Revisions by the U.S. Census Bureau now suggest Oregon's population began a slow rebound in 2023.

Oregon’s population increased by 0.44% this year, according to newly released population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

In fact, the state’s population has increased the past two years, according to the revised federal figures, erasing a previously estimated decline in 2023. The Census Bureau still says that Oregon lost residents from 2021 to 2022.

Oregon added approximately 18,718 residents in 2024 for a total of approximately 4.27 million, the Census Bureau says.

The upward revisions somewhat vindicate the Portland State University Population Research Center, which has published more bullish figures showing Oregon growing for three years straight. In the research center’s latest estimates, released last month, Oregon grew by slim 0.3%.

The two estimates, while they disagreed on trajectory, remained fairly close. There’s no question that Oregon’s population has flattened compared to last decade’s rapid growth.

Portland State’s figures are used to allocate state money and other resources, while federal programs lean on Census Bureau figures.

Continued stagnant population growth by the 2030 Census could lose Oregon the sixth congressional seat it won in 2020 if other states are experiencing faster growth. Population also figures prominently into the state’s economy, driving tax collections and workforce participation.