Demographics

Population
	1990	2000	2005	2006
City of Hood River	4,632	5,831	6,450	6,580
Hood River County	16,903	20,411	21,180	21,335

Sources: 1990, 2000 US Census; 2205, 2006 Center for Population Research and Census, Portland State University. 0 indicates data is unavailable.

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Hood River County	533 sq miles	40	persons/sq mile	Sources: figures based on 2006 PSU population estimates;
				Oregon Bluebook county square mileage

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Community Age Groups

	1970	1980	1990	2000
Under 5 years	304	335	454	478
5-19 years	1,109	973	839	1,203
20-44 years	1,078	1,509	1,869	2,309
45-64 years	945	857	734	1,076
65+ years	555	655	736	765
Median Age	33	32	34	33.5

Source: US Census, 0 or N/A indicates data is not available. Median value is the middle value, not an average.

Housing

Total Housing Units	1970	1980	1990	2000	Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing, 2000
City of Hood River	1,389	1,805	2,272	2,657	$141,000
Hood River County	4,228	6,068	7,569	7,818	$152,400

City of Hood River 2000 Housing Breakout:						Also visit Housing and Community Services Web Site:
Vacancy Rate:	8.47%		Median Owner Cost			http://www.hcs.state.or.us/
Owner Occupied:	1,156		(mortgaged):	$991
Renter Occupied:	1,273		Median Gross Rent:	$544

Source: US Census. Median value is the middle value, not an average.

Economic Development and Employment

Principal Industries of the County(ies):
Hood River County—Agriculture, food processing, lumber, recreation and tourism, electronics and electronics manufacturing

Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998

Agricultural Products of the Area (Top 3 largest gross farm sales):
Hood River County—Tree fruits and nuts, specialty products, miscellaneous animals

Source: Oregon State University, Extension Economic Information Office

Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the County:

Hood River County

68

Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998

Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the City: 32
Source: City Administration

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Economic Indicators

					Hood River County		Oregon
					2001	2002	2000	2001	2002
Population					20,600	20,450	3,421,399	3,471,700	3,504,700
Labor Force					11,281	11,662	1,802,938	1,793,773	1,840,133
Total Employment							1,715,453	1,679,914	1,701,390
Unemployment					1,032	1,100	87,485	113,859	138,743
Unemployment Rate					9.2%	9.4%	4.9%	6.3%	7.5%
Non-Farm Payroll Employment					8,640	8,680	1,606,800	1,596,100	1,572,500
Total Covered Employment					10,215	10,480	1,607,944	1,596,943	1,573,083
Total Covered Payroll ($ thousands county/ $ millions state)					$229,427	$236,846	$52,701	$53,021	$52,989
Ave. Annual Payroll Per Employee					$22,460	$22,600	$32,776	$33,202	$33,684
Number of Business Units					983	998	108,432	111,353	113,097
Total Personal Income ($ millions)					$481,178	$498,595	$94,999	$98,500	$101,358
Annual Per Capita Personal Income					$	$24,151	$27,649	$28,400	28,792
Assessed Value of Property ($ millions)					$0	$1,586	$198,911	$210,435	$219,878
Residential Construction   Building Permits   Value ($ thousands)					126 $14,776	143 $19,672	19,877 $2,533	21,049 $2,985	22,186 $3,347
Travel Expenditures ($ millions)					$0	$65,700	$6,133	$6,128	$6,208
Travel-Related Employment					0	1,060	89,800	91,100	90,200

 Preliminary Data
Sources: Oregon Employment Department; Center for Population Research & Census, PSU; U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Economic Analysis; Oregon Tourism Commission; Oregon Department of Revenue; Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

5 Largest Employers, Public and Private as of March, 2002

Employer—Product/Service	Number of Employees
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital—Healthcare	360
Sprint—Communications	313
Luhr Jensen & Sons, Inc.—Fishing Lures, Home Electric Smoke Houses and Accessories	250
Wal-Mart—Retail	174
Hood River Inn—Tourism	145

Source: City Administration

Oregon Employment Labor Market Information

This link takes you to the Oregon Employment Department, Labor Market Analysis database. County information can be obtained here. http://olmis.emp.state.or.us/—Click on Regional Information.

