Clatsop County, Oregon

Clatsop County (/ˈklætsəp/) is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, the population was 41,072.[1] The county seat is Astoria.[2] The county is named for the Clatsop tribe of Native Americans, who lived along the coast of the Pacific Ocean prior to European settlement. Clatsop County comprises the Astoria, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area, or Sunset Empire, and is located in Northwest Oregon.

Clatsop County
County
Clatsop County Courthouse in Astoria
Clatsop County Courthouse in Astoria
Official seal of Clatsop County
Seal
Map of Oregon highlighting Clatsop County
Location within the U.S. state of Oregon
Map of the United States highlighting Oregon
Oregon's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46.01°N 123.71°W / 46.01; -123.71
Country United States
State Oregon
FoundedJune 22, 1844
Named forClatsop Tribe
SeatAstoria
Largest cityAstoria
Area
 • Total1,084 sq mi (2,810 km2)
 • Land829 sq mi (2,150 km2)
 • Water255 sq mi (660 km2)  24%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total41,072
 • Estimate 
(2022)
41,695 Increase
 • Density38/sq mi (15/km2)
Congressional district1st
Websitewww.co.clatsop.or.us
Map of Clatsop County
Map of Clatsop County

History

The Lewis and Clark Expedition stayed for the winter of 1805–6 in the area, establishing Fort Clatsop as one of the earliest American structures on the west coast of North America. Astoria, Oregon's oldest settlement, was established as a fur trading post in 1811 and named after John Jacob Astor.

Clatsop County was created from the northern and western portions of the original Twality District on June 22, 1844. Until the creation of Vancouver District five days later, Clatsop County extended north across the Columbia into present-day Washington. The Provisional and Territorial Legislatures further altered Clatsop County's boundaries in 1845 and 1853.

Before 1850 most of Clatsop County's government activity occurred in Lexington, a community located where Warrenton is now. However, commercial and social activities came to center on Astoria as that city grew, and an election in 1854 chose Astoria to be the new county seat.

Fort Stevens, located near the peninsula formed by the south shore of the Columbia river and the Pacific Ocean, became the only continental US military installation attacked in World War II, when submarine I-25 of the Imperial Japanese Navy fired 17 rounds at the base on June 21, 1942. The submarine escaped when the order was given not to return fire with the 10-inch (250 mm) shore guns. While the damage caused was slight (reportedly only a baseball backstop was damaged and a powerline severed), the presence of the enemy ship sowed panic along the Pacific coast of the United States, and other minor attacks occurred elsewhere in the region, including Vancouver Island.

In 1975, Clatsop County commissioners considered seceding from Oregon and becoming a part of Washington.[3] The movement was based on disagreements residents of the county had with Governor Bob Straub.[4] The movement was created after Alumax Corporation canceled their plans to build a plant in the county.[5] Some residents, including two county commissioners, blamed the Oregon Governor for the relocation of the plant.[5] The State of Washington's Governor, Daniel J. Evans, said the county was not welcome in the state [4] and Clatsop County commissioners later abandoned the idea.[3]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,084 square miles (2,810 km2), of which 829 square miles (2,150 km2) is land and 255 square miles (660 km2) (24%) is water.[6] The highest point is Saddle Mountain at 3,283 feet (1,001 m), part of the Northern Oregon Coast Range.[7]

Major highways

National protected areas

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850462—
18604987.8%
18701,255152.0%
18807,222475.5%
189010,01638.7%
190012,76527.4%
191016,10626.2%
192023,03043.0%
193021,124−8.3%
194024,69716.9%
195030,77624.6%
196027,380−11.0%
197028,4734.0%
198032,48914.1%
199033,3012.5%
200035,6307.0%
201037,0394.0%
202041,07210.9%
2022 (est.)41,695[8]1.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12] 2010-2020[1]

