Contact
Evening at the State Capitol with the 75th Anniversary lighting on the Capitol Mall in Salem. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
County Seat: 100 High St. NE, Salem 97301
Phone: 503-588-5212 (General); 503-588-5105 (Court Administrator)
About
Established: July 5, 1843
Elev. at Salem: 154'
Area: 1,194 sq. mi.
Average Temp.: January 39.3° July 66.3°
Assessed Value: $31,758,640,918
Real Market Value: $57,849,267,352
(includes the value of non-taxed properties)
Annual Precipitation: 40.35"
Economy: Government, agriculture, food processing, forest products, manufacturing, education and tourism
Related Resources
Incorporated Cities
Points of Interest
State Capitol, Champoeg State Park, Silver Falls State Park, The Oregon Garden, Wheatland Ferry, Buena Vista Ferry, Detroit Dam and Santiam River, Breitenbush Hot Springs, Mount Angel Abbey, food processing plants, Willamette University, Chemeketa Community College, Willamette Heritage Center, Bush House, Deepwood House, Gilbert House Children’s Museum
History and General Information
Marion County (then called Champooick) was created by the Provisional Government in 1843 (16 years before Oregon gained statehood). In 1849 the name was changed to Marion for Revolutionary War General Francis Marion.
Marion County is in the heart of the Willamette Valley, with the Willamette River as its western boundary and the Cascade Range on the east. Salem is the county seat and one of the valley’s oldest cities. Among its public buildings are the Marion County Courthouse, State Capitol, Capitol Mall buildings and Salem Civic Center. The Marion County Court presided over the county until January 1, 1963, when the court was abolished and replaced by a Board of Commissioners.
County Officials
Commissioners: Danielle Bethell (2029), Kevin Cameron (2027), Colm Willis (2027); Dist. Atty. Paige Clarkson (2027); Assess. Tom Rohlfing (2029); Clerk Bill Burgess (2029); Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd (2029); Sheriff Nick Hunter (2029); Surv. Kent Inman; Treas. Sam Brentano (2027); CFO Jeff White