Gov. McCall's plea ignored 42,666 times in last year
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A double-digit unemployment rate has not stopped Oregon from adding people.
The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates show Oregon's population at 3,825,657 as of July 1 — 42,666 more than at the same time in 2008.
The numbers provided Wednesday are the bureau's final estimates before it releases the 2010 census late next year. Those official numbers are used to determine the distribution of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Forty-seven of the 50 states gained residents in the latest estimates, with the exceptions being Maine, Michigan and Rhode Island.
Texas had the largest population surge, gaining 478,000 people. Wyoming had the largest percentage growth.
Population growth is a long-standing issue for Oregonians, some of whom would like to close the door behind them.
"We want you to visit our State of Excitement often. Come again and again," former Gov. Tom McCall is quoted as having said. "But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live. Or if you do have to move in to live, don't tell any of your neighbors where you are going.
(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press)
