Portland Civic Lab
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Performance warehouse
IndicatorMeasure #100717088Value #104408384

PORTLAND’S POPULATION

Number of residents in the city of Portland

A complete source packet for this Performance Portland measure: current value, official scale, history, narrative notes, context, and links.

1

Start with value

Use the latest official value and current trend as the first read.

2

Check why it matters

Following major population declines related to COVID-19 in many cities, population size has been a closely watched indicator.

3

Use the source packet

Continue to the chart, official notes, topic links, source URLs, and full history table.

History

Official values

This chart uses the official actual values cached from ClearImpact. The latest point is highlighted; the table below preserves every raw row.

Export source packet

Latest

640,623

2025

First shown

587,865

2012

Change shown

52,758

Within visible history

-78,852124,849328,550532,251735,9522012587,8652013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025640,623X-axis: reporting period. Y-axis: official actual value.

Full source history

Every cached ClearImpact row for this measure.

PeriodActualTargetTrend
2025640,623—1
2024639,448—1
2023638,624—-1
2022639,126—-1
2021639,230—-1
2020652,498—-1
2019657,100—1
2018648,740—1
2017639,100—1
2016627,395—1
2015613,355—1
2014601,510—1
2013592,120—1
2012587,865—1
2011585,845—1
2010583,776—0

Narrative Tabs

Official Performance Portland notes

Why Is This Important?

Following major population declines related to COVID-19 in many cities, population size has been a closely watched indicator. Population size is linked with economic vibrancy because a growing population typically results in higher demand for goods and services, the creation of new businesses, and the generation of more jobs. Furthermore, an expanding population attracts development and investment to the region. For these reasons, population growth is a crucial factor in the City's revenue forecasts. Cities with large growing populations often have a wider variety of cultural attractions, various entertainment options, and many recreational opportunities; they are often considered attractive places to visit and live. The City receives State funding based on population estimates provided by Portland State University’s Population Research Center. As such, the City's population directly influences its revenue: the larger the population, the greater the share of State funding allocated to the City's budget.

What Do The Numbers Show?

The data shows that the City experienced strong year-over-year growth until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Between 2020 and 2021 the City's population declined and the slow growth in the following years has left the population below its pre-pandemic levels. Population growth is expected to remain slow, but there is greater uncertainty around future forecasts compared to previous years, as demographers and economists continue to analyze emerging trends, such as higher rates of remote work and the resulting changes in mobility.

How Did We Arrive at These Numbers?

The data is provided by Portland State University’s Population Research Center (PRC). The U.S. Census offers the most accurate population estimate for the City every ten years. In non-census years, the PRC generates official population estimates for Oregon jurisdictions using local data sources. These more precise population figures are used by the State to allocate revenue to cities, counties, and school districts. Other estimates of Portland’s population, such as those from the American Community Survey, also exist. However, because the PRC’s estimates are directly tied to funding, they are the most relevant for the City of Portland.

Where Can I Find More Information?

For more information on how Portland State University’s Population Research Center calculates Portland’s yearly population, see their Population Estimate Reports . Here is more information about the racial and ethnicity of the City of Portland: RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY OF THE POPULATION: Percent of Portlanders who identify as people of color

Population Estimate ReportsRACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY OF THE POPULATION: Percent of Portlanders who identify as people of color