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About Clackamas County
Welcome to Clackamas County
From the snow-covered peak of Mt. Hood to the waters of the Willamette River, Clackamas County spans 1,879 square miles of incredible natural beauty. Our borders stretch from Happy Valley in the north to Mt. Hood National Forest in the south, from Wilsonville in the west to Government Camp in the east. With communities that are urban, suburban, rural and wild, Clackamas County offers something for everyone.
A day here might include hiking in a forested park, exploring artisan goods at the Milwaukie Farmers' Market, photographing the powerful horseshoe-shaped Willamette Falls, paddle boarding at Trillium Lake or riding North America's only municipal "vertical street," the Oregon City Elevator.
County Demographics
According to the 2020 Census, 421,401 people call Clackamas County home—an 11.2% increase since 2010.
Age
- Under 5 years: 5.2%
- Under 18 years: 21.2%
- 65 and over: 18.8%
Additional Stats (2015–2019)
- Veterans: 26,384
- Businesses: 12,265
- Households speaking a language other than English: 12.1%
- Households with a computer: 94.2%
County Government
Clackamas County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners and a county administrator. Other elected officials include the District Attorney, Assessor, Clerk, Sheriff and Treasurer.
Learn more about:
- Commissioner business meetings
- Advisory boards and commissions
- Land-use hearings
- Policy sessions
- Community Planning Organizations
- Planning Commission
- C4: Clackamas County Coordinating Committee
We also conduct regular community surveys to understand resident needs.
Our History
Clackamas County was one of Oregon's original districts, created on July 5, 1843. Its early boundaries once included parts of four future states and a Canadian province. By 1854, the county had assumed the borders it has today.
Oregon City, the county seat, became the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains in 1844. It was a major gathering place for Native tribes, trappers, and early settlers, and later became a key destination for Oregon Trail immigrants traveling the Barlow Road. Though its prominence shifted when the capital moved to Salem and Multnomah County was formed, Oregon City remains a historic anchor for the region.
Land Acknowledgement
Clackamas County rests on the traditional lands of the Clackamas, Chinook Bands, Kalapuya, Kathlamet, Molalla, Multnomah, Tualatin, Tumwater, Wasco and many other tribes. These communities lived, traded and traveled along rivers now known as the Clackamas, Molalla, Pudding, Sandy and Willamette. Many original inhabitants were displaced or died due to disease, conflict and forced removal. Their descendants continue to honor their cultures and steward this land today. We recognize Mt. Hood (Wy'east) and Willamette Falls (Hyas Tyee Tumwater) as sacred places and honor those who maintain their connection to them.
Geography
Located in north-central Oregon, Clackamas County is part of the Portland metropolitan area. Its landscape includes Mt. Hood, the Mt. Hood National Forest, the Bull Run Watershed, and major rivers such as the Willamette, Clackamas, Sandy, Molalla and Salmon. The region also contains some of Oregon's richest farmland, especially around Canby, Sandy, Boring, Wilsonville and Molalla.
Economy
Since its creation in 1843, agriculture, timber, manufacturing and commerce have been the county's principal activities. In recent years Clackamas County business districts and communities continue to grow at a strong rate. The many flourishing businesses include industry leaders in metals, machinery, healthcare, high tech, logistics, forestry, food and beverage processing, renewable energy, nursery/agriculture, tourism and software development.
