Editing Sherman County, Oregon

{{short description|County in Oregon, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Sherman County
| state = Oregon
| seal = 
| founded date = February 25
| founded year = 1889
| seat wl = Moro
| largest city wl = Wasco
| area_total_sq_mi = 831
| area_land_sq_mi = 824
| area_water_sq_mi = 7.5
| area percentage = 0.9%
| district = 2nd
| named for = [[William T. Sherman]]
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_total = 1870
| pop_est_as_of = 2024
| population_est = 2002 {{increase}}
| density_sq_mi = 2.1
| ex image = Sherman county oregon courthouse.jpg
| ex image size = 240
| ex image cap = Sherman County Courthouse in Moro
| web = co.sherman.or.us
| time zone = Pacific
}}

'''Sherman County''' is one of the [[List of counties in Oregon|36 counties]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Oregon]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 1,870,<ref name="QF">{{Cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/shermancountyoregon/PST045222 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> making it the second-least populous county in Oregon after nearby [[Wheeler County, Oregon|Wheeler]]. The [[county seat]] is [[Moro, Oregon|Moro]],<ref name="GR6">{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> and the largest city is [[Wasco, Oregon|Wasco]]. The [[Oregon Geographic Names|county is named]] for [[William Tecumseh Sherman]], a [[Union Army|Union]] general in the [[American Civil War]].

==History==
[[File:Old Grain Elevator (Sherman County, Oregon scenic images) (sheD0049).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Old grain elevator in [[Kent, Oregon|Kent]]]]

As the pioneers felt crowded in the new settlements of western Oregon, they turned east to the Columbia Plateau for new opportunities. The county's first white settler was William Graham, who located at the mouth of the [[Deschutes River (Oregon)|Deschutes River]] in 1858.<ref name="Museum">[http://www.shermanmuseum.org/html/sc_county.html In the beginning], Sherman County Historical Society and Museum</ref> Homesteaders, eager for land, arrived in the 1880s by steamboat, stagecoach and wagon. Soon farmers received government patents.

As the population grew, so did the sentiment for independence from [[Wasco County, Oregon|Wasco County]].<ref name=Museum/> Sherman County was created on February 25, 1889, out of the northeast corner of Wasco County. The county's borders have been changed only once, in 1891, when the [[Oregon Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] moved the county line {{convert|18|mi|km}} farther south into Wasco County.

The town of [[Wasco, Oregon|Wasco]] was designated the county seat by the Legislative Assembly although this designation was contested between Wasco and [[Moro, Oregon|Moro]]. Following the addition of a portion of Wasco County, Moro became the eventual winner.

==Geography==
Sherman County is located in the central northern part of [[Oregon]], east of the [[Cascade Range]]. It lies between the [[John Day River]] to the east and the [[Deschutes River (Oregon)|Deschutes River]] to the west, which defines the borders of the county. On the northern border of the county is the [[Columbia River]]. Sherman County is mostly flat, being part of the [[Columbia Plateau (ecoregion)|Columbia Plateau]]; its highest point is at an unknown location at 3,004 feet (916m).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Karly Imus {{!}} The |date=February 15, 2017 |title=What's the highest point in each of Oregon's 36 counties? |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/trending/2017/02/highest_point_oregon_county.html |access-date=March 6, 2023 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|831|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|824|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|7.5|sqmi}} (0.9%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files |url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_41.txt |access-date=February 28, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Klickitat County, Washington]] - north
* [[Gilliam County, Oregon|Gilliam County]] - east
* [[Wasco County, Oregon|Wasco County]] - southwest

[[File:Sherman County.svg|alt=Map of Sherman County|thumb|Map of Sherman County]]

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 1792
|1900= 3477
|1910= 4242
|1920= 3826
|1930= 2978
|1940= 2321
|1950= 2271
|1960= 2446
|1970= 2139
|1980= 2172
|1990= 1918
|2000= 1934
|2010= 1765
|2020= 1870
|estyear=2024
|estimate=2002
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|title=County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=February 28, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu |access-date=February 28, 2015 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 27, 1995 |editor-last=Forstall |editor-first=Richard L. |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/or190090.txt |access-date=February 28, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2001 |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226035610/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |access-date=February 28, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010–2020<ref name="QF" />
}}

[[Image:Oregon Population Growth by County.png|thumb|220px|From 2000 to 2007, Sherman County lost 4.1% of its population, the second-lowest growth rate in the state.]]

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], there were 1,765 people, 777 households, and 492 families living in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{Cite web |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US41055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213031706/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US41055 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|2.1|PD/sqmi}}. There were 918 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1.1|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US41055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213185227/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US41055 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 93.4% white, 1.6% American Indian, 0.2% black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.7% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.6% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1" /> In terms of ancestry, 22.6% were [[Germans|German]], 16.5% were [[English people|English]], 13.0% were [[Irish people|Irish]], and 4.9% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{Cite web |title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US41055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213031024/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US41055 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

Of the 777 households, 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.7% were non-families, and 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.84. The median age was 48.2 years.<ref name="census-dp1" />

The median income for a household in the county was $41,354 and the median income for a family was $52,361. Males had a median income of $42,768 versus $32,386 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,688. About 13.9% of families and 20.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 38.2% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{Cite web |title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US41055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213022425/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US41055 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 1,934 people, 797 households, and 545 families living in the county.  The [[population density]] was 2 (2,3) people per square mile (1/km<sup>2</sup>).  There were 935 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile (0/km<sup>2</sup>).  The racial makeup of the county was 93.59% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.21% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 1.40% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.47% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 2.79% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.55% from two or more races.  4.86% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 20.5% were of [[German people|German]], 17.3% [[United States|American]], 11.7% [[English people|English]], 8.7% [[Irish people|Irish]] and 5.3% [[norwegian people|Norwegian]] ancestry.

