My Local Guide

River Crossings And A Cultivated Valley

Yamhill County, Oregon

McMinnville anchors Yamhill County, whose communities include Lafayette, Newberg, Dundee and Carlton. Agriculture and wine-growing contribute to its identity, while local museums and university connections provide other ways to understand a county rooted in Oregon’s earliest provisional-government period. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 110,024 residents in Yamhill County, Oregon, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 716 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.

Yamhill County at a Glance

Population110,024 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatMcMinnville
Largest MunicipalityMcMinnville • Newberg • Dundee
Established1843 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP CodesWillamette Valley
Total Area, Including Water718.406 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesOR 99W • OR 18
Area Codes503 / 971
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Discover Yamhill County

Yamhill County

Yamhill was one of Oregon's original districts in 1843 and was named for the Yamhelas people. Lafayette served as the early seat near a useful river crossing before the move to McMinnville in 1889. Farming became central to the county's development, with later vineyards adding another chapter to its cultivated landscape. The move between seats adds an administrative story to the agricultural setting. Earlier Indigenous place names also remind readers that provisional government was one historical layer, not the beginning of the region.

Connect McMinnville with Lafayette to follow the county-seat story, or choose a museum and one agricultural destination for a different outing. The valley's towns are distinct places, so leave room for their individual character rather than treating the county solely as a wine route. Use the two county seats to frame a historical route, or limit an agricultural outing to a few confirmed destinations. Individual town stories deserve time beyond a quick stop between businesses.

What Shapes Us

Local Character

Agriculture and wine-growing contribute to its identity, while local museums and university connections provide other ways to understand a county rooted in Oregon's earliest provisional-government period.

Community History

Yamhill was one of Oregon's original districts in 1843 and was named for the Yamhelas people. Lafayette served as the early seat near a useful river crossing before the move to McMinnville in 1889.

Explore Locally

Connect McMinnville with Lafayette to follow the county-seat story, or choose a museum and one agricultural destination for a different outing.

Discover cultivated landscapes through the communities that grew within them.
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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County Resources

Find the Right Local Connection

Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.

Get to Know Yamhill County

Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.

Local Questions

Yamhill County Questions, Answered

Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.

110,024 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Explore Yamhill County

Places to visit

Start with these local landmarks, outdoor destinations and community places in Yamhill County.

  • Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
  • Yamhill County Historical Museum
  • Hoover-Minthorn House
  • Rogers Landing
  • historic downtowns

Explore the Yamhill County profile in the Oregon Blue Book

County photograph: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives. County profile and map: Oregon Secretary of State.

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