Malheur County, Oregon Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Oregon
The population of Malheur County, Oregon is 31,701 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Oregon. The median household income is $49,902, the median home value is $221,300, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Malheur County has grown 3.1% since 2010 (31,349 → 32,315), a +0.22% annualized rate.
31,701
Population
+0.22%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$49,902
Median Income
$221,300
Median Home Value
Malheur County covers 9,888 sq mi of land at 3.2 people per square mile.
About Malheur County, OR
Malheur County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. With 31,701 residents, Malheur County is a county in Oregon. It ranks #20 among counties in Oregon by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $49,902, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.4% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $221,300, with typical rent around $819.
College attainment is 15.5%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Malheur County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Malheur County had a population of 31,349 in 2010 and 32,315 in 2024, a 3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,315 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.22%.
32,315
Population (2024)
31,349
Population (2010)
32,315
Peak (2024)
0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,349 |
| 2011 | 30,964 |
| 2012 | 30,755 |
| 2013 | 30,642 |
| 2014 | 30,354 |
| 2015 | 30,228 |
| 2016 | 30,397 |
| 2017 | 30,449 |
| 2018 | 30,633 |
| 2019 | 30,698 |
| 2020 | 31,643 |
| 2021 | 31,682 |
| 2022 | 31,868 |
| 2023 | 32,262 |
| 2024 | 32,315 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
45.2%
Female
54.8%
Male
17.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,902$-30,524 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,201 |
| Per-capita income | $23,814 |
| Poverty rate | 15.4%+8.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Malheur County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
5.4%
Carpool
76.2%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
18.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,300$-232,900 vs state
Median home value
$819
Median rent
63.4%
Homeownership rate
11,678
Total housing units
86.0%
Occupied
14.0%
Vacant
36.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
46.8%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
79.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.8%
High School+
15.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Oregon
Other counties in Oregon
Part of Oregon
Metro areas in Oregon
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Malheur County, Oregon has a population of 31,701 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Oregon. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Malheur County has grown 3.1% since 2010 (31,349 → 32,315), a +0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Malheur County, Oregon is $49,902, with mean (average) household income of $68,201 and per-capita income of $23,814. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Malheur County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.6%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Malheur County, Oregon is 36.2 years. Residents are 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
The median home value in Malheur County is $221,300 and median monthly rent is $819. 63.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,678 total housing units, 14.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Malheur County, Oregon is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Portland is among the largest cities associated with Malheur County, Oregon, with a population of 642,715.
Malheur County, OR Climate
Malheur County, OR has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 257 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
257
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 26 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 21 mm |
| March | 4° / 40° | 24 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 22 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 28 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 26 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 10 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 13 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 15 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 17 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 28 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 27 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Malheur County, OR
The most comfortable months to visit Malheur County, OR are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Malheur County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.