Grant County Public RecordsOregon

Grant County, Oregon has approximately 5,400 registered voters, with about 70% registered as Republicans, 20% Democrats, and the rest unaffiliated or minor parties. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, typically holding elections by mail-in ballots with in-person polling at the Grant County Courthouse. In the 2020 presidential election, over 75% voted Republican. Local issues often focus on land use and resource management. The county clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Oregon statutes and transparency. Voter turnout frequently exceeds 65%, reflecting high civic engagement for a rural county.

Grant County, OR, has 6 public schools, including Grant Union Jr/Sr High School. The high school graduation rate is about 90%, while only 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores are near the state average, with a GreatSchools rating of 6/10. Adult education programs are limited but available through partnerships with Blue Mountain Community College. School safety is considered above average, with low rates of incidents reported. Educational programs include FFA, vocational training, and STEM initiatives, supporting a well-rounded curriculum despite small student populations.

As of 2023, Grant County, OR, has an employment rate of approximately 53%. The top industries are healthcare and social assistance (18%), agriculture and forestry (16%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupations include management (15%), office and administrative support (11%), and farming/fishing/forestry (10%). About 84% of residents work within the county, with an average commute time of 15 minutes. Public administration also accounts for 9% of local employment, highlighting the county’s reliance on government jobs and natural resources.

Grant County, OR has a high homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $245,000 (2023). Rental vacancy rates are substantial, and median gross rent is roughly $800 per month. The housing market consists mainly of single-family homes, with few multifamily options. The area is rural, with neighborhoods centered around John Day, Canyon City, and Prairie City. Recent years have seen modest increases in property values, though the market remains affordable compared to state averages. Property taxes average 1.01% of assessed value, lower than Oregon’s state average, contributing to housing affordability.

Grant County, OR reports relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 6.3 per 1,000. The county recorded fewer than 10 violent crimes and around 60 property crimes annually. The Grant County Sheriff's Office handles local crime reporting and community safety programs. Overall, the area is considered safe, with law enforcement prioritizing community engagement and proactive patrolling to maintain low crime incidence.

As of 2022, Grant County, Oregon, has a population of approximately 7,200. The median age is about 52 years, reflecting an older demographic. Around 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (over 92%), with small percentages of Native American (about 2%), Hispanic or Latino (5%), and other races. The county has a low population density, with much of the community centered in rural areas.