Eastern Oregon’s Population Growth Below Average in 2022

January 10, 2023

Portland State University’s Population Research Center recently released 2022 population estimates for Oregon and its counties and cities. Oregon’s population rose by 0.35% from 2021 to 2022 increasing by 15,083 to total 4,278,910. Among Oregon’s counties, Gilliam County ranked first with a growth rate of 2.76% followed by Crook and Polk counties at 2.22% and 1.85%, respectively.

Eastern Oregon’s eight counties (Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa) combined had a growth rate of 0.26%. Baker, Grant, Harney, and Wallowa counties ranked in the upper half of Oregon’s 36 counties for growth rate from 2021 to 2022.

Baker County ranked highest among Eastern Oregon’s counties, growing by 1.52% and ranking sixth in Oregon. Morrow added 256 residents to total 17,148.

Grant County had the next highest growth rate, adding 84 residents to total 7,337 for growth of 1.16%, which ranked ninth among Oregon’s counties.

Harney County’s population grew by 1.01% to rank 10th, climbing by 76 residents to total 7,460.

Wallowa County ranked 14th in growth rate at 0.74%, with the addition of 56 residents to climb to 7,541.

Malheur County added 98 residents to total 32,095, a growth rate of 0.31% which put it in 23rd position.

Union County ranked 27th with a growth rate of 0.09%. Union County rose by 24 residents from 2021 to 2022 to total 26,673.

Umatilla and Morrow counties were among eight counties to show a decrease in population from 2021 to 2022. Umatilla County’s population fell by 20 residents to total 80,302, a decline of 0.02%, which ranked 29th in Oregon. Morrow County ranked 35th among Oregon’s counties with a decline of 0.67%, losing 84 residents to total 12,315.