Published Jan-5-2009
In mid-November, the Population Research Center released preliminary population estimates for Oregon's counties and cities and the state. The state's population increased from 3,745,455 in 2007 to 3,791,075 in 2008. That's up 45,620 people, or 1.2 percent. Last year's growth rate was 1.5 percent. The population numbers represent tallies as of July 1 of each year.
Baker County's population was estimated to be 16,455 on July 1, 2008. That's an increase of 20 individuals, or 0.1 percent, over the 2007 level. While small, it was Baker County's first population increase in four years, according to the PSU data series.
Grant County's population was estimated to be 7,530 on July 1, 2008. That's a decline of 50 individuals, or -0.7 percent, from the 2007 level and was Oregon's largest subtraction in the new county estimates. It was also the fourth consecutive annual population decline in Grant County.
Harney County's population was estimated to be 7,705 on July 1, 2008. That's an increase of 25 people, or 0.3 percent, over the 2007 level. While Harney County's 2008 growth rate was much less than Oregon's, it still was an acceleration of sorts. Harney County's population increased by only 10 in each of the prior three years.
Malheur County's population was estimated to be 31,675 on July 1, 2008. That's up 55 people, or 0.2 percent, over the 2007 level, and it represents Malheur County's first population increase since 2001.
Union County's population was estimated to be 25,360 on July 1, 2008 – up 110, or 0.4 percent, over the year. Union County had slow but steady population gains every year since 2001, with the numbers rising by 50 to 200 people per year.
Wallowa County's population was estimated to be 7,115 on July 1, 2008. That's 15 fewer people than 2007, a 0.2 percent reduction. Wallowa, Grant, and Sherman were the only Oregon counties to post population losses in 2008.
These preliminary 2008 population estimates remain subject to revision until certified in December 2008. PSU uses information on vital statistics, housing units, school and Medicare enrollment, labor force data, and more to prepare their calculations.