# Scio, Oregon

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Scio,_Oregon
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Scio,_Oregon.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scio%2C_Oregon
> Source revision: 1350084373
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

**Scio** (/ˈsaɪoʊ/ SY-oh) is a city in [Linn County](/source/Linn_County,_Oregon), [Oregon](/source/Oregon), United States. Located east of [Jefferson](/source/Jefferson,_Oregon) and south of [Stayton](/source/Stayton,_Oregon), it sits along [Oregon Route 226](/source/Oregon_Route_226) near the confluence of the north and south forks of the [Santiam River](/source/Santiam_River). Incorporated in 1866, the population was 956 at the 2020 census.

## History

*[Oregon Geographic Names](/source/Oregon_Geographic_Names)* suggests that Scio was named by one of the original residents, William McKinney, who, with Henry L. Turner, set up a flour mill at the new town. Turner suggested McKinney come up with a name for the place, and McKinney used the name of his former home, [Scio, Ohio](/source/Scio,_Ohio). The [Ohio village](/source/Ohio_village) is, in turn, named for a [Greek](/source/Greece) island called *[Chios](/source/Chios)*; the Italian version of the name is Scio.[4]

[Thomas Creek](/source/Thomas_Creek_(Linn_County,_Oregon)), which flows through the city, was named for Frederick Thomas, who obtained a [Donation Land Claim](/source/Donation_Land_Claim) and settled on the banks of the creek in 1846.[5] Scio post office, headed by postmaster Euphronius Wheeler, was established on October 3, 1860.[6] The community was incorporated as a city on October 24, 1866.[7]

Resident Lawrence William Moore shot 20 people, killing 5, at the [Oregon Museum Tavern](/source/Oregon_Museum_Tavern_shooting) in nearby Salem on May 7, 1981. Moore was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of four counts of murder.[8] In September 2008, the [Animal Liberation Front](/source/Animal_Liberation_Front) released 215 minks from the [S&N Fur Farm](/source/Timeline_of_Animal_Liberation_Front_actions), with 177 later captured by the ranch.[9] A flood in January 2012 caused significant property damage in Scio and the surrounding area.[10]

## Geography

According to the [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau), the city has a total area of 0.38 square miles (0.98 km2), all land.[11] Scio lies at en elevation of 317 feet above sea level.[7] It is located in the [Albany–Corvallis–Lebanon combined statistical area](/source/Albany%E2%80%93Corvallis%E2%80%93Lebanon_combined_statistical_area), though its area code is [503 & 971](/source/Area_codes_503_and_971), unlike most of the rest of Linn County.

### Climate

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C). According to the [Köppen Climate Classification](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_Climate_Classification) system, Scio has a [warm-summer Mediterranean climate](/source/Mediterranean_climate#Warm-summer_Mediterranean_climate), abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.[12]

## Demographics

### 2020 census

As of the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census), Scio had a population of 956. The median age was 34.3 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18 and 13.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 99.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 96.7 males age 18 and over.[13]

0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[14]

There were 361 households in Scio, of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 54.0% were married-couple households, 14.4% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 22.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[13]

There were 370 housing units, of which 2.4% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 67.9% were owner-occupied and 32.1% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.6% and the rental vacancy rate was <0.1%.[13]

Racial composition as of the 2020 census[15] Race Number Percent White 848 88.7% Black or African American 8 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.7% Asian 8 0.8% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 2 0.2% Some other race 16 1.7% Two or more races 67 7.0% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 38 4.0%

### 2010 census

As of the [census](/source/Census)[16] of 2010, there were 838 people, 306 households, and 225 families living in the city. The [population density](/source/Population_density) was 2,205.3 inhabitants per square mile (851.5 /km2). There were 324 housing units at an average density of 852.6 inhabitants per square mile (329.2 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.4% [White](/source/White_(U.S._Census)), 0.4% [African American](/source/African_American_(U.S._Census)), 1.8% [Native American](/source/Native_American_(U.S._Census)), 0.6% [Asian](/source/Asian_(U.S._Census)), 0.1% [Pacific Islander](/source/Race_(U.S._Census)), 2.0% from [other races](/source/Race_(U.S._Census)), and 3.7% from two or more races. [Hispanic](/source/Hispanic_(U.S._Census)) or [Latino](/source/Latino_(U.S._Census)) of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 306 households, of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were [married couples](/source/Marriage) living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.5% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.18.

The median age in the city was 34.8 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

### 2000 census

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 695 people, 265 households, and 188 families living in the city. The population density was 2,202.6 inhabitants per square mile (850.4 /km2). There were 278 housing units at an average density of 881.0 inhabitants per square mile (340.2 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.24% White, 3.88% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 2.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.87% of the population.

