PORTLAND, Ore. — Central Oregon counties are among the fastest growing regions in the state, according to U.S. Census data.
Within the three counties that span central Oregon — Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson — Deschutes County saw the largest population growth from 2020 to 2023 at nearly 5.2%, an increase of about 10,262 people.
Crook County also saw a significant increase in population. Oregon’s most central county grew nearly 9% from 2020 to 2023, a net addition of about 2,200 people. Jefferson County saw a nearly 4% population growth, or about 950 people.
Central Oregon’s population has been on the rise for years with its vibrant brewery scene and access to the outdoors that could even rival Portland’s. But it’s no coincidence that the sharp spike in the region’s growth coincided with the start of the pandemic. Central Oregon has been seen as a haven for remote workers and those looking to make a lifestyle change.
But the population increase has come at a cost, quite literally.
The median sale price in Bend rose more than $170,000 in the span of one year during the pandemic and has continued to steadily increase. In February, the median sale price hit $677,500. That’s higher than in Portland, where February’s median home price was $480,000.
Even in areas around Bend that have more affordable options, like Redmond and Madras, housing prices have still increased more than $100,000 since 2020.
A similar trend can be seen in southwest Washington. Clark County’s population rose 3.1% since 2020 — about 15,800 people. In comparison, Multnomah County lost about 26,800 people — the largest population drop of Oregon counties.
Only three other Oregon counties lost populations greater than a thousand people since 2020: Jackson, Lane and Washington.
Another region on the rise is the western hills of Willamette Valley. Polk, Benton and Linn County each saw a population increase of around 2.5%, totaling nearly 7,800 people flocking to the area.
