Net Migration Tends to Drive Oregon's Population

Based on estimates from the Population Research Center at Portland State University, net migration fueled Oregon's population growth in 2012. Between July 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012 Oregon's population added 26,110, of which net migration accounted for 14,548.

Net migration typically leads Oregon's annual population change, while the natural increase -- the net result of births and deaths -- is a relatively smaller and more stable component of population change.  However, beginning in 2009, natural increases took the lead by becoming a larger share of Oregon's population change, as net in-migration dropped. Annual net in-migration tapered off through the Great Recession and sluggish recovery. It slid from 36,100 additional residents in 2007 to just 7,000 in 2010, the lowest level since 1987.

For more information about Oregon's population change, including population information on Oregon's counties, check out the full article written by State Employment Economist Nick Beleiciks.