List of Counties in Oregon
Oregon has 36 counties. The most populous counties are Multnomah County (Portland), Washington County, Clackamas County, Lane County (Eugene), Marion County (Salem), Jackson County, Deschutes County, Yamhill County, Douglas County, and Linn County. Multnomah County is the largest by population and is home to Portland, the state’s largest city and economic hub. Washington and Clackamas counties are part of the Portland metropolitan area and are rapidly growing. Lane County, home to Eugene, is another important population center.
List of All Counties in Oregon
- Baker County, Oregon
- Benton County, Oregon
- Clackamas County, Oregon
- Clatsop County, Oregon
- Columbia County, Oregon
- Coos County, Oregon
- Crook County, Oregon
- Curry County, Oregon
- Deschutes County, Oregon
- Douglas County, Oregon
- Gilliam County, Oregon
- Grant County, Oregon
- Harney County, Oregon
- Hood River County, Oregon
- Jackson County, Oregon
- Jefferson County, Oregon
- Josephine County, Oregon
- Klamath County, Oregon
- Lake County, Oregon
- Lane County, Oregon
- Lincoln County, Oregon
- Linn County, Oregon
- Malheur County, Oregon
- Marion County, Oregon
- Morrow County, Oregon
- Multnomah County, Oregon
- Polk County, Oregon
- Sherman County, Oregon
- Tillamook County, Oregon
- Umatilla County, Oregon
- Union County, Oregon
- Wallowa County, Oregon
- Wasco County, Oregon
- Washington County, Oregon
- Wheeler County, Oregon
- Yamhill County, Oregon
Largest Counties in Oregon
1. Harney County
Overview
Harney County is the largest county in Oregon, covering 10,226 square miles. Located in the southeastern part of the state, it is bordered by Malheur County to the east, Grant County to the north, and Lake County to the west. Established in 1889, the county was named after William S. Harney, a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army. Harney County is known for its vast open landscapes, including the high desert, sagebrush plains, and Steens Mountain. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a vital stopover for migratory birds, is also located here. The county is sparsely populated and primarily focused on cattle ranching, with a growing interest in tourism due to its natural beauty.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 7,500
- County Seat: Burns
- Major Airports: Burns Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 395, Oregon Route 78
2. Malheur County
Overview
Malheur County, located in eastern Oregon, spans 9,930 square miles. It is bordered by Idaho to the east, Harney County to the west, and Grant County to the north. The county was established in 1887 and named after the Malheur River, which means “misfortune” in French, reflecting the early fur traders’ difficulties in the region. Malheur County is a largely rural and agricultural area, known for its vast expanses of farmland and ranching operations. Ontario, the county seat, serves as a commercial and transportation hub due to its proximity to Idaho and the Snake River. Agriculture, particularly onion, potato, and dairy farming, is the backbone of the county’s economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 31,000
- County Seat: Vale
- Major Airports: Ontario Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 26
3. Lake County
Overview
Lake County is located in south-central Oregon and covers 8,358 square miles. It is bordered by Klamath County to the west, Harney County to the east, and California to the south. The county was established in 1874 and named after its many lakes, including Goose Lake and Summer Lake. Lake County is a remote, high-desert region known for its natural beauty, with Steens Mountain to the east and the Fremont-Winema National Forest occupying much of the landscape. The economy is primarily based on cattle ranching, timber, and agriculture, though tourism has been growing due to the county’s wide-open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 8,000
- County Seat: Lakeview
- Major Airports: Lakeview Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 395, Oregon Route 140, Oregon Route 31
4. Klamath County
Overview
Klamath County is located in southern Oregon and spans 5,945 square miles. It is bordered by Lake County to the east, Jackson County to the west, and California to the south. The county was established in 1882 and named after the Klamath Native American tribe. Klamath County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon, and the Klamath Basin, which is a key area for migratory birds. The county’s economy has historically been based on timber, but agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy production are also significant contributors. Klamath Falls, the county seat, is a regional hub for transportation and services.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 69,000
- County Seat: Klamath Falls
- Major Airports: Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 97, U.S. Highway 395, Oregon Route 140
5. Grant County
Overview
