Wheeler County, Oregon Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wheeler County is located in Oregon with a total population of 1,434. It is the 36th most populous county out of 36 in Oregon.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wheeler County is 57.3 years. This is 43% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 19.3% 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 Wheeler County is $51,250. This is 36% lower than the state median of $80,426. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%. This is 16% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $259,000. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $454,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x. 69.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Wheeler County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.5%) is well below the state average of 14.3%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 4.4%.

Education

20.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% 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 91.4%.