A recent report by Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis revealed a big increase in the state’s Hispanic and Latino population over the last 50 years and analyzes how this growth helps fuel Oregon’s workforce and economy.

In the report that analyzed 2020 Census data it showed that the Hispanic and Latino population grew from 2% of the state’s population in 1980 to 14% in 2020.

Our community is the fastest growing demographic in Oregon. So, what role will we play in Oregon’s economy? State Economist Josh Lehner predicts that Hispanics will help stabilize our population and create a strong workforce.  We help contribute to the population with higher birthrates which in turn balance out death rates and increase diversity.

As shown in the graph below, 23% of Oregon’s Hispanic population were born in Gen Z or between 2000-2018 and 21% have been born since 2019.

Lehner points to Salem as an Oregon city to watch with a strong future for workforce growth.  Salem’s job growth is booming at its fastest rate in 25 years and its Latino population is 23%.

“Today’s children represent tomorrow’s prime working-age labor force.  Salem has this in spades. In fact, the largest age cohorts in Salem are younger than 20 years old,” said Lehner.

These reports show that Hispanic Oregonians will continue to increasingly contribute to our state’s economy and workforce in the decades to come.