Flowers at Parker Creek Falls on Marys Peak. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
County Seat: 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, 97333
Phone: 541-766-6800 (General); 541-766-6859 (Court Administrator)
About
Established: Dec. 23, 1847
Elev. at Corvallis: 224'
Area: 679 sq. mi.
Average Temp.: January 39.3° July 65.6°
Assessed Value: $10,776,944,135
Real Market Value: $20,206,138,161
(includes the value of non-taxed properties)
Annual Precipitation: 42.71"
Economy: Agriculture, forest products, research and development, electronics and wineries
Related Resources
Incorporated Cities
Points of Interest
Benton County Courthouse, Oregon State University (OSU) Campus, Benton County Museum (Philomath), Alsea Falls, Mary’s Peak, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Peavy Arboretum, McDonald Forest, Jackson- Frazier Wetland, Beazell Memorial Forest & Education Center
History and General Information
Oregon’s provisional legislature carved Benton County out of Polk County in 1847. It was named for U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton. At that time the boundaries began at the intersection of Polk County and the Willamette River, and ran as far south as the California border and as far west as the Pacific Ocean. Portions of Benton County were later taken to form Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane and Lincoln counties.
Much of the nation’s research in forestry, agriculture, engineering, education and the sciences takes place at Oregon State University, located in the county seat of Corvallis. Along with the university, agriculture, wood products and electronics form the county’s economic base.
Commissioners: Pat Malone (2027), Gable Shepherd (2029), Nancy Wyse (2029); Dist. Atty. Ryan Joslin (2029); Clerk James Morales; Sheriff Jefri Van Arsdall (2027)