Multnomah County | |
|---|---|
 Seal  Logo | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofOregon | |
 Oregon's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:45°32′N122°25′W / 45.54°N 122.41°W /45.54; -122.41 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Oregon |
| Founded | December 22, 1854 |
| Named after | Multnomah people |
| Seat | Portland |
| Largest city | Portland |
| Area | |
• Total | 466 sq mi (1,210 km2) |
| • Land | 431 sq mi (1,120 km2) |
| • Water | 34 sq mi (88 km2) 7.4% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 815,428 |
• Estimate (2024) | 795,897 |
| • Density | 1,890/sq mi (730/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
| Congressional districts | 1st,3rd,5th |
| Website | www |
Multnomah County/mʌltˈnoʊmə/ is one of the36 counties in theU.S. state ofOregon. As of the2020 census, the county's population was 815,428.[1] Multnomah County is part of thePortland metropolitan area. The state's smallest and most populous county,[2] itscounty seat, Portland, is the state'smost populous city.[3]
The area of the lowerWillamette River has been inhabited for thousands of years, including by theMultnomah band ofChinookan peoples long before European contact, as evidenced by the nearby Cathlapotle village, just downstream.[4]
Multnomah County (the 13th inOregon Territory) was created on December 22, 1854, formed out of two other Oregon counties – the eastern part ofWashington County and the northern part ofClackamas County. Its creation was a result of a petition earlier that year by businessmen in Portland complaining of the inconvenient location of the Washington County seat inHillsboro and of the share of Portlandtax revenues leaving the city to support Washington County farmers. County commissioners met for the first time on January 17, 1855.[5]
The county is named after theChinookan word for the "lower river",multnomah,matlnomaq, ormáɬnumax̣ being interpretive English spellings of the same word. In Chinook jargon,Ne-matlnomaq, means the "place of matlnomaq" or the (singular)Ne-matlnomag, "the lower river", from the Oregon City Falls toward the Columbia River. Alternatively, Chinookanmáɬnumax̣ (also nímaɬnumax̣) "those toward water" (or "toward the Columbia River", known in Chinookan asímaɬ orwímaɬ, "the great water"). ExplorerWilliam Clark wrote in his journal: "I entered this river...called Multnomah...from a nation who reside on Wappato Island, a little below the enterence" (quoted fromWillamette Landings by H.M. Corning).(see:Portland Basin Chinookan Villages in the early 1800s, Boyd and Zenk,) Although Clark refers to the Willamette River as Multnomah, he may not have understood the meaning. Simply put,Multnomah ("down river" or "toward the great water") is the shortened form ofnematlnomaq/nímaɬnumax̣.
In 1924, the county's three commissioners were indicted and recalled by voters "in response to 'gross irregularities' in the award of contracts for construction of theBurnside andRoss Island bridges"; since all three had been supported by theKu Klux Klan, their recall also helped reduce that organization's influence in the city.[6]
Vanport, built north of Portland in 1943 to house workers forKaiser Shipyards, was destroyed by a flood five years later.
In 1968, theOregon Legislative Assembly referred a bill,Ballot Measure 5, to voters that would amend the state constitution to allow forconsolidated city-county governments when their populations are over 300,000.[7] The 1968 voters' pamphlet noted that Multnomah County would be the only county in Oregon affected by the measure and voters approved the referendum in the 1968 general election.[7][8] Since the approval of Measure 5 in 1968, aninitiative to merge the county withPortland has been considered and placed on the county ballot several times.[9][10][11]
In the2000 presidential election, Multnomah county played a decisive role in determining the winner of the state'selectoral votes.Al Gore carried the county by 104,764 votes, enough to offset the 97,999 vote advantage thatGeorge W. Bush had earned among Oregon's 35 other counties.[12] The Democratic tilt was repeated in 2004, when John Kerry won by 161,146 votes,[13] and in 2008, when Barack Obama won by 204,525 votes.[14]
In February 2001, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted the recommendation of theLibrary Advisory Board and authorized the library to enter into a lawsuit to stop theChildren's Internet Protection Act.[15] TheUS Supreme Court ultimately decided in 2003 that the law was constitutional inUS v. ALA. However, the library chose to turn down $104,000 per year of federal funding under CIPA to be able to continue to offer unfiltered Internet access.[16][15]
Faced with decreasing government revenues due to a recession in the local economy, voters approved a three-year local income tax (Measure 26–48)[17] on May 20, 2003, to prevent further cuts in schools, police protection, and social services.[18]
After that, though, Linn and the three commissioners developed a public feud, with the latter becoming known as the "mean girls".[19] The county government has also faced significant budget issues, including not being able to open theWapato Corrections Facility since it was built in 2003.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 466 square miles (1,210 km2), of which 34 square miles (88 km2) (7.4%) are covered by water.[20] It is the smallest county in Oregon by area. It is located along the south side of theColumbia River.
