Yamhill County, Oregon

Yamhill County
County
Yamhill County Courthouse in McMinnville
Yamhill County Courthouse in McMinnville
Map of Oregon highlighting Yamhill County
Location within the U.S. state of Oregon
Map of the United States highlighting Oregon
Oregon's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 45°14′N 123°19′W / 45.23°N 123.31°W / 45.23; -123.31
Country United States
State Oregon
FoundedJuly 5, 1843
Named forYamhela people of the Kalapuya
SeatMcMinnville
Largest cityMcMinnville
Area
 • Total718 sq mi (1,860 km2)
 • Land716 sq mi (1,850 km2)
 • Water2.5 sq mi (6 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total107,722
 • Estimate 
(2023)
108,644 Increase
 • Density139/sq mi (54/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district6th
Websitewww.co.yamhill.or.us

Yamhill County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, the population was 107,722.[1] The county seat is McMinnville.[2] Yamhill County was named after the Yamhelas, members of the Kalapuya Tribe.[3]

Yamhill County is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is in the Willamette Valley.

History

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The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Yamhill (Yamhelas Indian Tribe, part of the Kalapooian family[4]) Indians, who have inhabited the area for over 8,000 years. They are one of the tribes incorporated into the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. In 1857 they were forced to migrate to the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation created in Oregon's Coastal Range two years earlier.

The earliest non-native settlers were employees of the various fur companies operating in Oregon Country, who started settling there around 1814. But it was the establishment of the Oregon Trail that led to significant migration to the area.

Yamhill District (later county) was created on July 5, 1843, five years before the Oregon Territory was established. It was one of the original four districts created by Oregon's first Provisional Legislature, along with Twality (later Washington), Clackamas, and Champooick (later Marion) counties. The district was originally spread over 12,000 square miles (31,000 km2), an area that was broken up into twelve present-day counties.

Lafayette, the principal trading center of the western Willamette Valley in early Oregon history, was made the county seat in 1847. The county government was later (1889) moved to McMinnville where it remains today.

The Mount Hebo Air Force Station was a Cold War air defense installation from 1956 to 1980. Located next to Tillamook County, at the top of 3,154-foot (961 m) high Mount Hebo, Air Force radars operated by the 689th Radar Squadron and the 14th Missile Warning Squadron were essential parts of the nation's integrated air defenses. The large radomes protecting the radars from adverse weather effects could be seen silhouetted against the sky from many parts of Yamhill County.

Lock and dam on the Yamhill River

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Main article: Yamhill River lock and dam

In 1900 the Yamhill River lock and dam was completed about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) downriver from Lafayette, Oregon. The lock was decommissioned in 1954. The dam was demolished in 1963 to allow better passage for salmon on the river. The site of the lock and dam is now a county park.

Geography

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Soléna and Grand Cru Estates winery

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 718 square miles (1,860 km2), of which 716 square miles (1,850 km2) is land and 2.5 square miles (6.5 km2), or 0.3%, is water.[5] It is the fifth-smallest county in Oregon by area.

The tallest mountain in the county is Trask Mountain in the northwest corner of the county.[6]

Adjacent counties

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National protected areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18603,245—
18705,01254.5%
18807,94558.5%
189010,69234.6%
190013,42025.5%
191018,28536.3%
192020,52912.3%
193022,0367.3%
194026,33619.5%
195033,48427.1%
196032,478−3.0%
197040,21323.8%
198055,33237.6%
199065,55118.5%
200084,99229.7%
201099,19316.7%
2020107,7228.6%
2023 (est.)108,644[7]0.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790–1960[9] 1900–1990[10]
1990–2000[11] 2010–2020[1]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 84,992 people, 28,732 households, and 21,376 families living in the county. The population density was 119 people per square mile (46 people/km2). There were 30,270 housing units at an average density of 42 units per square mile (16/km2). The racial makeup of the county is 88.98% White, 1.47% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.85% Black or African American, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 5.08% from other races, and 2.42% from two or more races. 10.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 19.6% were of German, 11.4% English, 9.5% American and 8.4% Irish ancestry.

