Oregon is divided into 36 counties, the principal local government units in the state. These counties administer local services, maintain public records and courts, and oversee elections and road maintenance. The state uses the postal abbreviation OR and the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) state code 41. For official resources and further reference see Oregon county information and general state resources at state government pages.
Overview and responsibilities
Counties in Oregon operate as administrative arms of state government and provide services that are either impractical for cities to supply or are statewide in scope. Typical county duties include law enforcement (sheriff's offices), property and vital records, judicial administration at the county level, public health programs, road and bridge maintenance, planning and zoning, and administering local elections. Counties vary widely in population, geography and resource base.
History and development
The pattern of counties in Oregon developed during the 19th century as settlement expanded across the Willamette Valley, coastal areas, and the interior high desert. As communities grew, new counties were created to bring government closer to residents; boundaries were adjusted over time to reflect transportation routes, population shifts, and economic development. Many county seats date back to early pioneer towns and remain the focus of local government.
Alphabetical list of counties
- Baker
- Benton
- Clatsop
- Columbia
- Coos
- Crook
- Curry
- Deschutes
- Douglas
- Gilliam
- Grant
- Harney
- Hood River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Josephine
- Klamath
- Lake
- Lane
- Lincoln
- Linn
- Malheur
- Marion
- Morrow
- Multnomah
- Polk
- Sherman
- Tillamook
- Umatilla
- Union
- Wallowa
- Wasco
- Washington
- Wheeler
- Yamhill
Notable facts and distinctions
Among Oregon counties there are sharp contrasts: Multnomah County contains Portland and is the state's population center, while Harney County covers a very large geographic area in eastern Oregon. Marion County contains the state capital, Salem, and several coastal and Willamette Valley counties support major timber, agriculture, fishing and technology economies. For maps, demographic summaries and county-level services consult a statewide directory or the resource linked at county reference and for postal or coding details see state abbreviations and codes.