The county includes a number of extinct volcanoes in theBoring Lava Field. The Oregon side of theColumbia River Gorge forms the eastern portion of the county's northern border.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 4,150 | — | |
| 1870 | 11,510 | 177.3% | |
| 1880 | 25,203 | 119.0% | |
| 1890 | 74,884 | 197.1% | |
| 1900 | 103,167 | 37.8% | |
| 1910 | 226,261 | 119.3% | |
| 1920 | 275,898 | 21.9% | |
| 1930 | 338,241 | 22.6% | |
| 1940 | 355,099 | 5.0% | |
| 1950 | 471,537 | 32.8% | |
| 1960 | 522,813 | 10.9% | |
| 1970 | 556,667 | 6.5% | |
| 1980 | 562,640 | 1.1% | |
| 1990 | 583,887 | 3.8% | |
| 2000 | 660,486 | 13.1% | |
| 2010 | 735,334 | 11.3% | |
| 2020 | 815,428 | 10.9% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 795,897 | [21] | −2.4% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[22] 1790–1960[23] 1900–1990[24] 1990–2000[25] 2010–2020[1] | |||
| Racial composition | 2020[26] | 2010[26][27] | 2000[27] | 1990[27] | 1980[27] | 1970[27] | 1960[27] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 65.7% | 72.1% | 76.5% | 85.3% | 88.4% | – | – |
| Hispanic or Latino | 12.7% | 10.9% | 7.5% | 3.1% | 2.0% | 1.5% | – |
| Asian (non-Hispanic) | 7.5% | 6.5% | 5.7% | 4.6% | – | – | 1.2% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 5.4% | 5.4% | 5.6% | 6.0% | 5.3% | 3.9% | 3.0% |
| Native American (non-Hispanic) | 0.7% | 0.8% | 1.0% | 1.1% | – | – | 0.2% |
| Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic) | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.3% | – | – | – | – |
| Mixed race (non-Hispanic) | 6.8% | 3.6% | 4.0% | – | – | – | – |
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[28] | Pop 1990[29] | Pop 2000[30] | Pop 2010[31] | Pop 2020[32] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 497,315 | 497,700 | 505,492 | 530,303 | 535,623 | 88.39% | 85.24% | 76.53% | 72.12% | 65.69% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 29,486 | 34,415 | 36,592 | 39,919 | 43,793 | 5.24% | 5.89% | 5.54% | 5.43% | 5.37% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 4,998 | 6,122 | 5,754 | 5,527 | 5,455 | 0.89% | 1.05% | 0.87% | 0.75% | 0.67% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 14,163 | 26,626 | 37,344 | 47,508 | 61,280 | 2.52% | 4.56% | 5.65% | 6.46% | 7.52% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[33] | x[34] | 2,206 | 3,870 | 5,251 | x | x | 0.33% | 0.53% | 0.64% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 5,439 | 634 | 1,216 | 1,520 | 4,885 | 0.97% | 0.11% | 0.18% | 0.21% | 0.60% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[35] | x[36] | 22,275 | 26,549 | 55,388 | x | x | 3.37% | 3.61% | 6.79% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 11,239 | 18,390 | 49,607 | 80,138 | 103,753 | 2.00% | 3.15% | 7.51% | 10.90% | 12.72% |
| Total | 562,640 | 583,887 | 660,486 | 735,334 | 815,428 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2020 census, there were 815,428 people, 341,507 households, and 180,512 families residing in the county.[37] Thepopulation density was 1,891.2 people per square mile (730.2 people/km2). There were 363,996 housing units. Theracial makeup of the county was 65.7% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 7.5% Asian, 0.7% Pacific Islander, and 6.8% from two or more races. About 12.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median income for a household in the county was $83,668 and the per-capita income was $49,713. 12.1% of the population lived below the poverty line.
