Ontario is a city located in Malheur County, Oregon. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 10,985. The city is largest community in the region of far eastern Oregon, commonly known as the "Western Treasure Valley", along the Snake River near the Idaho border. The region's primary industry is the cultivation of russet potatoes, sugar beets, and onions, which provides the major basis of the city's economy.

The city is approximately halfway between Portland and Salt Lake City. It is the closest city to the Idaho border along Interstate 84. The city's slogan is "Where Oregon begins".

History

Main Street (now Ontario Street) looking south, c. early 1920s

Ontario was founded on 11 June, 1883 developers by William Morfitt, Mary Richardson, Daniel Smith, and James W. Virtue, in anticipation of a railroad planned to go through that part of the state. It was named after Mr. Virtue's home province of Ontario, Canada.

Ontario was incorporated in 1896.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.6 km² (4.5 mi²). 11.6 km² (4.5 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 10,985 people, 4,084 households, and 2,634 families residing in the city. The population density is 948.8/km² (2,459.3/mi²). There are 4,436 housing units at an average density of 383.2/km² (993.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 69.27% White, 0.55% African American, 0.88% Native American, 2.69% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 23.09% from other races, and 3.39% from two or more races. 32.05% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 4,084 households out of which 35.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% are married couples living together, 13.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% are non-families. 30.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.63 and the average family size is 3.30.

In the city the population is spread out with 30.5% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $29,173, and the median income for a family is $35,625. Males have a median income of $29,775 versus $21,967 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,683. 20.8% of the population and 16.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 29.0% of those under the age of 18 and 14.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• Ontario Chamber of Commerce
• Welcome to Ontario, Oregon
• Ontario on stateoforegon.com
• Information on agriculture, weather, local links, etc.