Demographics

As of 2023, Coos County, OR, has a population of approximately 64,500. The median age is about 49 years, reflecting a relatively older population. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (86.9%), with Native Americans (3.3%), people identifying as two or more races (6.1%), and smaller percentages of Asian (1.2%), Black (0.8%), and Hispanic/Latino residents (7%).

Elections

Coos County, Oregon, has approximately 41,000 registered voters as of 2024, with about 38% Republican, 29% Democrat, 27% non-affiliated, and the remainder in other parties. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, conducted primarily by mail as per Oregon law. In the 2020 presidential election, 59% voted Republican, 36% Democrat. Key issues include timber industry jobs and coastal management. Ballot drop sites and the county clerk’s office serve as polling locations. The Coos County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance and security in a politically diverse landscape.

Education, Employment and Housing

Coos County, OR has around 32 public schools, including 7 high schools. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 5/10, according to GreatSchools. The area offers adult education programs through Southwestern Oregon Community College. School safety varies; incidents are generally below national averages. Educational programs include STEM, CTE, and music.

As of 2023, Coos County, OR has an employment rate of approximately 54.8%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (20.2%), retail trade (14.1%), and accommodation and food services (11.1%). The most common occupations are in office and administrative support (12.9%) and sales (10.8%). About 77% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 17.4 minutes. While most residents work within Coos County, around 11% commute to neighboring counties for employment.

Coos County, OR, had a 2022 homeownership rate of about 68%. The median home value was approximately $295,000, rising 5% year-over-year. Median monthly rent was around $1,100. Single-family homes dominate, but some duplexes and apartments exist. Popular neighborhoods include Coos Bay’s Empire and North Bend’s Ferry Road Park area. Property tax rates average 1.06%, equaling about $3,127/year on a median-priced home. The housing market remains competitive, with limited inventory and moderate price increases.

County Crime & Safety

Coos County, OR, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 250 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,220 per 100,000 in 2022. While overall crime has declined slightly in recent years, property crimes, including burglary and theft, still occur above the national average. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting and engagement, which has led to improved response times and safety initiatives throughout the region.