As of the2010 census, there were 735,334 people, 304,540 households, and 163,539 families resided in the county.[38] The population density was 1,704.9 inhabitants per square mile (658.3/km2). There were 324,832 housing units at an average density of 753.2 units per square mile (290.8 units/km2).[39] The racial makeup of the county was 76.5% White, 6.5% Asian, 5.6% Black or African American, 1.1% American Indian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, 5.1% from other races, and 4.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 10.9% of the population.[38] In terms of ancestry, 19.4% wereGerman, 12.2% wereIrish, 11.4% wereEnglish, and 4.2% wereAmerican.[40]
Of the 304,540 households, 27.0% had children under 18 living with them, 38.6% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 46.3% were not families, and 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.03. The median age was 35.7 years.[38]
The median income for a household in the county was $49,618 and for a family was $62,956. Males had a median income of $45,152 versus $38,211 for females. The per capita income for the county was $28,883. About 11.3% of families and 16.0% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.[41]
As of the2000 census, there were 660,486 people, 272,098 households, and 152,102 families in the county. Thepopulation density was 1,518/sq mi (586/km2). There were 288,561 housing units had an average density of 663.sq mi (256/km2). Theracial makeup of the county was 79.16% White, 5.70% Asian, 5.67% Black or African American, 1.03% Native American, 0.35% Pacific Islander, 4.03% from other races, and 4.07% from two or more races. About 7.51% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race; 16.0% were of German, 9.0% English, 8.8% Irish, and 5.1% American ancestry; 83.5% spoke English, 6.3% Spanish, 1.7% Vietnamese, and 1.3% Russian as their first language.Of the 272,098 households, 26.5% had children under 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.1% were not families. About 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the age distribution was 22.3% under 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 96.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $41,278, and for a family was $51,118. Males had a median income of $36,036 versus $29,337 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $22,606. 12.70% of the population and 8.20% of families were below thepoverty line. Out of the total population, 15.40% of those under the age of 18 and 9.80% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Multnomah County was a strongly Republican county for much of the first half of the 20th century. Since 1964, it has been the strongest Democratic bastion in Oregon, even in the Republican landslides of1972 and1984.
As Multnomah County is by far the most populous county in Oregon, Democratic majorities in the county are often enough to swing the results in statewide elections. In 2008, Democratic challengerJeff Merkley unseated incumbent two-term SenatorGordon Smith, though Smith carried 28 of Oregon's 36 counties. Merkley carried Multnomah County by over 142,000 votes, however, enough to allow him to defeat Smith by 59,100 votes.
The county courthouse is located indowntown Portland. TheMultnomah County Central Courthouse opened in 2020, replacing acentury-old building nearby that was in need ofseismic retrofitting.[42]
| District | Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Jessica Vega Pederson | [43][44] | |
| Commissioner, District 1 | Meghan Moyer | [45][46] | |
| Commissioner, District 2 | Shannon Singleton | [47][48] | |
| Commissioner, District 3 | Julia Brim-Edwards | [49][50] | |
| Commissioner, District 4 | Vince Jones-Dixon | [51][46] | |
| Office | Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Attorney | Nathan Vasquez | [52] | |
| Sheriff | Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell | [53] | |
| Auditor | Jennifer McGuirk | [54] | |
Map of Multnomah CountySenate-Representative District Maps
