The Latino Population in Deschutes County, Oregon

Abstract:

From 2000 to 2020, the total population in Deschutes County, Oregon grew from 115,000 to nearly 200,000 residents. While most of the county has maintained a low population density, Bend stands out with its rapid increase in population density over the years. Bend has increasingly become known as a destination for amenity migrants seeking outdoor recreational activities and cultural amenities.  While the data shows a rise in White and wealthy residents, many of whom enjoy the flexibility of remote work and can afford the rising cost of living in amenity rich areas, the data also reveals a rapidly growing demographic in Bend, the Latino community. According to Census data, Bend’s Latino population has increased by close to 300% since 2000. My research takes a closer look at how the Latino population stacks up against the changing demographics in Bend and other parts of Deschutes County including Redmond, which has experienced a steady growth in its Latino population in the past decades. Using 2020 Census demographic data and housing sales data, my research illustrates a Latino population concentrated east of the Deschutes River. In census tracts with the highest percentage of Latinos, the data reveals their residency in neighborhoods with home sales prices between $350,000 and $500,000, and a Latino population left to choose between lower wages or lack of job opportunities.

Keywords: Amenity migration, Latino, Hispanic, Oregon, Bend, population growth

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