Sherman County Public RecordsOregon

Sherman County, Oregon, had an estimated population of 1,695 in 2023. The median age is around 50.6 years, reflecting an older demographic. Approximately 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (over 90%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (about 6%), and other races composing less than 2%. This population is largely rural, with limited racial diversity and a trend towards aging.

Sherman County, Oregon, with around 1,600 residents, had 1,146 registered voters as of 2022: 62% Republican, 20% Democrat, and 18% non-affiliated. The county conducts all-mail elections, consistent with Oregon’s statewide system, with a single official drop site: the County Courthouse in Moro. Recent general elections favored Republican candidates, e.g., 75% for Donald Trump in 2020. The County Clerk’s Office oversees election administration. Common local issues involve agriculture, rural healthcare, and school funding. Voter participation is typically high, exceeding 80% in presidential elections. The political landscape is solidly conservative Republican.

Sherman County, OR, has one K-12 public school: Sherman County School, serving about 250 students, with a graduation rate of 93%. There are no colleges in the county, and only 24% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ranks above Oregon’s average, with minimal incidents reported yearly. Educational programming includes dual-credit and CTE options. Local schools’ average test scores are near the state average (about 60% proficiency in math and reading). Adult education options are limited, mostly online or in nearby counties.

As of 2023, Sherman County, OR has an employment rate of approximately 59%. Primary employment sectors include agriculture (28%), education and healthcare (20%), and construction (12%). Leading occupation types are management (18%), farming/fishing/forestry (15%), and office/administrative support (13%). About 65% of employed residents commute to work, with an average commute time of 17 minutes. Most employment locations are within county boundaries, with some residents traveling to neighboring Wasco and Gilliam counties for work.

Sherman County, OR, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $205,000 in 2023, up from $170,000 in 2020. Median gross rent is approximately $850 per month. Housing in the county mainly consists of single-family homes and farmhouses, with few multi-unit properties. Prominent communities include Moro, Wasco, and Grass Valley. Property tax rates average 1.0–1.2%, resulting in annual taxes of about $2,000 for a median-valued home. The housing market is stable, though inventory is limited, leading to steady but moderate price growth.

Sherman County, OR, consistently reports among the lowest crime rates statewide. According to the Oregon State Police 2022 report, Sherman County had just 3 reported crimes (2 property, 1 violent) and 0 murders for the entire year, with a crime rate of 27.2 per 10,000 residents—significantly below the state average. Due to its rural character and small population (about 1,800), law enforcement presence is limited, but crime remains rare. Statistics reflect effective community engagement and prompt, transparent reporting by the Sherman County Sheriff's Office.