Hermiston population passes 17,000

Published 4:31 pm Monday, December 16, 2013

Hermiston hit another growth spurt this year, passing the 17,000 population mark and solidifying its place as Eastern Oregons biggest city.

Portland State Universitys annual population estimate shows Hermiston had 17,240 residents as of July 2013, an increase of 245 people since last years count. Several other Eastern Oregon cities also saw an increase, including Pendleton, which grew by 65 residents to 16,780. In Morrow County, Boardman saw significant growth as its population increased by 170 residents to 3,405.

In Hermiston, the growth from July 2012 to July 2013 keeps with its history of relatively rapid growth. The citys population has increased 28 percent since 2000.

Hermiston accounts for 32 percent of Umatilla Countys overall growth in the past year. Umatilla County and Morrow County both grew by roughly one percent due to a combination of more births than deaths and more people moving into the counties than out.

That one percent growth is in line with Oregons overall increase of one percent. Coos, Grant and Harney Counties were the only counties where the population shrank between 2012 and 2013.

Population by city

                2012 – 2013

Arlington 585 – 605

Athena 1,125 – 1,125

Boardman 3,235 – 3,405

Echo 705 – 700

Helix 190 – 190

Heppner 1,290 – 1,290

Hermiston 16,995 – 17,240

Ione 330 – 330

Irrigon 1,830 – 1,835

Lexington 240 – 225

Milton-Freewater 7,050 – 7,060

Pendleton 16,715 – 16,780

Pilot Rock 1,505 – 1,505

Stanfield 2,075 – 2,095

Ukiah 235 – 235

Umatilla 7,015 – 7,025

Weston 675 – 675

SOURCE:?Estimates by Portland State University