PSU figures reveal: Union Co. population increases by 140

Union County gained a little bit in population last year, while Wallowa County lost a few people, according to figures released recently by Portland State University.

Each year, PSU makes population estimates for Oregon, its counties and incorporated cities. Estimates completed in July and certified in December show Union County gaining 140 people, for a 0.6 percent population growth between 2006 and 2007, and Wallowa County losing 10 residents, or 0.1 percent

Total Union County population was estimated at 25,250, up from 25,110 in 2006. PSU estimated 12,850 people in La Grande in 2007. The City of Union had 1,960 residents, Elgin 1,685, Cove 620, Imbler 295, and Summerville 120.

Wallowa County’s population was tabbed at 7,140 in 2006 and 7,130 in 2007.

The largest concentration of people, 1,940, lived in Enterprise in 2007. Joseph had 1,100 residents, and Wallowa 885.

Portland State reported Union County has grown by 2.4 percent since the 2000 census. That year, the county had 25,530 people

Wallowa County posted a 1.3 percent loss in the seven year period. In 2000, the county’s population was 7,226.

Oregon as a state grew by 54,950, or 1.5 percent, in 2007. Statewide population was pegged at 3,745,455; in 2006, it was 3,421,505. Since the 2000 census, the state has gained 54,950 residents, or 9.5 percent.

Crook and Deschutes counties posted the largest gains between 2006-2007, 5.5. and 5.4 percent respectively.

Crook County totaled 25,885, up 1,360 residents from 2006. Deschutes had 160,810 people, up 8,195.