There were 797 households, out of which 29.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 28.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.  The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.40% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who were 65 years of age or older.  The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 102.90 males.  For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,142, and the median income for a family was $42,563. Males had a median income of $31,207 versus $21,579 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $17,448.  About 12.30% of families and 14.60% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.

==Government and infrastructure==
The Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility (Norcor), a short-term jail, serves Sherman, [[Gilliam County, Oregon|Gilliam]], [[Hood River County, Oregon|Hood River]], and [[Wasco County, Oregon|Wasco]] counties.<ref>"[http://www.norcor.co.wasco.or.us/ Norcor Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124033718/http://www.norcor.co.wasco.or.us/ |date=November 24, 2011 }}." Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility. Retrieved on November 22, 2011.</ref> Although Sherman County is located in Central Oregon, its politics are more-aligned with the eastern parts of the state with most of its voters being affiliated with the Republican Party. No Democrat has carried this county in a presidential election since [[Lyndon Johnson]] in 1964. The last time a Democrat had won over 400 votes here was in 1996 with [[Bill Clinton]], who lost the county to [[Bob Dole]] by a margin of 32 votes.
{{PresHead|place=Sherman County, Oregon|source=<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |access-date=April 11, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|890|233|40|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|921|260|27|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|732|202|83|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|678|319|29|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|634|385|28|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|694|390|20|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|679|326|57|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|476|444|147|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|424|362|330|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|555|435|26|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|828|398|1|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|677|389|104|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|567|491|51|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|677|330|36|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|646|384|59|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|494|859|0|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|659|506|0|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|671|420|0|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|747|355|5|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|532|454|14|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|475|518|3|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|575|670|3|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|337|823|53|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|423|665|24|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|759|375|10|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|756|367|229|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|893|423|46|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|717|747|66|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1912|Republican|244|232|224|Oregon}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|437|252|61|Oregon}}
{{PresFoot|1904|Republican|701|163|122|Oregon}}

==Economy==
Sherman County is predominantly an agricultural county, its economy receiving some aid from ranching and tourism. Its farms primarily produce wheat and barley.  It is also home to the [[Biglow Canyon Wind Farm]], the largest project of its kind in Oregon.<ref>Hill, Gail Kinsey. Wind farm in gorge may blow others away. ''[[The Oregonian]]''. August 1, 2005.</ref>

Press reports indicate the county workforce is fewer than one thousand. Of these, 143 are employed by the federal government, the highest proportion of any county in the state.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Aimee |title=‘If you just came here to yell, I can leave,’ Trump-supporting Oregon congressman tells crowd of angry rural voter |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/03/if-you-just-came-here-to-yell-i-can-leave-trump-supporting-oregon-congressman-tells-crowd-of-angry-rural-voters.html |access-date=4 March 2025 |agency=The Oregonian |date=2 March 2025}}</ref>

==Communities==

===Cities===
* [[Grass Valley, Oregon|Grass Valley]]
* [[Moro, Oregon|Moro]] (county seat)
* [[Rufus, Oregon|Rufus]]
* [[Wasco, Oregon|Wasco]]

===Census-designated place===
* [[Biggs Junction, Oregon|Biggs Junction]]

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col}}
* [[De Moss Springs, Oregon|De Moss Springs]]
* [[Erskine, Oregon|Erskine]]
* [[Harmony, Oregon|Harmony]]
* [[Hay Canyon, Oregon|Hay Canyon]]
* [[Kent, Oregon|Kent]]
* [[Klondike, Oregon|Klondike]]
* [[Locust Grove, Oregon|Locust Grove]]
* [[Rutledge, Oregon|Rutledge]]
* [[McDonald, Oregon|McDonald]]
* [[Monkland, Oregon|Monkland]]
{{Div col end}}

===Former communities===
{{div col}}
* [[Early, Oregon|Early]]
* [[Boardman, Sherman County, Oregon|Boardman]]
* [[Biglow, Oregon|Biglow]]
* [[Emigrant Springs, Oregon|Emigrant Springs]]
* [[Lone Rock, Oregon|Lone Rock]]
* [[Webfoot, Oregon|Webfoot]]
{{Div col end}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Oregon}}
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Sherman County, Oregon]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* Giles French, ''The Golden land : a history of Sherman County, Oregon.''Portland, OR: Champoeg Press, 1958.
* Sherman County Historical Society, ''A Guide to Oregon Trails in Sherman County, Oregon.'' Moro, OR: Sherman County Historical Society, 1993.
* [https://archive.org/details/illustratedhist00shav ''An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, and Klamath Counties, State of Oregon.''] Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905.

==Newspapers==
* Current - The Times-Journal
''Moro Bulletin.''
* ''Moro Leader.'' <small>(1898— )</small>
* ''Moro Observer''/''Sherman County Observer.'' <small>(1897—1931)</small>
* ''Sherman County Journal.'' <small>(1931— )</small>
* ''Sherman County News.'' <small>(1927— )</small>

{{coord|45.41|-120.69|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-OR_source:UScensus1990}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Sherman County, Oregon
|North     = [[Klickitat County, Washington]]
|Northeast = 
|East      = [[Gilliam County, Oregon|Gilliam County]]
|Southeast = 
|South     = [[Wasco County, Oregon|Wasco County]]
|Southwest = 
|West      = [[Wasco County, Oregon|Wasco County]]
|Northwest = 
}}

{{Sherman County, Oregon}}
{{Oregon}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Sherman County, Oregon| ]]
[[Category:1889 establishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1889]]
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]