The recent population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau shed light on evolving American migration trends, reflecting how the country is adjusting to the aftermath of the pandemic. These estimates show a clear trend of increasing net migration throughout the U.S., with 60 percent, or 1,876 out of 3,144 counties, seeing population increases from 2022 to 2023, a rise from the previous year’s 52 percent or 1,649 counties.
In contrast, Oregon has experienced a trend of population decline since 2020, as reported by the Portland Business Journal. Over the past three years, the state lost around 11,600 people, with its most populous county, Multnomah, losing more than 26,800 residents. Washington County also saw a decrease of 2,265 people, whereas Clackamas County went against the grain, gaining 705 residents. Meanwhile, Clark County in Washington state, part of the Portland metropolitan area, witnessed a 3.1 percent population increase, adding 4,413 residents.
Deschutes County, encompassing the city of Bend, stood out for its significant population increase, welcoming over 9,000 new residents, a 4.5 percent rise from 2020 to 2023. This growth mirrors a wider trend in Oregon, with 20 out of 36 counties reporting population growth. Crook County, near Deschutes in Central Oregon, led in growth rate at 8.1 percent, with an increase of 575 people.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s analysis also highlights a change in migration patterns in regions traditionally known for losing residents, like the Midwest and Northeast, which are now seeing more counties with population growth. On the other hand, some western counties in states like Arizona and Idaho, previously experiencing fast growth during the pandemic, are now seeing a slowdown.
For the first time since 2020, the Midwest had more counties with population increases (542) than decreases (513), suggesting a demographic shift towards this region. While the Northeast still had more counties losing than gaining residents, the South reported accelerated growth in 2023, with an average increase of 0.56 percent across its counties, up from 0.31 percent in 2022. Growth in the West slowed, with the annual increase across its counties dropping to 0.34 percent in 2023.
This analysis points to a gradual normalization in U.S. population movements, with smaller counties shrinking at a reduced rate and moderate to larger counties experiencing growth.