Local and Regional Economic Development Organizations

City of Hood River—http://www.ci.hood-river.or.us/	541-386-1488
Port of Hood River—http://www.portofhoodriver.com/	541-386-1645
Hood River County EDC	541-387-6840
Columbia Gorge Economic Development Association—http://www.cgeda.com/	888-760-3936
Mt. Hood Economic Alliance	503-228-5565
Mid-Columbia Council of Governments—http://www.work-net.org/	541-298-4101
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District—http://www.mcedd.org/	541-296-2266
Economic & Community Development Department Regional Development Officer—http://econ.oregon.gov/	503-353-4411

Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department

Education/Workforce

Public and Private Schools K–12

Public School District:
Hood River County School District
PO Box 920
Hood River, OR 97031-0030
Phone: 541-386-2511
Fax: 541-387-5007
Web site: http://schools.gorge.net/hrcsd/
E-mail: cbugge@hoodriver.k12.or.us


Staff and Enrollments:
District Certified Staff: reported October 2000—252
Total District Enrollment: reported October 2001—3,859

Other Schools in the School District (Private, Parochial)
To see if there are private and/or parochial schools in this district please visit http://www.ode.state.or.us/pubs/directory/

Source: Oregon Department of Education

Oregon Community Colleges and Public Universities

For a list of public and private educational institutions in Oregon visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/ed.htm.

Workforce

Oregon Economic and Community Development Department Workforce Advocate 503–986–0207, or visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/workforce.htm. Locate local workforce assistance at http://www.worksourceoregon.org/.

Financial Information

Financial Institutions

Commercial Banks: 4   Savings and Loans: 2   Credit Unions: 3

Source: City Administration

Taxes

Sales Tax Oregon has no general sales tax.

Property Tax
Property—Who pays? Owners of real and business personal property, according to the assessed value of taxable residential, commercial, farm, industrial, utility and timber property.

County assessors use permanent rates set for all taxing districts in fiscal year 1997–98, when taxes were significantly reduced with a statewide average 17 percent cut in tax levies. Certain types of levies are outside this reduction. The tax rates cannot exceed $15 per $1,000 of real market value. For 1997–98, all property was valued by county assessors at 90 percent of the July 1, 1995, levels. For subsequent years, assessed values are limited to a 3 percent annual growth rate. Construction since July 1, 1995, is valued at the average rate of similar properties in the area. Business personal property requires annual filing. One–third payment is due by November 15. If fully paid by November 15, a 3 percent discount is allowed. Special exemptions, tax relief programs and deferrals are available. For more information contact the Hood River County assessor’s office at 541–386–4522.

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Tax rates are representative of the largest tax code in the city. The rates are expressed as tax liability per $1,000 of assessed property value.

	Hood River County
Average Compressed Tax Rate 1997-98	$11.61
Average Compressed Tax Rate 1998-99	$11.71
Average 1999 Housing Value	$98,700
Ave Res Property Tax Paid on Ave House 1997-98	$1,115.78
Ave Res Property Tax Paid on Ave House 1998-99	$1,155.78
Average School rate 1998-99 . . . . . . . . $6.88
Average Non-School Rate 1998-99. . . . $7.21
Average City Rate 1998-99 . . . . . . . . . $3.22

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Business Taxes
Property—see above

Income—Corporations doing or authorized to do business in Oregon pay excise tax. Corporations not doing or authorized to do business, but having income from an Oregon source, pay income tax. For more information contact the Oregon Department of Revenue, 955 Center St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503–378–4988, http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Unemployment Insurance—Employers pay this. For 2002, new employers are assigned a fixed rate of 3 percent of taxable wage base. Tax rates for existing employers are based on employers' experience and range from 1 percent to 5.4 percent of taxable wage base. Taxes are paid quarterly and are due by the end of the month following the quarter. In 2002, the tax is paid on the first $25,000 of wages paid to each employee. The rate schedule in effect depends on the balance in the Trust Fund as of August 31 each year and the amount of revenue needed to maintain the balance at a level adequate to pay benefits. For more information contact the Oregon Employment Department, 875 Union St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503–947–1488, web http://www.employment.oregon.gov/.

Utilities, Railroad, Weight-mile—Who pays? All railroads and investor-owned utilities operating with the state pay an annual fee. For-hire and private motor carriers operating into, within and through the state pay weight-mile taxes. Rates—limit of .25 percent of gross operating revenues of investor-owned utilities; .25 percent charged on 2002 revenues. Limit of .35 percent on gross operating revenues of railroads; .267 percent charged in 2002 revenues. Applications, plate fees and per-mile rates dependent on declared combined weight of vehicle. For more information contact the Oregon Public Utility Commission, 550 Capitol St., NE, Suite 215, Salem, OR 97301–2551, 503–378–6611, web http://www.oregon.gov/PUC/; Oregon Department of Transportation, Rail Section, 555 13th St., NE, Salem, OR 97310–1333, 503–986–4125, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/; Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transport Branch, 550 Capitol St., NE, Salem, OR 97301–3871, 503–378–6699, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/.


Incentives
Oregon's Business Incentives.

