Published Mar-27-2009
After a brief period of population decline following the recession in the early 1980s, Region 3 has seen generally steady growth (Graph 1). Since 1980, the region has grown from roughly 307,000 residents to more than 477,000, adding more than 170,000 residents and growing by 55 percent. In fact, the population growth rate since 1980 exceeded the statewide growth rate (+44%) in each of the region's counties. Yamhill County had the fastest growth in the region, with a population increase of 70 percent from 1980 to 2008 (Graph 2).
Despite two recessions since 2000, Region 3's population growth continues. While population growth was especially strong in Central Oregon and the Portland metro area, Region 3's recent growth has matched the statewide growth. From July 1, 2007, to July 1, 2008, the state's population grew 1.2 percent, the same as Region 3. Polk County's growth rate for the year was nearly 1.1 percent, Marion County grew by 1.2 percent and Yamhill County grew 1.3 percent. Although all three counties grew at a similar rate, Marion County accounts for 66 percent of the region's overall population.
