PORTLAND — The Portland State University Research Center has issued its 2022 yearly population estimates for Eastern Oregon, revealing a significant increase in Union County.

From April 2020 to July 2022, Union County experienced an estimated 0.8% increase in total population, up from 26,196 residents in 2020 to 26,673 in the latest tally. Among Eastern Oregon counties, Union County trails only Baker (1.3%) and Wallowa and Harney (0.9%) in population gain.

The university’s research department found that Oregon as a whole saw an increase of 0.5% during the measured time frame. The estimated increase of 44,595 brought the state’s total population to 4,281,851.

Portland State, which estimates city and county populations each year between the once-per-decade federal censuses, pegs La Grande’s population as of July 1, 2022, at 13,404. That’s a 2.9% increase since 2020.

Other Union County communities also saw an increase.

Elgin’s population is estimated at 1,778, a 3.6% increase. Imbler is up 1.2% to 248. Cove saw a 0.5% increase to 623 residents and Union’s population is estimated at 2,154, up 0.1%.

Island City remained flat at 1,144 residents in the latest figures, while Summerville and North Powder were the lone Union County communities to see a decline. Both recorded 0.8% decreases.

Wallowa County saw an estimated increase of 150 residents, for a 0.9% increase. Enterprise is up 3.6% to 2,126, while Joseph and Wallowa are both up 1.6% and Lostine seeing a 0.8% increase.

Three counties in Oregon — Hood River, Multnomah and Wheeler — experienced population declines, according to the research center. Multnomah County lost more than 5,100 residents, while Hood River lost 83 residents and Wheeler 15.

Portland State’s figures are estimates, based on housing starts and other data. The U.S. Census is an actual attempt to count residents through questionnaires and household visits.

Around Eastern Oregon

After reaching a milestone of 10,000 residents in the 2020 Census, Baker City has continued to add population.

Baker City’s population as of July 1, 2022, was 10,263. That’s a 1.6% increase since 2020 when the community climbed over the 10,000 for the first time at 10,099.

Ontario has added residents in every decade since the 1930s, and Pendleton’s population has grown every decade except the 1960s, when it dropped by 8.6%.

Ontario had a population of 11,645 in the 2020 census, and an estimate of 11,845 in 2022.

Pendleton’s population in the 2020 Census was 17,107, and its 2022 estimate was 16,894.