Adjacent counties

• Gilliam County - north
• Morrow County - northeast
• Grant County - east
• Crook County - south
• Jefferson County - west
• Wasco County - northwest

National Protected Areas

• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (part)
• Ochoco National Forest (part)
• Umatilla National Forest (part)

Major highway

• U.S. Route 26
• Oregon Route 19

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 1,441 people, 651 households, and 408 families living in the county.^[11] The population density was 0.8 inhabitants per square mile (0.31/km²). There were 895 housing units at an average density of 0.5 units per square mile (0.19 units/km²).^[12] The racial makeup of the county was 92.4% white, 1.2% American Indian, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.6% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.3% of the population.^[11] In terms of ancestry, 28.4% were German, 24.0% were English, 20.0% were Irish, and 8.4% were American.^[13]

Of the 651 households, 20.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.3% were non-families, and 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.70. The median age was 53.0 years.^[11]

The median income for a household in the county was $33,403 and the median income for a family was $43,167. Males had a median income of $36,328 versus $31,792 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,598. About 9.1% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.^[14]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 1,547 people, 653 households, and 444 families living in the county. The population density was 1 people per square mile (0.39 people/km²). There were 842 housing units at an average density of 0 units per square mile (0/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.34% White, 0.06% Black or African American, 0.84% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.49% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. 5.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.6% were of German, 18.0% English, 13.6% American, 8.2% Irish and 6.9% Scottish ancestry.

There were 653 households, out of which 21.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.20% were married couples living together, 4.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% were non-families. 27.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.70% under the age of 18, 3.40% from 18 to 24, 19.30% from 25 to 44, 31.40% from 45 to 64, and 23.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 102.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $34,048. Males had a median income of $29,688 versus $22,361 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,884. About 12.70% of families and 15.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.20% of those under age 18 and 4.20% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

• Fossil (county seat)
• Mitchell
• Spray

Unincorporated communities

Ghost town

• Kinzua