oregon

Economy Sherman County is predominantly an agricultural county, its economy receiving some aid from ranching and tourism. Its farms primarily produce wheat and barley.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,153 km² (831 mi²). 2,132 km² (823 mi²) of it is land and 21 km² (8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.96% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 1,934 people, 797 households, and 545 families residing in the county. The population density is 1/km² (2/mi²). There are 935 housing units at an average density of 0/km² (1/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 93.59% White, 0.21% African American, 1.40% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.79% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 4.86% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 797 households out of which 29.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% are married couples living together, 6.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% are non-families. 28.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 2.97.

In the county, the population is spread out with 26.40% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 105.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,142, and the median income for a family is $42,563. Males have a median income of $31,207 versus $21,579 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,448. 14.60% of the population and 12.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 20.20% are under the age of 18 and 7.70% are 65 or older.

History Sherman County was created on February 25, 1889 out of the northeast corner of Wasco County. The county's borders have been changed only once, in 1891, when the Legislative Assembly moved the county line eighteen miles farther south into Wasco County.

The town of Wasco was designated the county seat by the Legislative Assembly although this designation was contested between Wasco and Moro. Following the addition of a portion of Wasco County, Moro became the eventual winner.

Cities and Towns

• Biggs Junction
• Grass Valley
• Moro
• Rufus
• Wasco