Hermiston keeps growing
By Terry Murry on Friday, November 26th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – The United States counts population once every 10 years, but the Population Research Center at Portland State University never stops counting. It issued its preliminary count for 2021 recently, and there was good news for Hermiston.
There was an increase of 342 people compared to the 2020 Census figure. The estimated population is 19,696.
“The bets will be placed as to whether or not we crack over 20,000 in PSU’s estimates next year,” Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan said.
Morgan estimates the city will come close but won’t pass 20K in one year’s time.
“Since those numbers are for 15 months of growth, that’s why I’m thinking Hermiston’s number next year will be plus 300 to put us at 19,996,” he said.
Elsewhere in Umatilla County, the city of Umatilla gained 157 people with an estimate of 7,520; Pendleton grew by 62 to 17,169; while Milton-Freewater showed a loss of 53 to 7,151.