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 37,039 people, 15,742 households, and 9,579 families living in the county.[13] The population density was 44.7 inhabitants per square mile (17.3/km2). There were 21,546 housing units at an average density of 26.0 units per square mile (10.0 units/km2).[14] The racial makeup of the county was 90.9% white, 1.2% Asian, 1.0% American Indian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.2% Pacific islander, 3.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 7.7% of the population.[13] In terms of ancestry, 22.8% were German, 15.4% were English, 14.2% were Irish, 8.9% were American, and 7.5% were Norwegian.[15]

Of the 15,742 households, 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 39.2% were non-families, and 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.85. The median age was 43.2 years.[13]

The median income for a household in the county was $42,223 and the median income for a family was $52,339. Males had a median income of $40,741 versus $28,463 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,347. About 9.6% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.[16]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 35,630 people, 14,703 households, and 9,454 families living in the county. The population density was 43 people per square mile (17 people/km2). There were 19,685 housing units at an average density of 24 units per square mile (9.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.14% White or European American, 0.52% Black or African American, 1.03% Native American, 1.21% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 2.30% from two or more races. 4.48% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.3% were of German, 10.8% English, 10.4% Irish, 9.3% American and 6.5% Norwegian ancestry.

There were 14,703 households, out of which 28.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.60% were married couples living together, 9.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.70% were non-families. 29.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.70% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 25.30% from 25 to 44, 26.60% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,301, and the median income for a family was $44,575. Males had a median income of $32,153 versus $22,479 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,515. About 9.10% of families and 13.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.80% of those under age 18 and 8.00% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is a popular tourist destination in Oregon.

The principal industries of Clatsop County are manufacturing, travel (primarily tourism), and trade.[17][18] Fishing and timber are still important but contribute proportionally less to the county's employment and income than they used to. The county's average nonfarm employment was 17,480 in 2007. About 30% of the lands within the county boundaries belong to the state of Oregon, as part of the state forests. The Port of Astoria was created in 1914 to support trade and commerce.

Tourism

Astoria, Oregon, the county seat, has multiple tourist attractions including the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, Fort Clatsop, the Uppertown Firefighters Museum, and Columbia River Maritime Museum.[19] Seaside, Oregon, noted as Oregon's oldest ocean resort community,[20] also has multiple tourist attractions including, the Seaside Aquarium, and the Seaside Historical Society Museum. Tourism is noted as one of the major forces in Clatsop County's economy.[20]

Communities

Cities

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Politics

Like all of the northern Oregon coast, Clatsop County was consistently Republican up to and including the 1928 election,[21] except in 1912 when third-party former President Theodore Roosevelt won by one vote with the lowest percentage for a winning candidate in any county since the Civil War.[22] Since Franklin D. Roosevelt won the county in 1932 Clatsop has generally been carried by the Democratic candidate in Presidential elections. The only exception to this is Dwight D. Eisenhower who won the county twice, making this Oregon county the one to have gone the longest without supporting a Republican nominee.[21] However, George McGovern won by just nineteen votes in 1972,[23] and Walter Mondale by a mere three votes (or 0.019887 percent) in 1984.[24]

In gubernatorial elections, the county has been won by the Democratic Party candidate since 1982, starting with a streak of seven consecutive elections with the Democratic Party carrying Clatsop County. That winning streak ended in 2014, with GOP Gubernatorial candidate, Dennis Richardson unexpectedly carrying Clatsop County with a final vote total of 6,550 votes (46.33 percent) for the Republican and 6,449 votes (45.62 percent) cast for the Democrat and future governor-elect, John Kitzhaber[25]

Clatsop County is located in Oregon's 1st congressional district, which has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+18 and is represented by Suzanne Bonamici. In the Oregon State Senate it is represented by Republican Suzanne Weber. In the Oregon House of Representatives it is represented by Republican Cyrus Javadi.

