About Wasco County
Wasco County is located in north-central Oregon, spanning approximately 2,396 square miles along the Columbia River Gorge. Wasco County Seat is The Dalles, a historic city that served as a critical stopping point on the Oregon Trail and remains the commercial hub of Wasco County. As of recent estimates, Wasco County has a population of approximately 26,000 residents. Wasco County is named after a Native American tribe, the Wasco people, who historically inhabited the Columbia River region.
- Wasco County features dramatic geography ranging from the Columbia River shoreline to high desert plateaus, with elevations varying from 100 feet along the river to over 5,000 feet in the southern portions.
- Wasco County Clerk processes land transactions and maintains official records at the same Washington Street location.
Major landmarks include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mount Hood's northern slopes, The Dalles Dam, and Celilo Falls (now submerged). Wasco County economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cherry orchards, wheat farming, and cattle ranching, alongside hydroelectric power generation and aluminum production. Wasco County Courthouse is located at 511 Washington Street in The Dalles, housing the County Clerk and various administrative offices.
Wasco County Assessor's Office maintains property valuation records at 2705 East 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. What makes Wasco County unique is its position as a geographic and cultural transition zone between the wet western Cascades and the arid high desert, its rich Native American heritage including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reservation in the southern portion, and its critical role in Oregon Trail history and modern renewable energy development with numerous wind farms.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Wasco County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Wasco County. It manages Wasco County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community safety and offers various programs, including crime prevention initiatives and community outreach efforts. The sheriff's office also collaborates with other local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure full public safety coverage throughout Wasco County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Wasco County is provided by Wasco County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including The Dalles Police Department. The sheriff's office covers unincorporated areas, while The Dalles Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively address criminal activity and ensure community safety across Wasco County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Wasco County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving unincorporated areas of Wasco County, headquartered at 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, with phone number. The Sheriff's Office operates the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities (NORCOR), a multi-county jail facility located at 3320 Brune Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. Inmates housed at NORCOR can be searched through the facility's online roster, typically available on the NORCOR website or by calling.
- The inmate lookup provides booking information, charges, booking dates, and expected release dates.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a formal public records request to Wasco County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through NORCOR or by specific public records request to the arresting agency.
- Oregon law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, and fees may be charged for copying and staff time.
- The Sheriff's Office also maintains sex offender registry information as required by state law, and this information is publicly searchable online through the Oregon State Police website.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Wasco County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Wasco County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police maintain these records. Residents can run background checks through the Oregon State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Oregon Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for Wasco County residents seeking information on criminal records and background checks, for public access and access to public safety information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Wasco County are maintained by Wasco County Sheriff's Office. These records are available to residents and attorneys upon request, under the Oregon Public Records Law. An arrest record in Wasco County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. Requests for arrest records can be made through the sheriff's office, which provides guidance on the process and any associated fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) is the primary jail facility for Wasco County. It handles the booking process for people arrested in Wasco County, providing inmate lookup services through its website. Visitation rules are specific to NORCOR, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Oregon state regulations, allowing for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release. Information about recently arrested individuals can be accessed through NORCOR's online inmate search tool.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Wasco County are taken and retained by Wasco County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility. These booking photos can be accessed through the sheriff's office website or by submitting a public records request. Oregon does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can request removal from third-party websites based on their policies. The sheriff's office ensures that mugshots are used in compliance with state regulations and privacy considerations.
Courts & Case Records
Wasco County court proceedings are handled by Wasco County Circuit Court, part of Oregon's Seventh Judicial District, located at 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. The Circuit Court can be reached at and handles all felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate and estate matters, juvenile dependency and delinquency, and appeals from lower courts. The court also maintains a small claims department for disputes up to $10,000.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
- The court clerk accepts requests for copies in person, by mail, or sometimes by fax.
Oregon courts operate under a unified trial court system, so the Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over most legal matters. Court records in Oregon are governed by ORS 7.010 through 7.150 and the Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR), which establish public access to most court documents with limited exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and certain family law cases. Wasco County court records can be searched in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office during business hours.
Oregon courts also participate in the Oregon Judicial Department's online case information system (OJIN - Oregon Judicial Information Network) at https://publicaccess.courts.oregon.gov, which provides free public access to search case information by party name, case number, or citation number. However, some sensitive documents may require in-person viewing. Justice Court proceedings for traffic violations and minor infractions are also handled through the Circuit Court structure.
Municipal courts in The Dalles handle city ordinance violations separately from the Circuit Court system.
Property & Public Records
Wasco County Clerk's Office is the County Recorder and maintains all land and property records at 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, phone. The Recorder's office maintains official records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, right-of-way documents, surveys, plat maps, subdivision filings, and other instruments affecting real property title in Wasco County.
- Recording fees are established by Oregon statute and typically range from $25-75 depending on the number of pages.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail for a fee of approximately $1 per page plus certification charges.
These records date back to Wasco County's formation in 1854 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description. Oregon is a race-notice state, meaning properly recorded documents establish priority and constructive notice. Wasco County offers an online document search system through the County Clerk's website at co.wasco.or.us, where users can search recorded documents by name, document type, recording date, or document number.
Some older records may require in-person research. Wasco County Assessor's Office, located at 2705 East 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, phone, maintains property tax assessment records including ownership information, assessed values, property descriptions, tax lot numbers, and assessment history. The Assessor provides a free online property information system accessible through Wasco County website, often powered by a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping interface that allows parcel searches by address, owner name, account number, or map location.
This system typically displays current assessed value, tax account information, property characteristics, sales history, and aerial photography.
Vital Records
Vital records for Wasco County, Oregon, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Wasco County can be obtained through Wasco County Public Health Department, part of North Central Public Health District, located at 419 East 7th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, phone.
- Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $25 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, or same-day service is available in person at the Portland office.
- Applicants must complete a request form and provide valid government-issued photo identification.
- Oregon has no waiting period or blood test requirement, and marriage licenses cost approximately $60.
However, certified copies of birth and death certificates for all Oregon events are officially issued by the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, part of the Oregon Health Authority, located at 800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97232. Only eligible persons as defined by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 333-011-0200) can obtain certified copies, including the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Wasco County Clerk's Office at 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, phone.
Both parties must appear in person to apply. Divorce records (judgments of dissolution) are court records maintained by Wasco County Circuit Court and can be requested through the court clerk. Oregon vital records law is codified in ORS 432.005 through 432.995.
Online ordering of vital records certificates is available through the state's VitalChek service at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES, though convenience fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Wasco County involves multiple jurisdictions depending on the business type and location. Wasco County Clerk's Office at 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, phone, maintains filings for Assumed Business Names (also called DBAs or "doing business as" names) for businesses operating in unincorporated areas of Wasco County. These registrations cost approximately $50 and must be renewed every two years.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, businesses must register with the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business registry search at https://egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login, where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view their status, registered agent information, filing history, and officers or members. Oregon does not have a general state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required.
Professional and occupational licenses are issued by various state boards and agencies depending on the profession. Local business licenses may be required within city limits; The Dalles City Hall at 313 Court Street issues business licenses for operations within the city, phone. Building permits, land use permits, and zoning compliance for unincorporated Wasco County are handled by Wasco County Planning Department at 2705 East 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, phone.
The department maintains records of building permits, conditional use permits, land divisions, and zoning regulations. The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 404 West 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, website www.tdalles.com, provides resources and networking for local businesses. Construction contractors must be licensed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, and liquor licenses are issued by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Wasco County, Oregon, are administered by Wasco County Clerk, who is the County Elections Official, with offices located at 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. The Elections Office can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available at co.wasco.or.us. Oregon conducts all elections entirely by mail, a system adopted statewide in 1998, meaning there are no traditional polling places.
- Once registered, voters automatically receive ballots by mail for all elections in which they are eligible to vote.
- In the 2024 general election, Wasco County had approximately 68% turnout among registered voters.
- These records can be requested through the County Clerk under Oregon's public records law (ORS 192.311-192.478).
- The Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division website provides centralized access to statewide election results, campaign finance data through the ORESTAR system, and voter registration statistics.
- Citizens can request to observe ballot processing and counting at Wasco County elections office.
Voter registration in Oregon can be completed online through the Oregon Secretary of State website at https://sos.oregon.gov/voting, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Oregon DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver's license (motor voter registration), or by mailing a completed voter registration card. Oregon also has automatic voter registration through DMV transactions unless the individual opts out. The voter registration deadline is 21 days before any election.
For the November 3, 2026 general election, which will include U.S. House races, contested U.S. Senate races if applicable, Oregon state legislative races, county positions, and ballot measures, Wasco County voters will receive their ballots approximately 18-20 days before Election Day.
Completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postage is prepaid) or by depositing them in official ballot drop boxes located throughout Wasco County, including locations at the County Courthouse, The Dalles Civic Auditorium, and other designated sites. Wasco County typically experiences voter turnout between 65-75% in presidential election years and 50-60% in midterm elections. Election records that are public include the voter registration list (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot measure results.
Wasco County posts unofficial election results on election night and certifies final results within two weeks after the election. Absentee ballots are not a separate category in Oregon since all voting is by mail, but voters who need replacement ballots or have special circumstances can contact the Elections Office. Military and overseas voters can receive and return ballots electronically under federal law.
Wasco County demonstrates strong election transparency by providing detailed precinct results, maintaining accessible voter registration records, and allowing public observation of election processes.
Economy & Demographics
Wasco County's economy is diverse and reflects its unique position at the intersection of the Columbia River Gorge, agricultural hinterlands, and transportation corridors. Wasco County's major economic sectors include agriculture, particularly wheat farming, cherry orchards, vineyards, and cattle ranching, which take advantage of Wasco County's varied microclimates and irrigation from the Columbia River. The median household income in Wasco County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Oregon state average.
- Agriculture-related businesses, including Lone Pine Fruit Company and various packing and processing facilities, employ seasonal and year-round workers.
Major employers include Google, which operates a massive data center facility in The Dalles employing hundreds of workers and representing a significant portion of Wasco County's tax base and economic activity. The facility was Google's first owned data center and has expanded multiple times since opening in 2006. Healthcare is another major employer, with Mid-Columbia Medical Center acting as a regional hospital and significant job provider.
The Port of The Dalles handles industrial development and river commerce. Tourism contributes substantially to the economy, with visitors attracted to Columbia River Gorge recreation, windsurfing and kiteboarding, wine tasting rooms, and historic Oregon Trail sites. The aluminum industry historically played a major role but has declined.
Renewable energy has emerged as an important sector, with numerous wind farms in the southern portions of Wasco County generating electricity and tax revenue. The Warm Springs Reservation contributes to Wasco County economy through timber operations, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort (though currently closed), and other tribal enterprises. Unemployment in Wasco County typically ranges from 4-6% depending on season, with higher rates in winter months.
Transportation and warehousing benefit from Interstate 84 and Union Pacific rail access. Economic development priorities include diversifying beyond dependence on single large employers and using Wasco County's outdoor recreation and quality of life amenities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (OJIN) | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online (NORCOR Roster) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: Online (State Registry) | Elections: Yes: Mail Voting/Online Results | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Wasco County provides excellent digital access to court, property, jail, and election records with strong compliance with Oregon public records law.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Wasco County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Wasco County, Oregon.