Baker County, Oregon Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Baker County is located in Oregon with a total population of 16,796. It is the 28th most populous county out of 36 in Oregon.

Age Demographics

The median age in Baker County is 47.6 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 11.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Baker County is $57,844. This is 28% lower than the state median of $80,426. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 26% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%. This is 16% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $247,700. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $454,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Baker County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.0%) is well below the state average of 14.3%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 4.4%.

Education

27.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 36.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.4%.