Linn County is a county located in the state of Oregon. The county was named for Lewis F. Linn, a senator from the state of Missouri, who advocated the American occupation of Oregon and was instrumental in what became the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850. As of 2000, the population is 103,069. The county seat is located at Albany.

Economy

Principal industries are wood products, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Linn County's economy relies heavily on the lumber and wood products industry; in 1990, this industry accounted for 40% of the county's manufacturing jobs. The climate and soil conditions provide one of Oregon's most diversified agriculture areas, allowing a wide variety of specialty crops such as common and perennial ryegrass. Linn County is also home to the only emery mine in the U.S., and the production of manufactured and motor homes.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,983 km² (2,310 mi²). 5,937 km² (2,292 mi²) of it is land and 47 km² (18 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.78% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 103,069 people, 39,541 households, and 28,232 families residing in the county. The population density is 17/km² (45/mi²). There are 42,521 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 93.20% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 1.27% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.80% from other races, and 2.49% from two or more races. 4.38% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 39,541 households out of which 32.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% are married couples living together, 10.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% are non-families. 23.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.58 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county, the population is spread out with 26.00% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 14.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,518, and the median income for a family is $44,188. Males have a median income of $35,586 versus $24,073 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,633. 11.40% of the population and 8.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 14.80% of those under the age of 18 and 7.10% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History

On December 28, 1847 the Provisional Legislature created Linn County from the southern portion of Champoeg (later Marion) County. The boundaries were altered in 1851 and 1854 with the creation of Lane and Wasco Counties. The county seat was originally located in Calapooia (later known as Brownsville), but in 1851 the Territorial Legislature passed an act establishing Albany as the county seat. A special election in 1856 reaffirmed Albany as the county seat.

Cities and towns

• Albany
• Brownsville
• Gates
• Halsey
• Harrisburg
• Lebanon
• Lyons
• Mill City
• Millersburg
• Scio
• Sodaville
• South Lebanon
• Sweet Home
• Tangent
• Waterloo