The most pristine coastline
The Brookings Harbor area is located in the middle of America’s Wild Rivers Coast, at the southwestern corner of Oregon. We are bordered on the south by California’s Del Norte County, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Siskiyou National Forest, which includes the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, and on the north by the Cape Sebastian headland. We are the southern gateway to the fabled, beautiful and world-famous Oregon Coast. Our Curry County Coastline is generally acknowledged as the most pristine, ruggedly spectacular, picturesque and accessible coastline on all of the West Coast.
As a result of it’s mild climate, natural beauty and relaxed pace of life our community continues to grow. The Brookings Harbor community has the highest percentage of retirees in the state.
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History
The first inhabitants of the area were Native Americans who called themselves "Cheti". Settlers of the area called them "Chetco". The Chetco relied on the abundance of the river and ocean for clams, mussels, sea lions, and salmon, as well as the fertile ground in the region for roots, berries, and acorns.
White men first explored the area as early as the late sixteenth century, but the area was not settled until 1853 when a small group of men settled the Chetco River Valley. The Chetco were soon driven off the land, and after the Rogue River Indian War in 1856 the Chetco were sent to the Siletz Indian Reservation near Newport.
Pioneer living in southwest Oregon was not so rough as in other parts of the country. The weather was kind; the soil was fertile, and timber abundant. The river and ocean provided easy passage for trade...Chetco Harbor has long been an important port for southern Oregon.
There was no town in the early days of "Chetco". Just a few stores, hotels, and many farms and ranches. The town of Harbor came first, being founded in 1891 by the Chetco Harbor Land and Townsite Company.
By the early part of the twentieth century, timber had become an important industry in the area and in 1914 the Brookings Timber & Lumber Company began to convert the area now known as "Brookings" into a major lumber-producing town.
To learn more about the history of Brookings-Harbor, I recommend "Then till Now", a social history of the Brookings/Harbor community, by Edward G. Olsen. You can find this, and many other books providing local information at our outstanding Public Library at 405 Alder Street
Population
Curry County: 21,137
City of Brookings: 5,680
Brookings Harbor area: 14,000
2000-2010 projected change in population
35.2 percent
Age breakdown for Curry County (2000)
Age: 0-17
Total: 4,058
% of Total: 19.2
Age: 18-64
Total: 11,456
% of Total: 54.2
Age: 65+
Total: 5,622
% of Total: 26.6
Housing Statistics
2003-2004 property tax rates:
$6.72 to $10.74 per $1000 Assessed value, tax rates vary depending on service code area
Average Rental prices
Single-family homes
4+ bedroom: $1,200
3 bedrooms: $900
2 Bedrooms: $800
Duplex
3 bedroom: $800
2 bedroom: $675
1 bedroom: $525
Apartment
3 bedroom: $850
2 bedrooms: $700
1 bedroom: $425
Condominiums
3 bedrooms: $1,200
2 bedroom: $900
Mobile Homes
3 bedroom: $900
2 bedrooms: $800
1 bedroom: $500
Climate
Being on the coast, the weather in Brookings-Harbor is quite moderate. However, Brookings-Harbor is unique... the area is referred to as the "Banana Belt" because of its year round sunny days and warm weather, while much of the Pacific Northwest is covered by clouds, rain & fog.
In the summer, expect foggy, cool mornings, and pleasant afternoons. Rain is rare, and temperatures usually range from the upper 60's or mid 70's to the mid 50's at night. The ocean stays cool at around 60 degrees while the rivers in the area warm up to around 70 degrees.
Most of the rain in Brookings falls during the winter months between November and April. But even during the winter you can expect pleasant sunny days in between storms; and don't be surprised if the temperature reaches into the 70's. Temperatures usually range between the upper 50's or low 60's down to the mid 40's at night. Snow and freezing temperatures are extremely rare.
Temperature and rainfalls
Average high temperatures
December: 55
July: 67
Record high temperatures
December: 79
July: 102
Average low temperatures
December: 42
July: 51
Record Low temperatures
December: 17
July: 39
Average Annual Rainfall: 73.44 inches
Average # of days with measurable rain: 141 days per year
Average growing season: 250 days a year, mid April to mid November
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College maintains a Curry County Campus in Brookings, providing both Associate of Arts (AA) and Associates of Science (AS) degree programs, as well as a large selection of Adult Education Courses and collaboration with four-year programs.
School enrollment
Brookings-Harbor School District 17C School Enrollment (October 31, 2003)
Total Students: 1,829
Elementary School: 754
Middle School: 494
High School: 581
Alternative School: 22
Certified Staff: 95
Classified Staff: 101
Administrative Staff: 17
Employment
Oregon Employment Department Cardinal Employment Services