There were 265 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,111, and the median income for a family was $38,906. Males had a median income of $31,726 versus $27,833 for females. The [per capita income](/source/Per_capita_income) for the city was $16,222. About 7.7% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the [poverty line](/source/Poverty_line), including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 29.9% of those age 65 or over.

## Government

The city is served by the [Scio School District](/source/Scio_School_District), which operates a single high school, [Scio High School](/source/Scio_High_School).[17] Fire protection is via the Scio Fire District, which operates three stations in the greater Scio area.[18] Law enforcement is through a contract with the Linn County Sheriff's Office.[19]

## Points of interest

Scio refers to itself as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the West." There are five bridges as part of its Covered Bridge Tour[20] out of a total of eight in Linn County.[21] Most of those bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), including [Weddle Bridge](/source/Weddle_Bridge), [Shimanek Bridge](/source/Shimanek_Bridge), [Gilkey Bridge](/source/Gilkey_Bridge), and the [Hannah Bridge](/source/Hannah_Bridge). Scio is also home to the [ZCBJ Hall](/source/Z.C.B.J._Tolstoj_Lodge_No._224), a lodge built on beside Thomas Creek in 1922 by the large Czechoslovak population then living in the area. Now owned by the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair, the lodge is used for community events and rented out for private events such as weddings and is also listed on the NRHP.[4] Other buildings in the area on the NRHP include the [E. C. Peery Building](/source/E._C._Peery_Building), [David and Maggie Aegerter Barn](/source/David_and_Maggie_Aegerter_Barn), and the [Joseph Wesely House and Barn](/source/Joseph_Wesely_House_and_Barn).

## Notable people

- [Doug Mikolas](/source/Doug_Mikolas), professional football player
- [Bernard A. Newcomb](/source/Bernard_A._Newcomb), co-founder of [E*TRADE](/source/E*TRADE)[22]
- [Samuel T. Richardson](/source/Samuel_T._Richardson), attorney

## References

1. ["City Council | Scio, Oregon"](https://www.sciooregon.gov/city-council). *www.sciooregon.gov*

1. ["U.S. Census website"](https://www.census.gov). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Retrieved 2008-01-31.

1. [Scio, Asia Minor](http://www.1902encyclopedia.com/S/SCI/scio-asia-minor.html)

1. MacArthur, Lewis A. (1992). '**Oregon Geographic Names, 6th Ed.'**. Portland, Oregon: OHS Press. ISBN 0-87595-237-2.

1. ["State of Oregon: Blue Book - Incorporated Cities: Scio"](https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/local/cities/s-y/scio.aspx). *Oregon Blue Book*. State of Oregon. Retrieved 10 December 2024.

1. Journal, JOCE DEWITT, Salem Statesman (February 2013). ["32 years later, Oregon bar shooting victim dies"](http://kval.com/news/local/32-years-later-oregon-bar-shooting-victim-dies)

1. "Group claims responsibility for mink release", "[http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4331980](http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4331980)"

1. Wikidata item [Q107297381](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107297381)

1. ["US Gazetteer files 2010"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Archived from [the original](https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt) on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2012-12-21.

1. [Climate Summary for Scio, Oregon](http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=606453&cityname=Scio%2C+Oregon%2C+United+States+of+America&units=)

1. ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A65650&in=state%3A41). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2026.

1. ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A65650&in=state%3A41). *United States Census Bureau*. 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2026.

1. ["2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A65650&in=state%3A41). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2026.

1. ["U.S. Census website"](https://www.census.gov). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 4, 2014.

1. ["Scio High School - Scio, Oregon"](https://shs.scio.k12.or.us/). *Scio High School*. Scio School District. Retrieved 10 December 2024.

1. ["ABOUT US"](https://www.sciofire.org/about-us). *Scio Fire District*. Retrieved 10 December 2024.

1. ["Public Safety"](https://ci.scio.or.us/public%20safety.htm). City of Scio. Retrieved 10 December 2024.

1. ["Scio Covered Bridge Tour"](http://www.daytrails.com/CoveredBridges.html). Retrieved 2012-07-29.

1. ["Covered Bridge Tour Route"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150223012015/http://www.co.linn.or.us/Roads/CovBridge/CoveredBridgeRoute.htm). Linn County Road Department. Archived from [the original](http://www.co.linn.or.us/Roads/CovBridge/CoveredBridgeRoute.htm) on February 23, 2015. Retrieved 2012-07-29.

1. ["Newcomb Family Endowed Scholarship"](http://business.oregonstate.edu/advising/my-resources/undergraduate-scholarships/newcomb-family-scholarship). *College of Business*. 2014-10-01. Retrieved 2018-04-06.

## External links

- [Official website](http://ci.scio.or.us)
- [Listing for Scio](https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/local/cities/s-y/scio.aspx) in the *[Oregon Blue Book](/source/Oregon_Blue_Book)*

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Scio, Oregon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scio%2C_Oregon) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scio%2C_Oregon?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.