Growth will continue
Central Oregon’s economy thrives because of its spectacular growth in population. Growth also supports the many services and amenities available to residents and visitors. Bend changed from a drowsy sawmill town suffering from public policy-based forest harvest reductions to a busy regional center of tourism, commerce and high-tech industry. Other Central Oregon localities such as Redmond, La Pine and Prineville are being transformed in similar ways.Deschutes County population grew 39% between the April 2000 census and July 1, 2007. This was nearly four times the growth rate of Oregon as a whole. Net in-migration accounted for nearly 90% of the population increase in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties in that period. Among out-of-state sources, California generates most migration to Central Oregon.
Population in the three Central Oregon counties increased 5% between July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007, reaching 208,725, according to estimates prepared annually by the Portland State University Population Research Center. Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, in that order, recorded the highest growth rates in Oregon for the period. Landmarks: Redmond moved ahead of Tualatin to claim 18th spot in population among Oregon cities, while Prineville passed the 10,000 mark.
There’s no end in sight. Projections show population in Central Oregon’s three counties should reach as high as 263,000 by 2012. That’s 26% above estimates for 2007.
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