Eastern Oregon’s Population Growth Well Below Average in 2024

January 7, 2025

Portland State University’s Population Research Center recently released 2024 population estimates for Oregon and its counties and cities. Oregon’s population rose by 0.31% from 2023 to 2024 increasing by 13,358 to total 4,263,385. Among Oregon’s counties, Deschutes County ranked first with a growth rate of 1.16% followed by Crook and Jefferson counties at 1.10% and 0.91%, respectively.

Eastern Oregon’s eight counties (Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa) combined had a growth rate of 0.05%. Morrow and Umatilla counties ranked in the upper half of Oregon’s 36 counties for growth rate from 2023 to 2024. 

Morrow County ranked highest among Eastern Oregon’s counties, growing by 0.52% and ranking 11th in Oregon. Morrow added 75 residents to total 12,791.

Umatilla County had the next highest growth rate, adding 323 residents to total 81,030 for growth of 0.40% which ranked 14th among Oregon’s counties.

Union County’s population grew by 0.02% to rank 23rd, rising by 5 residents to total 26,052.

Wallowa, Harney, Malheur, Baker, and Grant counties were among 12 counties to show a decrease in population from 2023 to 2024.

Wallowa County ranked 26th in growth rate with a decline of 0.05%, losing 4 residents to drop to 7,497.

Harney County dropped 13 residents to total 7,463, a decline of 0.17% which put it in 30th position.

Malheur County ranked 33rd with a decline of 0.48%. Malheur County fell by 151 residents from 2023 to 2024 to total 31,419.

Baker County’s population dropped by 81 residents to total 16,746, a decline of 0.48%, which ranked 34th in Oregon. 

Grant County ranked 36th among Oregon’s counties with a decline of 0.69%, losing 50 residents to total 7,181.