Demographics
As of 2023, Hood River County, OR has an estimated population of 24,800. The median age is around 41 years. Approximately 50.3% of residents are male and 49.7% female. Racially, the population is about 72% White, 0.9% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.7% Black, and 19.8% from other races; 32% identify as Hispanic or Latino. Hood River is known for its diverse and growing community.
Elections
Hood River County, Oregon, has about 17,500 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with about 68% turnout in recent general elections. The county administers all elections by mail, with official drop sites in Hood River, Cascade Locks, and Parkdale. Key issues include land use and agriculture. In 2022, Democrats held a registration lead (approx. 38%), followed by unaffiliated (32%), and Republicans (27%). Election administration is handled by the County Clerk’s office, ensuring secure ballots and timely results.
Education, Employment and Housing
Hood River County, OR, serves around 4,000 K-12 students across 8 public schools, including Hood River Valley High School. Approximately 88% of high school students graduate, while 37% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district offers Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, and adult education programs are available through Columbia Gorge Community College. Schools maintain above-average safety scores and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. Educational programs emphasize bilingual education and STEM enrichment.
Hood River County, Oregon, had an employment rate of approximately 61.4% in 2022. Major employment sectors include agriculture (notably fruit crops), tourism, health care, and manufacturing; for example, about 19% work in agriculture, 12% in accommodation and food services, and 14% in manufacturing. Common occupations are in production (14%), management (13%), and sales (10%). Around 70% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 20 minutes; roughly 55% work within the county, while others commute to neighboring Multnomah and Wasco counties.
Hood River County, OR, features a homeownership rate around 68%, with median home values near $570,000 as of 2024. Median rent stands at approximately $1,500 monthly. The market has seen home values rise over 7% year-over-year. Housing types range from historic homes in downtown Hood River to modern developments and rural properties. Popular neighborhoods include The Heights and Westcliff. Property taxes average 1-1.2% of assessed value. The area attracts both residents and vacationers, contributing to high demand and limited housing supply.
County Crime & Safety
Hood River County, OR, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 1.9 per 1,000 residents, with property crimes at 13.5 per 1,000 residents, according to Oregon State Police data. The county reported 34 violent crimes and 236 property crimes that year. Public safety agencies encourage prompt crime reporting and active community involvement, contributing to effective law enforcement and a strong sense of security among residents.
Popular names
- Maria Lopez
- Curtis Scott
- Jose Garcia
- Maria Marquez
- Maria Rodriguez
- Mukesh Patel
- Jose Rivera
- Juan Garcia
- Juan Martinez
- Linda Gray
- Alisha Mooney
- Curtis Sanders
- Daisy Garcia
- David Porter
- Flores Castillo
- Guadalupe Munoz
- Jose Flores
- Jose Ortiz
- Jose Rodriguez
- Juan Rivera
- Linda Gomez
- Mary Smith
- Oscar Avalos
- Randall Johnson
- Adam Sigl
- Alan Smith
- Alex Johnson
- Andy Haynes
- Angel Reyes
- Angie Green
- Austin Reed
- Barbara Miller
- Bobby Green
- Bonnie Williams
- Brenda Meyers
- Brian Smith
- Carlos Marquez
- Charles Moore
- Charlotte Peters
- Claudia Rosales
- David Martin
- David Thompson
- David Webster
- Ilias Gjino
- Isaiah Lee
- Jacob Williams
- James Grant
- James Miller
- Jeffrey Miller
- Jenna Miller
- Jennifer Gray
- Jennifer Moore
- Jeremy Belcher
- Jesus Carrasco
- Jesus Munoz
- John Burton
- Jose Martinez
- Jose Munoz
- Jose Ramirez
- Joyce Gidley