Union County Public RecordsOregon

As of 2022, Union County, Oregon, has an estimated population of about 26,200. The population is roughly 50.5% male and 49.5% female, with a median age around 41 years. About 87.5% of residents are White, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. Approximately 20% of the population is under 18, while 19% are 65 and older, indicating a balanced age distribution.

Union County, Oregon, had 16,208 registered voters as of 2024, with Republican (about 55%) and non-affiliated (27%) dominating registrations. Election types include primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout around 65%. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received 68% of the vote, Democrats 28%. There are 8 polling locations, plus vote-by-mail options. Key issues include public land use and education funding. The County Clerk’s office oversees election administration. Major local parties are Republican, Democratic, and Independent Party of Oregon.

Union County, OR, has around 17 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving approximately 2,400 students. High school graduation rates average 84%, while about 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. School safety scores are consistently above 80/100, and schools offer career and technical education, Advanced Placement (AP), and adult education programs via partnerships with Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. Programs emphasize STEM, arts, and agricultural education, reflecting the community’s needs.

As of 2022, Union County, OR, reported an employment rate of 57.7%. Top industries include health care and social assistance (20.2%), educational services (13.7%), and retail trade (11.1%). Major occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (31.4%), and service occupations (20.9%). The average commute time is 14.5 minutes, with 83.2% driving alone to work. Most residents work locally, with La Grande as the primary employment hub, while a minority commute to neighboring Umatilla County.

Union County, OR, has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with median home values at approximately $255,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $900–$1,100 monthly. Housing includes single-family homes, rural properties, and apartments, with neighborhoods like La Grande being popular. Property values have risen 7% in the past year. Property tax rates average 1.11% of assessed value. The area offers affordable options compared to Oregon’s average, attracting families and retirees.

Union County, Oregon, experiences relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the county recorded a violent crime rate of 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 15 per 1,000, both below state averages. Most reported crimes involve theft and burglary. Local law enforcement encourages prompt crime reporting, contributing to a high clearance rate of around 30% for property offenses and 50% for violent crimes, fostering a sense of community safety and trust.