The Vision Action Network's plan for the future of Washington County needs to be rooted firmly in an understanding of our present and past. The information that follows provides glimpses into the trends that have shaped Oregon’s second largest county. While justifiably known for our livability and economic vitality, substantial growth during the past two decades poses both opportunities and challenges for our community today.

Growth

Population Growth, Washington County, 1970 - 2020

Year	1970	1980	1990	1995	2000	2020 (Metro forecast)
Population	157,920	245,860	311,554	370,000	445,342	643,000

The percentage of people over 55 is expected to grow from approximately 16% in 1990 to 26% of the total in 2020. During the same period, the percentage of younger adults (20 - 54) will decrease of 54% to 46% of the total population.

Age Distribution, Washington County, 1990 - 2020

Age	1990		2000		2010		2020
	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent
0-19	91,157	29%	123,787	29%	151,483	29%	183,578	29%
20-34	78,492	25%	91,860	22%	112,476	21%	132,143	21%
35-54	89,270	29%	131,009	31%	144,594	27%	160,092	25%
55-74	38,821	12%	55,264	13%	93,278	18%	127,757	20%
75+	13,820	4%	21,755	5%	27,944	5%	39,656	6%
Total	311,560	100%	423,675	100%	529,775	100%	643,226	100%

Source: Metro County Population Estimates and Projections 1990-2020, May 1998

The relative percentage of Hispanic residents has increased significantly during the last decade, from 4.6 to 11.2% of total population in 2000.

Minority Population Distribution; 1980 - 2000

2000 Washington County and Oregon Population Composition

Ethnic Group	1990	2000
White	94.2%	82.2%
Black or African American	0.6%	1.1%
Asian or Pacific Islander	4.4%	7.0%
American Indian, or Alaska Native	0.6%	0.7%
Hispanic	4.6%	11.2%

Source: U.S. Census County Population Estimates, 1990 and 2000

Poverty rates are lower than in most other nearby counties, as well as the state and nation. However, poverty rates in the County have risen over the past 15 years.

Comparison of Poverty Rates

Place	1980	1990	1995
Clackamas County	6.0%	6.9%	6.8%
Lane County	12.8%	14.5%	14.9%
Marion County	10.8%	13.2%	14.1%
Multnomah County	11.4%	13.1%	13.5%
Washington County	6.1%	6.6%	7.1%
Oregon	---	---	12.5%
U.S.	---	---	13.8%

Source: Washington County Statistical Snapshot