Grant County, located in northeastern Oregon, covers 4,529 square miles. It is bordered by Harney County to the south, Malheur County to the east, and Wheeler County to the west. The county was established in 1864 and named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. Grant County is known for its rugged landscape, including the Strawberry Mountains, John Day River, and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, which attracts paleontologists and tourists alike. The economy of Grant County revolves around timber, cattle ranching, and tourism. The county seat, Canyon City, was a prominent gold mining town during the Oregon Gold Rush.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 7,000
- County Seat: Canyon City
- Major Airports: John Day State Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 395, U.S. Highway 26, Oregon Route 19
6. Douglas County
Overview
Douglas County is located in southwestern Oregon and spans 5,134 square miles. It is bordered by Lane County to the north, Jackson County to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The county was established in 1852 and named after U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas. Douglas County is known for its lush, forested landscapes, including the Umpqua National Forest, and its vast timber resources, which have historically been a major economic driver. The county seat, Roseburg, is located in the heart of the Umpqua Valley, a region increasingly known for its wine production. In addition to timber and wine, tourism and healthcare are significant industries in the county.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 112,000
- County Seat: Roseburg
- Major Airports: Roseburg Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 5, U.S. Highway 101, Oregon Route 138
7. Crook County
Overview
Crook County, located in central Oregon, covers 2,980 square miles. It is bordered by Deschutes County to the west, Jefferson County to the north, and Harney County to the south. The county was established in 1882 and named after George Crook, a U.S. Army officer known for his service during the Indian Wars. Crook County’s economy has traditionally been based on timber and ranching, though in recent years, it has diversified to include data centers and technology firms due to its low-cost energy and proximity to major fiber optic networks. The county seat, Prineville, has grown into a regional center for technology, while outdoor recreation in the Ochoco National Forest draws visitors year-round.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 24,000
- County Seat: Prineville
- Major Airports: Prineville Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 26, Oregon Route 126
8. Umatilla County
Overview
Umatilla County is located in northeastern Oregon and covers 3,231 square miles. It is bordered by the Columbia River to the north, Morrow County to the west, and Union County to the east. Established in 1862, the county was named after the Umatilla Native American tribe. Umatilla County is an important agricultural region, known for its production of wheat, potatoes, and other crops. The county also benefits from its proximity to the Columbia River, which supports irrigation and transportation. Pendleton, the county seat, is famous for the annual Pendleton Round-Up, a large rodeo event that draws visitors from across the country. In addition to agriculture, Umatilla County has a growing manufacturing and energy sector.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 80,000
- County Seat: Pendleton
- Major Airports: Eastern Oregon Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 395, U.S. Highway 30
9. Baker County
Overview
Baker County is located in northeastern Oregon and spans 3,068 square miles. It is bordered by Union County to the north, Malheur County to the south, and Idaho to the east. The county was established in 1862 and named after Edward Dickinson Baker, a U.S. Senator from Oregon who died during the Civil War. Baker County is known for its rich mining history, particularly during the Oregon Gold Rush. Today, the county’s economy is based on agriculture, mining, and tourism, with visitors drawn to the historic Baker City, the Elkhorn Mountains, and the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing are popular in the region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 16,000
- County Seat: Baker City
- Major Airports: Baker City Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 30, U.S. Highway 26
10. Deschutes County
Overview
Deschutes County is located in central Oregon and covers 3,055 square miles. It is bordered by Jefferson County to the north, Klamath County to the south, and Crook County to the east. Established in 1916, it was named after the Deschutes River, a major waterway in the region. The county has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades, particularly around Bend, the county seat, which has become a center for outdoor recreation, tourism, and technology. The county’s economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and technology, alongside its traditional reliance on tourism. Visitors are drawn to the area’s skiing, hiking, and river sports, as well as the Deschutes National Forest.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 208,000
- County Seat: Bend
- Major Airports: Redmond Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 97, U.S. Highway 20, Oregon Route 126