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(Portland, Ore.) November 17, 2010 — Oregon’s population increased from 3,823,465 in 2009 to 3,844,195 in 2010, or by 20,730, according to the latest preliminary July 1 population estimates released by Portland State University’s Population Research Center (PRC). With an increase of only 0.5 percent, this year marks the fourth straight year of slowing population growth, and represents the slowest growth since the 1980s.

Population growth consists of two factors: Natural increase (the number of births minus deaths) and net migration (movers in minus movers out). This past year there was a decline in both factors – both natural increase and the number of net migrants were smaller than last year. This year, not only was there a decrease in the number of births, but also a slight increase in the number of deaths. Additionally, also for the fourth straight year, net migration accounted for a dwindling percentage of the overall population growth. The percentage of population growth attributed to the number of net migrants was about thirty percent compared to fifty percent last year. Net migration during previous years in the decade and in the 1990s accounted for most of Oregon’s annual population growth. PRC estimates that the net number of newcomers to Oregon during the past year is around 6,400 persons, less than half the number estimated for last year.

Recent data show a decrease in employment, school enrollment, and building permits for new housing, but an increase in the number of Medicare enrollees. Data on the number of State and Federal tax exemptions, and on the number of drivers’ license holders, also indicate an increase, but the rate at which they increased has declined in recent years.

The larger metropolitan areas continued to experience Oregon’s greatest population gains. Five counties accounted for about eighty percent of the State’s overall population change from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010: Washington and Multnomah Counties each increased by almost 5,500; and Marion, Clackamas and Deschutes Counties added 2,470, 1,930, and 1,345, respectively. Oregon’s remaining counties each experienced population growth of less than 900 persons. Several counties are estimated to have seen slight decreases (200 or less), but the losses are attributed to a natural decrease, as the number of deaths exceeded the number of births.

Oregon’s incorporated cities have gained an estimated 11,600 from 2009 to 2010, reaching a combined 2010 total of 2,682,600. Incorporated cities captured about seventy percent of the State’s population, about the same as in the last few years. Preliminary estimates also show that cities accounted for forty-six percent of Oregon’s population increase, a smaller percentage than last year. Approximately nine percent of the increase in Oregon’s city/town population was due to annexations – a little higher than last year.

PRC’s estimates also show population increases in 120 of Oregon’s 242 incorporated cities from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Portland added the greatest number of persons, increasing its population by 1,700. Bend and Hillsboro each added around 850 persons, followed by Gresham, Beaverton, and Salem - each adding between 500 and 600 persons. Most cities in Oregon have seen much smaller increases this past year than in the previous year. Cities showing a significant increase in population are likely explained by the occurrence of annexations, or a better accounting of their housing unit inventory and of the number of persons residing in group quarters facilities.

PRC produces annual population estimates for Oregon, and its counties and incorporated cities using the most recent available data. These estimates are based on changes in the number of housing units, persons residing in group quarter facilities, births and deaths, students enrolled in public school, persons in the labor force, Medicare enrollees, State and Federal tax exemptions, Oregon driver license holders, and other administrative data. Statewide housing and group quarters’ population data for are collected from annual questionnaires are sent directly to Oregon’s cities and counties. If we do not receive updated annual data from a city, its population estimate remains the same as the previous year. 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, 2010 population estimates will be certified on December 15, 2010. The annual population estimates are revised quarterly to account for annexations throughout the year.

For more information contact: Risa Proehl, Population Estimates Program Manager, Population Research Center, 503-725-5103, proehlr@pdx.edu.

About Portland State University

Portland State University (PSU) serves as a center of opportunity for more than 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in Portland, Oregon, one of the nation’s most livable cities, the University’s innovative approach to education combines academic rigor in the classroom with field-based experiences through internships and classroom projects with community partners. The University’s 49-acre downtown campus exhibits Portland State’s commitment to sustainability with green buildings, while many of the 125 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees incorporate sustainability into the curriculum. PSU’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” inspires the teaching and research of an accomplished faculty whose work and students span the globe.