Demographics
As of 2023, Curry County, OR has a population of approximately 23,600. The median age is high at 56.7 years, reflecting a predominantly older demographic. Females comprise about 50.7% of residents. Racially, the county is 89.5% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, 2.6% Native American, and 5.4% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 6.7% of the population.
Elections
Curry County, Oregon, had approximately 18,000 registered voters as of 2024, with party affiliation split roughly as 40% Republican, 25% Democrat, and the remainder nonaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include federal, state, and local races, conducted primarily by mail-in ballot; the central drop box is at the County Elections Office in Gold Beach. In recent years, Republicans have consistently won countywide offices. Election issues often focus on timber, taxes, and public safety. The County Clerk’s office oversees election administration. Voter turnout typically exceeds 65% in presidential elections, reflecting the county’s engaged electorate.
Education, Employment and Housing
Curry County, OR, serves around 2,000 K-12 students across 10 public schools, including 3 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 80%, while about 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings generally meet Oregon state standards. Educational programs include Advanced Placement, vocational training, and dual-credit courses. Adult education is offered via Southwestern Oregon Community College. Average test scores are slightly below the statewide mean, but improvement efforts are ongoing.
As of 2022, Curry County, OR has an employment rate of approximately 52.3%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (21%), retail trade (15%), and accommodation and food services (13%). Common occupations are office and administrative support (13%), sales (11%), and food preparation (10%). About 75% of workers commute less than 20 minutes, with over 80% working within the county. The majority (77%) drive alone to work, while only 1% use public transportation.
Curry County, OR, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values near $380,000 in 2023. Median monthly rent is around $1,100. The county's housing market has seen modest annual appreciation, averaging 3–4% recently. Single-family homes dominate, with some mobile homes and a smaller share of apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Brookings, Gold Beach, and Harbor. Property tax rates average 0.85% of assessed value, meaning a $380,000 home owes about $3,200 annually. The area attracts retirees and second-home buyers, sustaining demand for both ownership and rental housing.
County Crime & Safety
Curry County, OR, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 2,370 per 100,000 residents, with violent crime making up 290 per 100,000 and property crime at 2,080 per 100,000. The sheriff’s office encourages prompt crime reporting for quicker response and prevention. While violent crime is lower than Oregon’s average, property crime remains a concern, particularly theft and burglary. Community-based safety programs and increased patrols aim to further improve local safety and reduce crime rates.
Popular names
- Robert Johnson
- David Smith
- Sharon Smith
- Daniel Smith
- David Thomas
- Derrick Hatcher
- Gary Baker
- James Cook
- James Johnson
- James Miller
- James Smith
- James Turner
- Jennifer Smith
- John Miller
- Jose Lopez
- Kenneth Smith
- Linda Young
- Mary Smith
- Michael Williams
- William Randall
- Carol Cook
- Charles Johnson
- Charles Smith
- Christopher Gann
- David Clark
- David Denney
- David Williams
- Donald Johnson
- Donna Carlson
- Dustin Lea
- George Baker
- Gregory Baker
- Heather Henry
- Heather Jinks
- Heather Wilson
- Ivan Alonso
- Jack Bentley
- James Campbell
- James Davis
- James Martin
- James Moore
- Jasper Evanow
- John Baker
- Jon Werder
- Karen Williams
- Karlie Gonzalez
- Kevin Treinen
- Kristine Imperatrice
- Laurie Herrera
- Linda Smith
- Marie Williams
- Mark Smith
- Michael Smith
- Nichole Lee
- Peggy Adams
- Richard Welch
- Robert Daniels
- Robert Davis
- Robert Gardner
- Robert Jones