Wheeler, Oregon is located in Tillamook County on Highway 101 on the Northern Oregon Coast about 100 miles west of Portland. Take Highway 26 from Portland to Highway 101 and go south to Wheeler or turn left off Highway 26 onto Highway 53 and follow it to Highway 101 (19 miles), then turn south to Wheeler. See maps.

Wheeler is the quintessential tiny coastal village, spread out on a hillside along Highway 101, overlooking Nehalem Bay at the mouth of the Nehalem River. The bay is dotted with islands with an estuary that is home to a wide variety of birds (herons, egrets, cormorants, to name a few) and sea life. Unique shops, antique stores, fine food, comfortable lodging, an emphasis on the arts, excellent fishing and crabbing (boats and equipment rentals available), kayaking (explore the estuary) and inviting special events (Crab Feed, Salmon Fest, Mermaid Festival) make Wheeler a charming vacation location or stop along your way.

History

The success of the town was, in part, due to the railroad - mainly freight trains hauling lumber products from mills in Wheeler. By 1981, the Port of Tillamook Bay was operating the line from Tillamook to Wheeler and still does, providing short "Fun Run" trains from Garibaldi to Wheeler and the Nehalem Bay Winery in Mohler, as well as full- and half-day runs into the Salmonberry Canyon in the summer (BBQ train) and fall (Fall Foliage Runs in September, October and November).

In 1920, the Rinehart Arthritis Clinic opened in Wheeler and became quite well known. Now a general practice clinic serving the Nehalem Bay Area, the Rinehard Clinic is still a vital asset to Wheeler and the surrounding villages and is headed by Dr. Harry Rinehart, a third generation descendant of the founding Rinehart.

During the 70's, an economic downturn resulted in the closing of many large employing businesses in the area, and Wheeler's economy suffered as a result. In the early 1990's, residents of the area decided to revitalize their town. The Wheeler Business Association was organized and began to attract new employers and visitors. Wheeler changed into a vital, interesting place to live, work, pursue the arts and come for a visit.

Weather

The average low monthly temperature is 36°F, and the average high monthly temperature is 69°F. September is the hottest month, with January the coldest. July is the driest month, and the wettest month is December. Average annual precipitation is 88.65 inches.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 391 people, 176 households, and 93 families residing in the city. The population density was 545.7 people per square mile (209.7/kmē). There were 244 housing units at an average density of 340.5/sq mi (130.8/kmē). The racial makeup of the city was 93.09% White, 0.77% Native American, 1.79% Asian, 1.79% from other races, and 2.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.81% of the population.

There were 176 households out of which 16.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.6% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.54.

In the city the population was spread out with 14.3% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 19.9% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 27.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,000, and the median income for a family was $31,161. Males had a median income of $26,364 versus $21,429 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,535. About 10.9% of families and 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.