Miscellaneous
Motor Vehicle Licensing, Driver Licensing, Fuels—Who pays? Owners and operators of motor vehicles. Oil companies importing fuels. Truckers using Oregon highways. Fees—Registration fees, driver license fees and renewals (contact the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services division 503–945–5000, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/

Hunting and Fishing Licenses—contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 59, Portland, OR 97207, general information 503–872–5268, licenses/tags/permits 503–872–5275, web http://www.dfw.state.or.us/.

Amusement Device Tax—An excise tax is imposed upon every person who operates an amusement device in Oregon. An amusement device is a video lottery game terminal. More information from the Oregon Lottery Commission, 500 Airport Rd SE, Salem, 97301, web http://www.oregonlottery.org/.

Emergency Communications (9–1–1) Tax—Telephone companies providing local exchange access services in Oregon Collect this tax from their customers. The tax, which is $0.75 per line per month, is reported and paid quarterly. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Hazardous Substance Fee—Paid by possessors of nonpetroleum hazardous substance. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Petroleum Load Fee—Paid by petroleum suppliers and importers to Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Timber Severance Tax—Paid by timber owners on harvested timber’s value. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Forest Products Harvest Tax—Paid on timber cut from any land in Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Dry Cleaning Tax—Paid by operators of dry cleaning facilities. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Alcoholic Beverages—Manufacturers and/or import wholesalers of malt beverages and wines pay a privilege tax. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of distilled spirits, malt beverages and wines pay license fees. Employees who serve alcoholic beverages pay for service permits. For more information contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, PO Box 22297, Portland, OR 97222, 503–872–5000 or 1–800–452–6522 (in Oregon), web http://www.oregon.gov/OLCC/.

Tobacco Products—Cigarette and tobacco products distributors are required to purchase tax stamps for cigarettes or pay a percentage of the wholesale price on other tobacco products. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Transit Payroll Tax–paid by employers in the Tri-Met (Portland area) and Lane Transit District (Eugene) for mass transit systems. Administered by the Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Many local governments in Oregon collect other taxes, such as hotel-motel taxes. Contact the city or county in which you are interested for more complete information about taxes in that area.

Source: Oregon Department of Revenue, “A Summary of Taxes,” January 2002; County information–County Assessor’s Office

Community Services and Resources

Public Safety/Emergency Services

Fire Station(s) serving community: Hood River Fire Department
Number of paid and volunteer firefighters: 27
Rating by Insurance Services Organization (ISO): 3*
Comments: 2000 data; *ISO rating unreported in directory, last numbers reported
Source: Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Fire Service Resource Directory 2000

Police Department: Hood River Police Department
Number of paid and reserve officers: 18


Nearest Hospital and distance: Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Local
Regional Hospital and distance: Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Local
Emergency services to community: Ambulance Service, Life Flight Service, Level III trauma hospital
General Clinic(s): 10

Source: City Administration

Communications Resources

Local Newspapers: Hood River News

Regional Newspapers: The Dalles Daily Chronicle, Columbia Gorge Business News, The Oregonian (Portland)

Radio Stations: KIHR AM, K105.5 FM, Q104 FM

TV Stations: Community receives progamming from Portland

Available Cable Television: Charter Communications

Telephone Service Provider(s): Sprint, Gorge Networks

Local Internet Service Provider(s): Yes
Number of Internet Service Providers: approx 3
Source: City Administration

Library System
1 public library, Planetree Health Resource Center

Source: City Administration

Planning Service/Regulatory

Regulatory System	Year Acknowledged	Year Last Revised	Year of Periodic Review	Comments
Comprehensive Plan	1984	1998	2005
Zoning Ordinance		2001
Building Permit System		2001
Subdivision Ordinance		2001
Strategic Plan

Territory Covered by Zoning
Municipality Yes     County Yes
Source: City Administration

Industrial Lands
Does the Community seek industrial development? Yes
Access Statewide industrial lands database—http://www.oregonprospector.com/
Source: Economic and Community Development Department

Special Districts and Associations (ports, water, sewer, etc.)
Name of Special District and the Oregon Revised Statute it was created under:
Aldridge Ditch Company, Inc., ORS; City of Hood River Urban Renewal Agency; Columbia Gorge Scenic Area; Crescent-O’Dell Lakes R.F.P.D.; Crystal Springs Water District; Dee Irrigation District; Dee R.F.P.D.; East Fork Irrigation District; Farmers Irrigation District; Hood River County Transportation District; Hood River S.W.C.D.; Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District; Ice Fountain Water District; Mid-Columbia Council of Governments; Mid-Columbia Economic Development District; Middle Fork Irrigation District; Mt. Hood Irrigation District; O’Dell R.F.P.D.; O’Dell Sanitary District; Parkdale R.F.P.D.; Pine Grove R.F.P.D.; Port of Cascade Locks; Port of Hood River; West Side R.F.P.D.