United States presidential election results for Clatsop County, Oregon[26]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 10,218 42.74% 12,916 54.02% 776 3.25%
2016 8,138 41.39% 9,252 47.05% 2,274 11.56%
2012 7,249 40.68% 9,861 55.34% 708 3.97%
2008 7,192 38.78% 10,701 57.69% 655 3.53%
2004 8,503 44.04% 10,461 54.18% 345 1.79%
2000 6,950 42.19% 8,296 50.36% 1,228 7.45%
1996 5,334 34.63% 7,732 50.19% 2,339 15.18%
1992 4,683 27.86% 7,700 45.80% 4,429 26.34%
1988 5,956 41.60% 8,074 56.40% 286 2.00%
1984 7,522 49.86% 7,525 49.88% 38 0.25%
1980 6,124 40.94% 6,482 43.33% 2,353 15.73%
1976 6,178 45.37% 6,690 49.13% 748 5.49%
1972 5,998 47.43% 6,017 47.58% 632 5.00%
1968 5,810 45.61% 6,243 49.01% 685 5.38%
1964 4,023 32.41% 8,371 67.44% 19 0.15%
1960 6,286 48.86% 6,530 50.75% 50 0.39%
1956 6,616 50.94% 6,372 49.06% 0 0.00%
1952 7,569 56.02% 5,814 43.03% 128 0.95%
1948 5,076 44.87% 5,574 49.27% 663 5.86%
1944 3,921 39.09% 6,038 60.19% 72 0.72%
1940 3,758 35.74% 6,686 63.59% 70 0.67%
1936 2,261 25.60% 6,267 70.96% 304 3.44%
1932 2,570 34.46% 4,473 59.98% 414 5.55%
1928 4,087 63.33% 2,208 34.21% 159 2.46%
1924 3,313 56.33% 1,373 23.35% 1,195 20.32%
1920 3,498 61.40% 1,687 29.61% 512 8.99%
1916 2,568 49.44% 2,239 43.11% 387 7.45%
1912 722 26.98% 728 27.20% 1,226 45.81%
1908 1,482 59.78% 658 26.54% 339 13.67%
1904 1,408 68.68% 336 16.39% 306 14.93%
1900 1,329 62.63% 688 32.42% 105 4.95%
1896 1,849 60.56% 1,135 37.18% 69 2.26%
1892 1,148 48.89% 713 30.37% 487 20.74%
1888 1,060 60.30% 647 36.80% 51 2.90%
1884 872 56.22% 670 43.20% 9 0.58%
1880 536 55.26% 434 44.74% 0 0.00%

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  3. "Clatsop County changes plans". Ellensburg Daily Record. Associated Press. March 23, 1975. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  4. "Clatson 'not welcome'". Tri City Herald. Associated Press. March 23, 1975. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  5. "They want out". Ellensburg Daily Record. March 18, 1975. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  6. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  7. "Saddle Mountain, Oregon". Peakbagger.com.
  8. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  9. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  10. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  11. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  12. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  13. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  14. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  15. "DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  16. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  17. "Welcome - QualityInfo". www.qualityinfo.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  18. Analysis, US Department of Commerce, BEA, Bureau of Economic. "Bureau of Economic Analysis". www.bea.gov. Retrieved April 10, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. "Astoria Travel Guide". WorldWeb. astoria-or.worldweb.com. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  20. "About Clatsop County". co.clatsop.or.us. Archived from the original on February 23, 2010. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  21. Menendez, Albert J. (2005). The Geography of Presidential Elections in the United States, 1868-2004. London: Jefferson: McFarland & Company. pp. 284–285. ISBN 0786422173. OCLC 750587959.
  22. David Leip. "Dave Leip's US Election Atlas - 1912 Presidential Election Statistics". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  23. David Leip. "Dave Leip's US Election Atlas - 1972 Presidential General Election Data Graphs: Oregon". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  24. David Leip. "Dave Leip's US Election Atlas - 1984 Presidential General Election Data Graphs: Oregon". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  25. David Leip. "Gubernatorial General Election Map Comparison: Oregon (1982-2014)". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  26. David Leip. "Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections - 2016 Presidential General Election Results". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.

Further reading
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