Demographics

As of 2023, Douglas County, OR has about 112,000 residents. The median age is 47.6 years, with 22% aged 65 or older. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county is 89% White, 2% Native American, 1% Asian, 0.5% Black, and 7% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The area remains predominantly non-Hispanic White, though the Hispanic population is gradually increasing.

Elections

Douglas County, OR, had 75,423 registered voters for the November 2022 general election. Elections include federal, state, county, and local races, with recent results showing about 68% turnout; Republicans dominate, winning 63% of the presidential vote in 2020. Polling locations include 20 ballot drop sites, as Oregon conducts elections by mail. Key issues include timber industry regulation and rural development. The Douglas County Clerk’s office administers elections, with major parties being Republican and Democrat; as of 2022, 49% registered Republican, 22% Democrat, and 29% unaffiliated/other.

Education, Employment and Housing

Douglas County, OR, has 16 public high schools and one community college (Umpqua Community College). About 87.4% of adults aged 25+ have a high school diploma, while 16.6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2022). Average high school graduation rates hover around 80%. School safety measures vary, with most public schools implementing regular drills and resource officers. Educational programs include career-technical pathways and college credit courses. Test scores for math and reading are below the Oregon state average, often ranking in the 30th–40th percentile statewide. Adult education options are offered through Umpqua Community College.

As of 2023, Douglas County, OR, had an employment rate of approximately 55%. The main industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (15%), Retail Trade (14%), and Manufacturing (13%). Major occupation types include Office & Administrative Support (13%), Sales (11%), and Production (10%). The median commute time is about 19 minutes, with over 80% of workers driving alone. Most employment centers are concentrated in Roseburg, the county seat, while a significant portion of residents commute to neighboring counties for work.

Douglas County, OR, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $310,000 as of early 2024—a 9% year-over-year increase. Median monthly rent is roughly $1,150. Housing stock consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and manufactured homes. Popular neighborhoods include Roseburg, Sutherlin, and Winston. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, lower than state average. New construction remains steady but limited, fueling a competitive market. Rental demand is rising due to population growth and affordability concerns.

County Crime & Safety

Douglas County, OR, experiences a higher-than-average crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the county reported approximately 2,800 property crimes and 380 violent crimes in 2023, translating to a property crime rate of 24.5 and violent crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage public reporting, contributing to reliable data collection. Despite proactive policing and community outreach, safety remains a concern, with burglary, theft, and drug-related offenses being the most prevalent reported crimes.