TheHomeless Services Department is a department in the county that provide services and care to those experiencing homelessness. The department oversees where homeless services funds that come from tax payers and federal funds are allocated, which mostly go to various nonprofit organizations.[55] It was formed in 2016 as theJoint Office of Homeless Services.[56] The name was changed to Homeless Services Department in 2025.[55]
In 2024, city councilors considered withdrawing from this partnership, but left it in place after the election of mayorKeith Wilson who ran on a platform of ending unsheltered homelessness.[57][58]
Earlier in 2024 it was reported that the JOHS increased people it was able to put into housing by 28 percent compared to 2023.[59]
In February 2025, the department reported a budget gap of $104 million, saying it would not be able to meet its commitments this year.[60]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1880 | 3,211 | 54.14% | 2,720 | 45.86% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1884 | 5,058 | 55.99% | 3,880 | 42.95% | 95 | 1.05% |
| 1888 | 6,250 | 59.83% | 3,996 | 38.25% | 201 | 1.92% |
| 1892 | 8,041 | 48.29% | 2,040 | 12.25% | 6,572 | 39.46% |
| 1896 | 11,824 | 63.53% | 6,453 | 34.67% | 334 | 1.79% |
| 1900 | 9,948 | 65.46% | 4,436 | 29.19% | 814 | 5.36% |
| 1904 | 13,692 | 73.88% | 2,324 | 12.54% | 2,518 | 13.59% |
| 1908 | 17,819 | 59.82% | 9,850 | 33.07% | 2,118 | 7.11% |
| 1912 | 9,212 | 23.05% | 13,894 | 34.76% | 16,862 | 42.19% |
| 1916 | 41,458 | 51.67% | 35,755 | 44.56% | 3,022 | 3.77% |
| 1920 | 44,806 | 58.06% | 27,607 | 35.77% | 4,761 | 6.17% |
| 1924 | 48,866 | 49.98% | 21,733 | 22.23% | 27,165 | 27.79% |
| 1928 | 75,731 | 61.64% | 45,177 | 36.77% | 1,951 | 1.59% |
| 1932 | 47,201 | 35.56% | 78,898 | 59.44% | 6,644 | 5.01% |
| 1936 | 41,405 | 27.18% | 106,561 | 69.96% | 4,353 | 2.86% |
| 1940 | 73,612 | 42.72% | 97,595 | 56.64% | 1,106 | 0.64% |
| 1944 | 78,279 | 42.04% | 105,516 | 56.66% | 2,423 | 1.30% |
| 1948 | 86,519 | 45.77% | 93,703 | 49.57% | 8,806 | 4.66% |
| 1952 | 132,602 | 55.01% | 107,118 | 44.44% | 1,339 | 0.56% |
| 1956 | 129,658 | 52.80% | 115,896 | 47.20% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 127,271 | 50.53% | 124,273 | 49.34% | 338 | 0.13% |
| 1964 | 81,683 | 33.51% | 161,040 | 66.07% | 1,016 | 0.42% |
| 1968 | 106,831 | 43.87% | 124,651 | 51.19% | 12,036 | 4.94% |
| 1972 | 118,219 | 46.73% | 125,470 | 49.60% | 9,269 | 3.66% |
| 1976 | 112,400 | 44.40% | 129,060 | 50.98% | 11,699 | 4.62% |
| 1980 | 101,606 | 39.23% | 120,487 | 46.53% | 36,875 | 14.24% |
| 1984 | 119,932 | 45.17% | 144,179 | 54.30% | 1,428 | 0.54% |
| 1988 | 95,561 | 36.50% | 161,361 | 61.63% | 4,921 | 1.88% |
| 1992 | 72,326 | 24.25% | 165,081 | 55.34% | 60,884 | 20.41% |
| 1996 | 71,094 | 26.33% | 159,878 | 59.22% | 38,989 | 14.44% |
| 2000 | 83,677 | 28.20% | 188,441 | 63.52% | 24,567 | 8.28% |
| 2004 | 98,439 | 27.14% | 259,585 | 71.57% | 4,670 | 1.29% |
| 2008 | 75,171 | 20.61% | 279,696 | 76.69% | 9,843 | 2.70% |
| 2012 | 75,302 | 20.65% | 274,887 | 75.37% | 14,533 | 3.98% |
| 2016 | 67,954 | 17.03% | 292,561 | 73.30% | 38,588 | 9.67% |
| 2020 | 82,995 | 17.90% | 367,249 | 79.21% | 13,415 | 2.89% |
| 2024 | 70,759 | 17.08% | 325,927 | 78.68% | 17,564 | 4.24% |
The principal industries of Multnomah County aremanufacturing,transportation,wholesale andretail trade, andtourism. Since Oregon does not have asales tax, it attracts shoppers from southwestWashington.
ThePort of Portland, established in 1891 and combined with the City of Portland's Commission of Public Docks in 1971, ranks third in total waterborne commerce on the West Coast, and 31st in the nation for total tonnage according to the 2009American Association of Port Authorities'Port Industries Statistics.[63]
Out of the 199 cities and counties located in the fiveWest Coast states, Multnomah County ranked 198th inprivate sector job creation from 1997 to 2009.[64]
School districts include:[66]
Portland Community College serves western portions of the county andMt. Hood Community College serves eastern portions.[67]
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Places adjacent to Multnomah County, Oregon | |
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Municipalities and communities ofMultnomah County, Oregon,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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