Josephine County, Oregon is located in the southwestern region of the state and is home to approximately 82,000 people. The county seat is Grants Pass and is the center of government for the county since its establishment in 1856. Other major cities and towns located in Josephine County include Cave Junction with a population of around 3,000; Wolf Creek with a population of just over 500; Kerby with a population of just under 500; and Williams with a population of around 600. See top counties in Oregon.
The racial makeup of Josephine County is primarily white at 84%, while 4% are Hispanic or Latino, 6% are Native American, 2% are Asian, and 1% are African-American. Additionally, 8 out of 10 people living in Josephine County are citizens who were born in the United States.
The median household income in Josephine County is $43,919 per year which is higher than both the Oregon state average as well as the national average. In terms of educational attainment among adults aged 25 and older living in Josephine County, 61% have earned at least a high school diploma or equivalent degree while 12% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Josephine County offers its residents an array of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year such as fishing on Rogue River or rafting on Illinois River for those looking for adventure while also offering more traditional rural activities such as camping at nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest or hiking trails at Redwood National Park for those looking to get away from it all. Additionally, there are plenty of local restaurants and shops located throughout Grants Pass making it easy to find something to do no matter what you’re looking for.
History of Josephine County, Oregon
Josephine County, Oregon was first established in 1856 and was named after Josephine Rollins, the daughter of early settlers in the region. The county seat is Grants Pass which is located in the heart of the county and serves as its government center.
The area that is now Josephine County has been inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years. In fact, it is believed that several different tribes including the Takelma, Shasta, and Tututni lived in the Rogue River Valley which encompasses much of Josephine County. These tribes were largely dependent on seasonal hunting and fishing for survival.
In 1851, gold was discovered in what would become Josephine County leading to a massive influx of settlers into the area. This led to a series of conflicts between settlers and Native Americans which eventually resulted in a treaty being signed between the two groups resulting in Native Americans being removed from their land and relocated to reservations.
The discovery of gold brought about an economic boom to Josephine County as more and more miners came to search for gold leading to an increase in population as well as infrastructure such as roads, stores, schools, churches, etc. This period also saw an influx of Chinese immigrants who found work on local farms or mining operations throughout the county.
Today, Josephine County remains largely rural with much of its economy still based around agriculture or timber production although tourism has become increasingly important over recent years due to its proximity to popular outdoor recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park or Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest where visitors can go camping or fishing throughout the year.
Major cities and towns in Josephine County, Oregon
Josephine County, Oregon is home to a number of major cities and towns. The county seat is Grants Pass, which is the largest city in the county and serves as its government center. Located along the banks of the Rogue River, Grants Pass is known for its vibrant downtown area which features numerous restaurants, shops, galleries, and other attractions.
Another major city in Josephine County is Cave Junction, located near the Oregon-California border. Founded in 1858 as a mining town during the gold rush era, Cave Junction has grown into a popular tourist destination thanks to its close proximity to outdoor recreational sites such as Redwood National Park and Smith River National Recreation Area.
The city of Merlin lies just north of Grants Pass and is home to Rogue Community College which serves as an educational center for much of Josephine County. The town of Wolf Creek lies just east of Merlin and features a charming downtown area with several small businesses including antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
The small community of Williams lies at the southwestern corner of Josephine County near the California border. This rural farming community has remained largely unchanged over recent decades but still offers visitors a glimpse into life in rural Oregon.
Finally, Applegate Valley lies at the far eastern edge of Josephine County near the California border. This unincorporated community boasts numerous wineries which offer visitors an opportunity to sample some local vintages while taking in views of Applegate Lake or exploring nearby hiking trails.
Population in Josephine County, Oregon
According to Iamaccepted, Josephine County, Oregon is home to a population of approximately 82,500 people. The county has seen an increase in population over recent decades as more people move to the area due to its close proximity to popular outdoor recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park or Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
The largest city in Josephine County is Grants Pass which is home to roughly 36,000 people. Other major cities in the county include Cave Junction and Merlin with populations of around 2,000 and 1,400 respectively.
The majority of Josephine County’s population identifies as White (78%), followed by Hispanic (10%), Native American (3%), Asian (2%) and African American (2%). The median age for the county is 45 years old with a median household income of $39,800.
The economy of Josephine County is largely based on agriculture and timber production with several large farms and timber companies operating in the area. There are also a number of small businesses that serve the local community including restaurants, retail stores, art galleries, wineries and more.
Josephine County also serves as an educational center for much of southern Oregon thanks to its two higher education institutions – Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University. Both schools offer a variety of degree programs ranging from business administration to engineering and more.
Josephine County has experienced steady growth over recent years due in part to its close proximity to popular outdoor recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park or Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest which attract visitors from all over the world.