Education, Employment and Housing
Morrow County, OR, is served by the Morrow County School District, with 6 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 87% of adults have a high school diploma, while 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—both below state averages. Graduation rates are around 85%. School safety initiatives include resource officers and bullying prevention programs. Educational programs focus on STEM and vocational training. Average school ratings range from 5 to 6 out of 10. Adult education is offered through local community colleges and online programs.
As of 2022, Morrow County, OR has an employment rate of approximately 59.6%. The largest industries are Manufacturing (33.5%), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (19.4%), and Health Care & Social Assistance (8.5%). Leading occupations include Production (21.9%), Office & Administrative Support (14.5%), and Management (10.8%). Around 71.4% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 17.6 minutes. Major employment locations include Boardman and Heppner, with many residents working locally in food processing, energy, and agricultural operations.
Morrow County, OR, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $240,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $900–$1,200 monthly. The market has seen steady appreciation, with property values rising nearly 7% year-over-year. Housing types are mostly single-family homes, plus some manufactured homes and rentals. Prominent areas include Boardman, Heppner, and Irrigon. Property tax rates average 1.05%, making taxes roughly $2,520 annually on a median-priced home. Neighborhoods are generally rural or small-town, offering a quiet, community-focused lifestyle.
County Crime & Safety
Morrow County, OR, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported approximately 170 crimes annually, with about 10 violent crimes and 160 property crimes per year. The crime rate is roughly 13.5 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement actively encourages community involvement in crime reporting, which helps maintain public safety. Overall, Morrow County is considered safer than 60% of U.S. counties, making it a secure place to live and work.
Elections
Morrow County, Oregon, had 7,094 registered voters as of November 2022, with Republicans comprising around 55%, Democrats 20%, and non-affiliated/other parties 25%. The county holds primary and general elections, with recent results showing strong Republican performance (e.g., 74% for GOP governor candidate in 2022). Major voting issues include agriculture policy and water rights. Polling locations include Heppner, Boardman, and Irrigon, and ballots can be dropped at official sites. The Morrow County Clerk’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance with state law. Voter turnout often exceeds 65% in general elections.
Demographics
As of 2023, Morrow County, Oregon, has a population of approximately 12,500. The median age is around 36 years. About 52% of residents are male and 48% female. The racial and ethnic composition is 61% White, 33% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Native American, and 5% from other or mixed races. The county has a vibrant, youthful, and diverse community driven by agriculture and food processing industries.
Popular names
- Gayle Johnson
- Maria Rodriguez
- Gayle Martin
- Alfredo Salazar
- Cory Koertje
- Edith Velasco
- Eric Hausinger
- Jordan Connell
- Jorge Lopez
- Jose Campos
- Jose Pena
- Jose Velasco
- Juan Martinez
- Lorenzo Cardenas
- Maria Mendoza
- Sandra Dieter
- Suzanne Frederickson
- Adriana Escobedo
- Alena Phillips
- Alexia Garcia
- Alyssa Garber
- Amber Gomez
- Audrey Amaral
- Barbra Keslar
- Bobbi Peck
- Brandon Smith
- Brandon Wedding
- Brian Bunch
- Brian Spivey
- Brittany Branson
- Brody Golter
- Cameron Krebs
- Charly Carbray
- Chelsea Hams
- Cody Hollis
- Colton Hanson
- David Johnson
- Dawn Atkins
- Deborah Young
- Dena Clauson
- Derina Howard
- Dorothy Larson
- Emely Garcia
- Emily Roberts
- Emily Taylor
- Francisco Barajas
- Gary Ball
- Gavin Harper
- Gerald Smith
- Glenn Pardue
- Ivan Dike
- Jaime Fuerstenberg
- James Walker
- James Young
- Jason Whitbeck
- Jennifer Lesser
- Jeromy Wilson
- Jessica Johnson
- Jesus Sanchez
- Joe Rietmann