Major cities or towns:

Wasco
Moro
Rufus
Sherman County, Oregon is a rural county located in the north-central region of the state. The geography is characterized by rolling hills, vast wheat fields, and the winding Columbia River along its northern border. The climate is semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The population is relatively small, around 1,800 residents, with a median age in the 40s. The economy is heavily agricultural, focused on wheat, cattle, and other crops, though some light manufacturing and tourism also contribute. The cost of living is lower than the state average, and housing is affordable, though options are limited. The K-12 education system is small but well-regarded, while higher education opportunities are limited to a few community colleges nearby. Healthcare is available through a critical access hospital and clinics, though more specialized services require travel to larger cities. Cultural attractions are sparse, though the region offers ample outdoor recreation like fishing, hiking, and hunting. The transportation infrastructure is basic, relying on state highways, and the area has low crime rates but can feel isolated for some. Overall, Sherman County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle well-suited for those seeking an agricultural community and affordable cost of living, though it may lack the amenities and job diversity of more urban areas.

Demographics

Population

1,780

Ethnicity %

White
82
Black
0
Asian
0
Hispanic
5

Median Age

unknown

Density

1 of 10

2 / Mile²

Avg Family Size

3.0

Religious

18%

Foreign Born

10%

Veterans

7.7%

Adult Smokers

18%

Adult Obesity

29%

Uninsured

9%

Excessive Drinking

21%

Poverty Rate

12.2%

Weather

Sunlight

2.8 hours winter dailyAverage sun

Summer average temp

84°F

Winter max temp

42°F

Precipitation

13 in.

Snowfall (inches)

18.5 (avg)

Drought risk

Low

Earthquake risk

Very Low

Wildfire risk

Low

Tornado risk

Very Low

Hurricane risk

Negligible

Crime

Rank: 3.3 of 10

(crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

Violent

4 (2.9)

Property

4 (19)

Assault

5 (2.8)

Larceny (theft)

4 (15)

Robbery

(unknown; low population) (0.0)

Burglary

3 (3.7)

Rape

2 (0.16)

Auto Theft

2 (0.7)

Murder

(unknown; low population) (0.00)

Arson

4 (0.16)

Driving deaths involving alcohol

9%

Politics and Law

State politics

Blue (Democrat)

Abortion laws

Legal at any stage

Marijuana laws

Legal for recreational use

Gun Laws

Permit required for concealed carry

Democrat

22%

Republican

76%

State Tax Burden

8.29%

Cigarette Tax

$3.33

Jobs

Income (per capita)

$52,785

Unemployment

2.4%

Employment

57.6%

Hours worked

46.2

Outdoors

Natural Amenities

4.8 / 10

Water Area

0.96%

Near park?

68%

Beaches

1-3 hours

Mountains

Less than 1 hour

Tree Area

Unknown

Housing

Home Ownership

64%

Median Home Price

$247K

Average Rent

$742

Internet over 25mbps

62%

Transportation

Walkability

unknown

Cycling

unknown

Public Transit

unknown

Major Airport

>2 hours

Average Commute Time

23

Education

K-12 Test Scores

6 of 10  

(avg: 0.02)

College graduates

17%

Culture

Arts scene

unknown

Food awards per 100k

unknown