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Population Review

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.

Malheur County within Oregon · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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 is a county in Oregon with a population of 31,701. It ranks #20 among counties in Oregon by population. The median age is 36.2, younger than the national median. The population is 54.8% male and 45.2% female.

The median household income in Malheur County is $49,902, below the US median of $74,580. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $221,300, with monthly rent averaging $819. The homeownership rate of 63.4% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Malheur County reflects 15.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.6 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%.

2024 · 32K20102024

32,315

Population (2024)

31,349

Population (2010)

32,315

Peak (2024)

0.22%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201031,349
201130,964
201230,755
201330,642
201430,354
201530,228
201630,397
201730,449
201830,633
201930,698
202031,643
202131,682
202231,868
202332,262
202432,315

Race & Ethnicity

White73.6%
Black or African American1.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.6%
Two or More Races0.1%

Age & Sex

36.2

Median Age

45.2%

Female

54.8%

Male

17.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.3%
5–9
6.7%
10–14
8.0%
15–19
7.4%
20–24
6.3%
25–34
13.7%
35–44
12.2%
45–54
11.3%
55–59
5.3%
60–64
5.9%
65–74
9.9%
75–84
4.8%
85+
2.4%

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 rate15.4%+8.1% vs state
Unemployment rate2.6%
Employment-to-population48.1%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.3%
Agriculture
13.7%
Education & health care
12.1%
Manufacturing
10.6%
Public administration
6.8%
Finance & real estate
5.8%
Construction
4.6%
Retail trade
4.5%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.