Special Districts Association of Oregon—727 Center St., NE Salem, OR 97301, 503–371–8667 or 800–285–5461 http://www.sdao.com/
Source: City Administration

Infrastructure/Transportation

Water Supply

Operator: City of Hood River
District:
Source: Ground Water; Cold Springs/Stone Springs 1 & 2 (secondary)
Supply: Treated; Capacity (MGD)–4.00; Pressure (PSI)–230.00 (max)

Current Water Utilization on Meter Size (MGD): 1.10 MGD
Water Costs per thousand gallons: Base rate per/thousand =$22.17 3/4" tap 1st 5,000 gallons $1.27 per thousand after
Water Costs for Total Consumption of Residential: Based on 7,000 gallons = $24.71

Age of Water System: 1930

Water System Comment(s): City has System Development charges. Hook up fees based on meter size. Other costs: $1,000 appeal; $30 turn on; $30 meter testing deposit.

Compliance Issues: No

Water debt repayment included as part of tax assessment? No

Date of Current Master Plan: 2002

Plans for Upgrading or Expanding: Yes, currently doing a feasibility study for a sixteen mile transmission line
Source: City Administration

Wastewater Treatment System

Operator: Operations Management, Inc.          Age of Wastewater Collection System: 1930
District: City of Hood River

System Design Capacity (MGD): 6.50MGD     System Utilization (MGD): 1.80 MGD
Collection System Fees: $36/mo 3/4" single fam unit    Hook-up or Connection Fee: actual cost + 10%; inspections
Access Fee or System Development Fee: fee based on meter size $36 mo 3/4" single family dwelling. Commercial/Industrial depending on water meter size.

Comment(s) on Wastewater System: Just finished major upgrade in 2001. System designed for 20 years growth and use.

Compliance Issues:

Date of Last Facility Plan: 2002

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:

Storm Drain: Yes    Storm Water Discharge Fee:
Fees or issues related to storm drains:
Source: City Administration

Utilities

Telecommunications

Is there access to broadband infrastructure? Yes If yes, check all that apply: Microwave Fiberoptic Satellite Is there route diversity? No

Access Monthly Fee Other Fee T1 Yes DSL No Cable Yes

For Oregon Telecommunications information and resources, visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/inn.htm.

Natural Gas—Provider: NW Natural
Lines and Feed:

Rate Structure:

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:


Electrical—Provider: Pacific Power
Lines and Feed: BPA and Pacificorp

Rate Structure see www.pacificorp.com for rate information

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:

Solid Waste Management: Hood River County

Permit Status:

Utility Expansion Plans: None

Utilities Source: City Administration; PGE information supplied by PGE. Note: We update utility rates periodically. Actual rates may change more often than that. For the most current rate for any carrier please consult the Public Utilities Commission web site at http://www.puc.state.or.us/commsion/default.htm Click on the Statistics 200x label (x being the most recent year).

Transportation

Highways I-84 E/W route, local access   Transportation Access Fee: $0

Community Air Service Yes	Hood River Airport	If no local service, list closest Air Facility
Air Passenger Service: No
Airport Freight Service: No		Portland International Airport, 60 miles
Air Service Comments:

Rail Service: Yes Union Pacific, Mt. Hood Railroad
Freight Service: Yes    Passenger Service: Yes
If no local service, list closest Rail Service:

Marine Yes
Description: Port of Hood River
Docks, Port Facilities: Commercial dock. Deep draft available at Port of Portland, 60 miles; marina-151 slips, dock for float planes, visitors dockhttp:// www.portofhoodriver.com
Plans for Upgrade/Expansion: Waterfront plan expansion is being considered.


Transportation issues which might confront development, such as non-attainment air shed, etc.:

Public Transportation Comment:

Bus Service Available in the Community: Yes Columbia Area Transit, Columbia Gorge Express, Greyhound
Scheduled Bus Service Available: Yes    Buses Per Day: 4
Local Charter Services: No 
Distance to Nearest Bus Service: local

Trucking Service
Scheduled Freight Carrier Services: Yes  Same Day Stage
Overnight Express Parcel Service Available: Yes 
Overnight Express Mail Service Available: Yes
Transportation Comments:

For more information relating to transportation topics please visit the Department of Transportation web site. Airports (maps and general information) http://www.tripcheck.com/About/airport.htm; Bicycle and Pedestrian Route information http://www.tripcheck.com/About/bicycle.htm; Public Transportation, bus and rail http://www.tripcheck.com/About/busrail.htm.

Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce (proprietary information)