Central Oregon Population Growth: Deschutes & Crook Counties Lead State – 2025 Data

BEND, Ore. — Deschutes County, Oregon, experienced the largest numeric population increase of any county in the state between July 2020 and July 2025, adding 14,811 residents, according to estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, Crook County led the state in population growth rate, increasing by 11.4% over the same period.

The July 1, 2025, estimates indicate Deschutes County’s population at 213,072, an increase of 1,870 people from the previous year – a nearly 1% rise. Crook County’s population was estimated at 27,564, an increase of 244 residents, also representing almost a 1% annual increase. Jefferson County added 55 residents, a 0.2% increase, bringing its total population to an estimated 34,868.

The growth in Deschutes County is largely driven by migration, according to Damian Syrnyk, a senior planner for the City of Bend. “Over the last five years, our population growth from natural increase – births exceeding deaths – is becoming a much smaller component” of the total, Syrnyk said. “Most of it has been from net migration – more people moving in than moving out.” He indicated that 97% of Deschutes County’s population growth this decade is attributable to net migration.

The Census Bureau data comes as national population growth slows. The agency reported Thursday that growth slowed in a majority of U.S. Counties between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. Among the 2,066 counties that grew, nearly 80% saw their growth leisurely or reverse direction. The slowdown is largely attributed to a decline in net international migration.

Nationally, the three metropolitan areas experiencing the steepest declines in population growth rates were located along the U.S.-Mexico border: Laredo, Texas. Yuma, Arizona; and El Centro, California. These areas saw significant reductions in net international migration.

The national trend contrasts with the growth seen in Central Oregon. Even as Multnomah County, Oregon’s most populous county, added just over 900 residents last year – a 0.1% increase – it has experienced a 2.6% population decline this decade. Sherman County, with a population of 2,051, saw the highest percentage growth in the state at 1.8%, adding 36 residents.

The Census Bureau’s estimates differ slightly from those released last fall by Portland State University’s Population Research Center. The PSU estimates showed Deschutes County adding 2,764 residents in the year ended last July, with a total population of 213,886. The Census Bureau’s figures are 213,072.

The Census Bureau is scheduled to release city population estimates for July 1, 2025, in May. The agency also plans to release detailed population data by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin for the nation, states, metro and micro areas, and counties in June 2026.