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Oregon’s population increased from 3,690,505 in 2006 to 3,745,455 in 2007, or by 54,950, according to the latest preliminary July 1 population estimates released by Portland State University’s Population Research Center.

Most of the state’s population growth in the past year was due to net migration, with an estimate of about 37,750 net migrants moving into the state. Available data indicate that almost one-third of the State’s growth was accounted for by natural increase, with 17,200 more births than deaths. This natural increase is the highest that Oregon has experienced in at least a decade.

The change in Oregon’s population is estimated to have decreased from 1.6 percent during 2005–2006 to 1.5 percent during 2006–2007. Although the rate of Oregon’s economic growth appears to have slowed a bit during the past year, Oregon’s total population growth rate is still on par with rates seen in the mid-1990s. Recent data show an increase in school enrollment, labor force participation, employment, the number of Oregon tax exemptions claimed, the number of drivers’ licenses issued and Medicare enrollment.

Population growth in three counties (Washington, Multnomah and Deschutes) accounted for almost one-half of the state’s overall population change from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. In the Portland metropolitan area, Washington County added an estimated 10,490 persons; Multnomah County, 8,480; and Deschutes County in central Oregon saw an increase of 8,195.

Clackamas County ranked fourth in population growth, adding 5,230 persons, followed by Marion County, with a population gain of 4,405. The population in Lane and Jackson Counties each increased by more than 3,000. Oregon’s remaining counties each experienced population growth of no more than 1,500 persons during the past year.

The fastest growing counties, in terms of percent change from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, are the same two as last year. They are the neighboring Crook and Deschutes Counties with an estimated increase in population by 5.5 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively.

The population of Oregon’s cities and towns are estimated to have gained 46,800 from 2006 to 2007, to reach a combined 2007 total of 2,605,530. The cities capture about 70 percent of the state’s population, about the same as last year. Approximately 3 percent of the increase in Oregon’s city/town population was due to annexations – last year, annexations accounted for 9 percent. The incorporation of one city in Oregon occurred at the end of 2006. La Pine, in Deschutes County became the state’s 242nd city and its July 1, 2007 population is estimated to be 1,590.

Population increases are estimated to have occurred in about two-thirds of Oregon’s 242 incorporated cities and towns. Portland, Eugene, Hillsboro, Salem and Bend all added more than 3,000 persons to their population from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. Annexations accounted for 6.9 percent of Salem’s increase, but did not bear much influence on population growth in the other cities with the highest growth. Most cities in Oregon have seen slightly smaller increases this past year than in the previous year.

The Population Research Center develops annual population estimates for Oregon, its counties, and cities and towns. These estimates are based on changes in the number of births and deaths, housing, school enrollment, employment, Medicare enrollment, State tax exemptions, drivers’ licenses issued by the DMV, and other administrative data. The annual population estimates are used in revenue distribution to local governments and in program administration.

The preliminary population estimates are subject to revision during a one month review period. The final July 1, 2007 population estimates will be certified in December 2007.

For more information or to comment on the preliminary July 1, 2007, population estimates, please contact:
George Hough, director, Population Research Center, 503-725-5159, houghg@pdx.edu; or
Risa Proehl, Population Estimates program manager, 503-725-5103, proehlr@pdx.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#07-122)

Source: Risa Proehl (503-725-5103)
Population Research Center

George Hough (503-725-5159)
Population Research Center