There were 28,732 households, out of which 37.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.00% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.60% were non-families. 19.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.90% under the age of 18, 11.40% from 18 to 24, 28.50% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $44,111, and the median income for a family was $50,336. Males had a median income of $35,686 versus $25,254 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,951. About 6.00% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.10% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 99,193 people, 34,726 households, and 25,020 families living in the county.[12] The population density was 138.6 inhabitants per square mile (53.5/km2). There were 37,110 housing units at an average density of 51.8 units per square mile (20.0 units/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 85.4% white, 1.5% Asian, 1.5% American Indian, 0.9% black or African American, 0.2% Pacific islander, 7.2% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 14.7% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 23.6% were German, 13.7% were English, 12.2% were Irish, and 5.0% were American.[14]

Of the 34,726 households, 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.0% were non-families, and 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.12. The median age was 36.8 years.[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $52,485 and the median income for a family was $61,524. Males had a median income of $44,946 versus $33,717 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,017. About 9.0% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.[15]

Politics

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In the United States House of Representatives, Yamhill County lies in Oregon's 6th congressional district, which also covers Polk County and portions of Marion, Clackamas, and Washington counties.[16] In the Oregon State Senate, the county is split between the 12th and 13th districts.[17] Within the Oregon House of Representatives, Yamhill County is part of the 23rd, 24th, and 26th districts.[18]

Although located west of the Cascades, Yamhill has remained a Republican-leaning county in Presidential elections at the same time as other Western Oregon counties have become solidly to powerfully Democratic. No Democratic presidential candidate has won Yamhill County since Lyndon Johnson's 1964 landslide, and the only other Democrats to carry the county since Oregon's statehood have been Franklin Roosevelt in 1940, 1936 and 1932, along with Woodrow Wilson in 1912 when the Republican vote was divided.[19] However, the Republican edge has narrowed somewhat in recent years; since 1992, the GOP has only managed to win a majority four times.

Yamhill County is currently one of 11 counties in Oregon in which therapeutic psilocybin is legal.

United States presidential election results for Yamhill County, Oregon[20][21][22]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 29,551 50.15% 27,174 46.12% 2,198 3.73%
2016 23,250 47.69% 19,301 39.59% 6,202 12.72%
2012 22,045 51.38% 19,260 44.89% 1,602 3.73%
2008 21,390 49.14% 20,797 47.78% 1,339 3.08%
2004 23,839 56.57% 17,572 41.70% 731 1.73%
2000 19,193 54.01% 14,254 40.11% 2,092 5.89%
1996 13,900 44.64% 13,078 42.00% 4,157 13.35%
1992 11,693 37.23% 11,148 35.50% 8,565 27.27%
1988 13,321 52.47% 11,423 44.99% 644 2.54%
1984 15,797 62.31% 9,450 37.28% 104 0.41%
1980 12,054 51.15% 8,694 36.89% 2,820 11.97%
1976 9,885 50.38% 8,881 45.27% 854 4.35%
1972 9,660 58.51% 6,008 36.39% 841 5.09%
1968 7,936 55.55% 5,487 38.41% 862 6.03%
1964 5,508 38.08% 8,949 61.88% 6 0.04%
1960 8,295 59.98% 5,528 39.97% 6 0.04%
1956 8,555 61.96% 5,253 38.04% 0 0.00%
1952 9,332 67.27% 4,472 32.24% 68 0.49%
1948 6,379 55.33% 4,794 41.59% 355 3.08%
1944 5,672 51.39% 5,067 45.91% 298 2.70%
1940 5,545 49.48% 5,566 49.67% 96 0.86%
1936 3,443 35.88% 5,366 55.92% 787 8.20%
1932 3,584 41.11% 4,798 55.03% 337 3.87%
1928 5,248 67.97% 2,382 30.85% 91 1.18%
1924 3,803 53.11% 2,015 28.14% 1,342 18.74%
1920 4,102 59.49% 2,353 34.13% 440 6.38%
1916 4,010 49.95% 3,342 41.63% 676 8.42%
1912 1,312 31.27% 1,378 32.84% 1,506 35.89%
1908 1,980 54.49% 1,246 34.29% 408 11.23%
1904 2,004 63.14% 652 20.54% 518 16.32%
1900 1,583 52.40% 1,235 40.88% 203 6.72%
1896 1,782 48.93% 1,736 47.67% 124 3.40%
1892 1,469 46.15% 682 21.43% 1,032 32.42%
1888 1,298 54.33% 994 41.61% 97 4.06%
1884 1,184 52.23% 1,034 45.61% 49 2.16%
1880 1,057 52.88% 942 47.12% 0 0.00%

