Wasco County, Oregon Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Oregon
The population of Wasco County, Oregon is 26,603 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Oregon. The median household income is $63,602, the median home value is $332,500, and the median age is 40.5.
The population of Wasco County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (25,282 → 26,507), a +0.34% annualized rate.
26,603
Population
+0.34%
Annual growth
11
People / sq mi
$63,602
Median Income
$332,500
Median Home Value
Wasco County covers 2,381 sq mi of land at 11.2 people per square mile.
About Wasco County, OR
In Wasco County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $332,500. Wasco County is a county in Oregon with a population of 26,603. It ranks #22 among counties in Oregon by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $63,602 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $332,500, with typical rent around $978.
21.8% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 6.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Wasco County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Wasco County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wasco County had a population of 25,282 in 2010 and 26,507 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,707 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.34%.
26,507
Population (2024)
25,282
Population (2010)
26,707
Peak (2021)
0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,282 |
| 2011 | 25,217 |
| 2012 | 25,375 |
| 2013 | 25,329 |
| 2014 | 25,276 |
| 2015 | 25,469 |
| 2016 | 25,791 |
| 2017 | 26,296 |
| 2018 | 26,346 |
| 2019 | 26,532 |
| 2020 | 26,610 |
| 2021 | 26,707 |
| 2022 | 26,535 |
| 2023 | 26,402 |
| 2024 | 26,507 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.5
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,602$-16,824 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,342 |
| Per-capita income | $36,582 |
| Poverty rate | 6.1%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wasco County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
18.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$332,500$-121,700 vs state
Median home value
$978
Median rent
66.2%
Homeownership rate
12,102
Total housing units
86.0%
Occupied
14.0%
Vacant
33.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.5%
With health insurance
94.6%
With broadband internet
36.6%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.9%
With a disability
82.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.9%
High School+
21.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Oregon
Other counties in Oregon
Part of Oregon
Metro areas in Oregon
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wasco County, Oregon has a population of 26,603 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Oregon. Population density is 11 people per square mile.
The population of Wasco County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (25,282 → 26,507), a +0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wasco County, Oregon is $63,602, with mean (average) household income of $91,342 and per-capita income of $36,582. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wasco County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wasco County, Oregon is 40.5 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Wasco County is $332,500 and median monthly rent is $978. 66.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,102 total housing units, 14.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wasco County, Oregon is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.7%.
Portland is among the largest cities associated with Wasco County, Oregon, with a population of 642,715.
Wasco County, OR Climate
Wasco County, OR has an average annual temperature of 10.7°C (51°F) and receives about 367 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.7°C
Avg Temp
367
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 56 mm |
| February | 4° / 38° | 38 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 31 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 24 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 23 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 19 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 9 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 13 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 17 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 25 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 55 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 57 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 Wasco County, OR
The most comfortable months to visit Wasco County, OR are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wasco County
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Top-rated places to stay near Wasco County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Oregon
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.