Jefferson County, Oregon is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and is bordered by Wasco County to the north, Crook County to the east, Deschutes County to the south, and Lane County to the west. The county’s geography is varied with plains in the northern part of the county and mountains in its southern region. The highest point in Jefferson County is Mount Jefferson at an elevation of 9,065 feet above sea level.
The climate of Jefferson County is generally mild and dry with hot summers and cool winters. Average summer temperatures range from a high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 54 degrees Fahrenheit while average winter temperatures range from a high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation in Jefferson County typically falls during late fall and winter months with annual precipitation averaging around 15 inches per year.
As of 2019, Jefferson County had an estimated population of 22,250 people spread across its 1,817 square miles. The largest city in Jefferson County is Madras with a population of 6,700 people while Metolius has a population of 860 people and Culver has a population of 790 people. The county also has several small towns such as Ashwood, Brothers, Grass Valley and Warm Springs.
Economy of Jefferson County, Oregon
Jefferson County, Oregon is an area rich in natural resources and a vibrant agricultural sector. The county’s economy is largely driven by its agricultural industry, which produces wheat, hay, and other crops as well as livestock such as cattle and sheep. The county also has a thriving timber industry with logging operations occurring throughout the region.
The county’s tourism industry is also an important part of the local economy with visitors coming to the area for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Additionally, Jefferson County is home to several wineries and distilleries that attract tourists from all around the region.
Manufacturing is another key component of Jefferson County’s economy with companies producing a variety of goods such as furniture, wood products, food products, metal products and more. The county also has a vibrant retail sector that includes stores selling clothing, electronics, home goods and more.
The local government provides numerous services to residents of Jefferson County including public education through its school district as well as healthcare through its hospital system. Additionally, the county provides a variety of social services including mental health counseling and homeless assistance programs.
In recent years, Jefferson County has seen an increase in new businesses moving into the area due to its strong economic base and quality-of-life offerings. With its rich natural resources and vibrant economic sectors, Jefferson County remains an attractive place for businesses and residents alike.
Libraries in Jefferson County, Oregon
According to babyinger, Jefferson County, Oregon is home to several libraries, providing a valuable source of information and resources to the local community. The county’s largest library is the Madras Public Library, located in the county seat of Madras. This library offers an extensive collection of books, magazines, and other media for patrons to explore. Additionally, it provides access to online databases, e-books, audio books and more. The library also offers a variety of programs such as story times for children and book clubs for adults.
The Metolius Public Library is another important resource in Jefferson County. Located in Metolius with a population of 860 people, this library offers a wide selection of books and periodicals as well as access to online databases and other services. The library also hosts regular events such as book readings and movie screenings for patrons to enjoy.
The Culver Public Library serves the town of Culver with a population of 790 people. This library provides an extensive selection of books and periodicals as well as access to online databases and other resources. Additionally, the Culver Public Library offers programs such as story time for children and literacy classes for adults.
Finally, Jefferson County also has several smaller libraries located throughout its rural areas including Ashwood Public Library in Ashwood (population 180), Brothers Rural Library in Brothers (population 50), Grass Valley Community Library in Grass Valley (population 120) and Warm Springs Community Library in Warm Springs (population 200). These libraries provide essential services to their respective communities by offering books, magazines, DVDs and other media as well as access to online databases. Additionally, these libraries often host events such as book clubs or movie screenings that provide educational opportunities for their patrons.
Landmarks in Jefferson County, Oregon
According to directoryaah, Jefferson County, Oregon is home to a variety of landmarks, providing visitors with a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. The most iconic landmark in the county is the Crooked River Gorge, a spectacular canyon carved by the Crooked River. The canyon spans over seven miles and provides stunning views of the river below. Additionally, there are several hiking trails in and around the gorge for visitors to explore.
The Deschutes National Forest is another important landmark in Jefferson County. This vast forest spans over 1.8 million acres and offers plenty of recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, hunting and more. There are also several trails for hikers to explore ranging from easy to difficult levels of difficulty.
The Metolius River is another popular landmark located within Jefferson County. This picturesque river winds its way through lush forests and meadows offering stunning views along its banks. Additionally, this river is home to a variety of wildlife including fish, birds and other animals that can be spotted by visitors while exploring its banks or taking a boat ride down its many tributaries.
Other landmarks located in Jefferson County include Cove Palisades State Park (which offers camping, hiking and water sports activities), Smith Rock State Park (which features rock climbing routes for all skill levels) as well as several historic sites such as Fort Rock Cave (which dates back over 10 thousand years) and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (which showcases fossils from three different geological eras). All these landmarks provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the unique natural beauty of Jefferson County while learning about its rich history at the same time.