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Fall colors in vines at the Tualatin Estate Vineyard. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
About
Established: July 5, 1843
Elev. at Hillsboro: 196'
Area: 727 sq. mi.
Average Temp.: January 39.9° July 66.6°
Assessed Value: $82,619,276,160
Real Market Value: $152,132,176,240
(includes the value of non-taxed properties)
Annual Precipitation: 37.71"
Economy: Agriculture, horticulture, forest products, food processing, high tech, sports equipment and apparel
Related Resources
Incorporated Cities
Points of Interest
Tualatin Valley orchards and vineyards, Pacific University, Wilson River, Sunset Highway, Hagg Lake, Old Scotch Church
History and General Information
The original four counties created by the Provisional Government of Oregon were Twality, Clackamas, Yamhill and Champoick. On Sept. 3, 1849, the Territorial Legislature renamed Twality to Washington in honor of President George Washington. The actual organization of Washington County government followed several years later.
Now one of the state’s fastest developing areas, the fertile Tualatin Valley was once filled with beaver and was a favorite hunting ground for Hudson’s Bay Company trappers. Despite its rapid urbanization, the valley still contains some of Oregon’s best agricultural land. Many small towns rich in history dot the area. Pacific University, founded as Tualatin Academy in 1849, is one of the oldest colleges in the West. Washington County operates under a home rule charter voters approved in 1962. While agriculture is still an important part of Washington County, a growing technology industry dominates the economy.
County Officials
Commissioners: Chair Kathryn Harrington (2027); Nafisa Fai (2029), Jason Snider (2029), Pam Treece (2027), Jerry Willey (2027); Dist. Atty. Kevin Barton (2027); Justice of the Peace Dan Cross (2029); Sheriff Caprice Massey (2029); Auditor Kristine Adams-Wannberg (2027); Assess./Clerk Joe Nelson; Surv. Scott Young; Co. Admin. Tanya Ange; CIOs Phillip Bransford & Julie McCloud