According to the **2020 U.S. Census**, Oregon had a population of **4,237,256**. Growth has slowed compared with some earlier decades, but Oregon has still seen long-term increases driven by migration, natural increase, and metropolitan expansion, particularly in and around the Portland area and parts of central Oregon.
Most residents live in **western Oregon**, especially the **Willamette Valley** corridor from Eugene through Salem to Portland. Large portions of central, southern, and eastern Oregon remain much more sparsely populated.
## Population characteristics
- **Largest metro area**: Portland metropolitan area - **Other major urban centers**: Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, Beaverton - **Rural population**: Significant in eastern and southern counties, coastal communities, and mountain areas
## Demographic profile
Oregon's population includes people of many racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Non-Hispanic White residents remain the largest demographic group statewide, with growing Latino/Hispanic, Asian, multiracial, Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander communities. Demographic composition varies substantially by county and city.
Religious life is diverse and includes Christian communities of many denominations, people with no religious affiliation, and smaller Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and other faith communities. Oregon is often described as one of the more secular U.S. states, though religiosity varies sharply by region.
English is the predominant language, and Spanish is the most widely spoken non-English language in many communities. Other languages are also present through immigrant, refugee, and Indigenous communities.
## Education, income, and employment
Educational attainment is relatively high in many urban and suburban counties, especially where universities and technology industries are concentrated. Income levels vary notably between the Portland metro, college towns, resort areas, agricultural valleys, tribal communities, and more remote rural counties.
Employment is spread across healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, hospitality, logistics, and public service. As in many states, housing affordability and wage inequality are major concerns.
_Data not readily available for this location._