Benton County Public RecordsOregon

As of 2023, Benton County, OR has a population of approximately 96,000. The median age is 33.7 years. About 50.5% are female, and 49.5% are male. Racially, the county is 77% White, 10% Asian, 9% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Black or African American, 1% Native American, and 6% identifying as two or more races. The county's diversity is influenced by the presence of Oregon State University in Corvallis.

Benton County, OR, boasts high educational attainment, with 97% of adults holding a high school diploma and 52% a bachelor’s degree or higher—well above national averages. The county has 30+ public schools, including high-scoring Corvallis High School (GreatSchools rating: 9/10). School safety incidents remain low, and districts offer robust AP, STEM, and dual-credit programs. Linn-Benton Community College and Oregon State University enhance adult education offerings, supporting lifelong learning.

Benton County, OR, had an unemployment rate of 3.4% as of early 2024. Key employment sectors include education, health services (34%), professional and business services (13%), and retail trade (10%). Major employers are Oregon State University and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. About 54% of workers are in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Around 62% of residents work within the county, while many commuters come from Linn County. The average commute time is 19 minutes, with 68% driving alone and 9% carpooling. Remote work accounts for 21% of the workforce.

Benton County, OR, has a homeownership rate of about 54%, with median home values near $470,000 in 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,400. The market has seen a steady 4-5% annual appreciation recently. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, with notable neighborhoods like Corvallis, Philomath, and North Albany. Property taxes average 1.09% of assessed value. The region balances university-driven rentals (Oregon State University) and stable suburban ownership, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.

Benton County, OR, is known for its relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the property crime rate stood at approximately 1,345 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime was reported at 126 per 100,000—both significantly below Oregon's state averages. The Benton County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting, resulting in a high clearance rate for investigated crimes. Overall, the county maintains a strong emphasis on public safety through community policing and preventive programs.

Benton County, OR, had 62,840 registered voters as of November 2023, with Democrats comprising 52%, Republicans 18%, and non-affiliated/other 30%. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, overseen by the Benton County Elections Division. Recent election results show strong Democratic margins, with 68% of the 2020 presidential vote going to Joe Biden. There are 3 in-person polling locations and multiple ballot drop sites. Key issues include housing and climate policy. Elections are mainly conducted by mail, reflecting Oregon’s statewide system. Local administration focuses on accessibility and transparency in the electoral process.