Economy

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Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

In 2019 the Oregon International Air Show switched to the McMinnville Municipal Airport. The Air Show promotes aviation while honoring the military and veterans. In addition to the economic surge provided by the Air Show, the Oregon International Air Show involves the community and provides grants for McMinnville. Since 1988 more than $3 million has donated back throughout McMinnville (Yamhill County), Hillsboro (Washington County), and throughout Oregon. Express Employment Professionals, Stoller Family Estates, and Xenium are the lead sponsors for the upcoming 2020 Air Show.[23]

Grain elevator in Carlton, Yamhill County

The major industries of the county are agriculture, forest products, manufacturing, and education. Yamhill County's economy is supported largely by its many unionized facilities such as Cascade Steel in McMinnville and Decommissioned White Birch Paper now owned by WestRock in Newberg. It boasts a thriving wine industry and was the home of Evergreen Aviation.

Yamhill County ranks seventh out of Oregon's thirty-six counties in annual market value of its agricultural production.[citation needed] This agricultural production includes wheat, barley, horticulture, and dairy farming, with 13,201 acres or 53.42 square kilometres in 1997 planted in orchards. One-third of the county is covered with commercial timber, and the economic mainstay of the western part of the county is logging and timber products.

Yamhill County is a significant focus of Oregon's wine industry, having the largest area of any Oregon county planted in vineyards. Six of the state's American Viticultural Areas are wholly or partly in the county: Chehalem Mountains AVA, Dundee Hills AVA, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, McMinnville AVA, Ribbon Ridge AVA, and Yamhill-Carlton District AVA. Over 80 wineries and 200 vineyards represent the largest concentration of wine growers and producers in any county in the state. Vineyards often specialize in Pinot noir, but other varieties grown include Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer.

Education

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Yamhill County Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) include Linfield University and Chemeketa Community College McMinnville Campus, along with George Fox University and Portland Community College in Newberg. For private secondary education the county is served by The Delphian School in Sheridan.

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "Yamhill County | Yamhill County, Oregon". Secretary of State: Oregon Blue Book. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  4. ^ "Brief History of Yamhill County | Yamhill County, Oregon". www.co.yamhill.or.us. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  6. ^ Peakbagger.com: Trask Mountain, Oregon
  7. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  10. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  11. ^ "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 28, 2015.
  12. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  13. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  14. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  15. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  16. ^ Stites, Sam (May 3, 2022). "Oregon's new Congressional district draws a big field of candidates and big spending". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  17. ^ "Oregon Blue Book: State Senators by District". Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  18. ^ "Oregon Blue Book: State Representatives by District". Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  19. ^ Menendez, Albert J.; The Geography of Presidential Elections in the United States, 1868-2004, pp. 284-286 ISBN 0786422173
  20. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  21. ^ "Our Campaigns - U.S. President". Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  22. ^ The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 885 votes, while Socialist Eugene Debs received 350 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 271 votes.
  23. ^ "Oregon Air Show: Official Website". oregonairshow.com/. Oregon International Air Show. Retrieved November 10, 2021.

Further reading

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yamhill County, Oregon.

45°14′N 123°19′W / 45.23°N 123.31°W / 45.23; -123.31

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