About Deschutes County
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. The county encompasses 3,055 square miles of scenic beauty, mild climate, diverse recreational opportunities and a growing economy. From humble beginnings, Deschutes County now experiences the most rapid population growth of any county in Oregon. It has developed into a bustling, exciting destination where progress, growth and unique beauty intertwine.
Quick Facts
Area: 3,055 square miles
Established: December 13, 1916
Population: 181,307 (U.S. Census Estimate)
Cities: 4 incorporated
Maps: County Map Gallery
Our History: French-Canadian fur trappers gave the name, “Riviere des Chutes” (River of the Falls), to one of Oregon’s most scenic rivers. It is from this river that the County of Deschutes takes its name. The Oregon Territory was established in 1846 and included the current states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and parts of Montana and Wyoming. This territory was eventually split up when Oregon obtained its statehood on February 14, 1859. At that time, the area that is now Deschutes County was part of Wasco County. In 1882, Central Oregon seceded from Wasco County forming Crook County with Prineville as the county seat. In 1914, the northwest portion of Crook County separated to form Jefferson County. During this time, a movement was underway to move the county seat from Prineville to Bend. Although a vote to move the county seat narrowly failed, support for the establishment of a new county with Bend as the county seat eventually prevailed. It was not until December 13, 1916 that Deschutes County became a county in its own right. Created from the western portion of Crook County, Deschutes County was the last of Oregon’s current 36 counties to be established. The new county had its first meeting to organize county government in 1918 with the election of Judge William Barnes, Commissioners A.L. Mackintosh and Lew Smith, District Attorney Harvey DeArmond, Sheriff S.E. Roberts, Treasurer Clyde McKay, Coroner Elmer Niswonger, as well as a county clerk, assessor, surveyor, physician and superintendent of schools.
When Deschutes County was formed in 1916, there were an estimated 5,000 residents. By 1920, the first U.S. Census held after its formation, the population had nearly doubled. Since that time population growth in Deschutes County has been swift. Over the last 20 years, Deschutes County's percentage of growth remains higher than any other Oregon county.
