Marion County, OR

Overview

Marion County, located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, is the state's fifth most populous county, with an estimated population of 352,867 as of 2024. Established on July 5, 1843, it encompasses approximately 1,194 square miles, stretching from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountains.

Salem, the county seat and Oregon's capital, serves as the central hub for county operations.

Government and Services

Marion County's government is structured around a Board of Commissioners, which replaced the Marion County Court in 1963. The county offers a range of services to its residents, including:

• Clerk's Office: Manages public records, elections, and licensing.
• Sheriff's Office: Provides law enforcement services, including patrol, corrections, and community programs.
• Oregon State University Extension Service: Delivers educational programs in agriculture, family health, and youth development.

Economy

The county's economy is diverse, with key sectors such as agriculture, food processing, forest products, manufacturing, education, and tourism.

Marion County leads Oregon in agricultural production, with over 10,640 acres planted in orchards. The marionberry, a hybrid blackberry, was named after the county.

Geography and Climate

Marion County's geography includes the Willamette River to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east.

The county experiences an average annual precipitation of 40.35 inches and has an average elevation of 154 feet at Salem.

Communities and Locations

The county comprises 20 incorporated cities and 37 unincorporated communities.

In addition to Salem, other cities include Keizer, Woodburn, and Silverton.

Locations include:

• Salem, OR, USA
• Keizer
• Woodburn
• Silverton