Oregon has more residents over 65 than it does people under 18, a striking demographic reversal that has enormous implications for the state’s economy.

“We are an aging population,” state economist Carl Riccadonna told Oregon legislators at a committee hearing earlier this month, where he presented figures showing the state’s population has been racking up the years.

As recently as 1985, Oregon had more than twice as many children as seniors. But the state’s birth rate has fallen sharply — it’s among the nation’s lowest — and most baby boomers are now in retirement age.

The result is that the number of older adults has overtaken the number of kids. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis estimates the state has nearly 900,000 people over 65, compared to 832,000 under 18 in 2024 and an estimated 821,000 now.

State economists expect that the number of seniors will continue rising while the number of children continues falling. By 2035, they forecast Oregon will have 40% more seniors than kids.

“Based solely on the demographics of Oregon, demand for public services geared towards children and young adults will likely decline or increase only at a slower pace, whereas demand for elderly care and services geared towards the elderly will increase rapidly,” state forecasters wrote in their quarterly economic report.

Fewer kids will eventually mean fewer workers, too, unless Oregon can become a more attractive destination for migrants.

Oregon’s aging population mirrors similar trends across the U.S. and in other developed countries. But those trends are especially pronounced in Oregon.

Just 1 in 5 Oregonians is under 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s the smallest share of children in any state west of the Mississippi River. The number of school-aged Oregon children has been falling since 2021.

Many factors contribute to Oregon’s relatively aged population.

Migrants who arrived in the 1970s and ‘90s have stayed and grown older. Housing costs are higher than in other parts of the country and so fewer people have families. Oregon’s education rates are high and college-educated people tend to have fewer kids. Oregon also has a less diverse population than other West Coast states, and white people tend to have smaller families.

Regardless of the reasons, the significance of Oregon’s aging population is clear.

“Demographics are destiny,” Riccadonna told lawmakers. “And if you have a slower growth rate in your population, that means you’re going to have a slower growth rate in your economy, all else being equal.”

This is Oregon Insight, The Oregonian‘s weekly look at the numbers behind the state’s economy. View past installments here.

— Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com.

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Memorial Day weekend is usually a time for Oregonians to break out the barbecue and get together with family, but it’s also when retailers offer some of their lowest prices.

There are discounts on things like home appliances, grills, mattresses, seasonal fashion and beauty products from brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Lowe’s.

Here are some Memorial Day sales happening at popular stores in Oregon this weekend.

Is Amazon having a Memorial Day sale?

Yes. Amazon is often a primary destination for shoppers, including Prime members, to compare prices. Given Amazon’s scale and competitive pricing strategy, it frequently offers similar deals to other major retailers during popular sales events like Memorial Day weekend.

Is Walmart having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. Walmart is offering Memorial Day price rollbacks and deals. It is offering significant discounts on everything from coolers and outdoor furniture, to grills and more.

Is Target having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. Target is holding its Hello Summer Sale, happening through May 26. During the sale, Oregonians can get up to 50% off on outdoor and patio furnishings, grills, small appliances, sun squad toys, home goods and more.

Is Lowe’s having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. The Lowe’s Memorial Day sale runs now through May 28. The sale includes discounts on items like appliances, outdoor and garden essentials, tools, furniture, mattresses and more.

Is Home Depot having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. The Home Depot Memorial Day sale includes discounts of up to 50% off on popular home items. The sale features low prices on appliances, outdoor and garden, tools, home improvement, mattresses and more.

Is REI having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. The REI Anniversary Sale is happening through May 26. During the sale, Oregonians can get up to 30% off across a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel from popular brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Salomon and more.

Is Ace Hardware having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. Now through May 26, Ace is offering savings on a wide range of summer essentials. Whether Oregonians are prepping their backyard for barbecue season or upgrading their tool shed, the sale features deals from some of the most trusted names in home improvement and outdoor living.

Is Nordstrom having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. This weekend, Nordstrom’s is combining its Memorial Day sales with its 2025 Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale, where customers can get up to 60% off premium brands like Off-White, Missoni, Victoria Beckham, Burberry and more.

Is Kohl’s having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. Shoppers can get 20% off their Kohl’s purchase with an exclusive coupon.

Is Macy’s having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. Macy’s is offering customers up to 60% off items this Memorial Day weekend.

Is JCPenney having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. The JCPenney Memorial Day home sale is offering customers up to 50% off home items and an additional 30% off select items with coupon.

Is Old Navy having a Memorial Day sale in Oregon?

Yes. Old Navy is offering customers up to 50% off this Memorial Day weekend.

What other Memorial Day sales are happening this weekend?

Contributing: Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, Rachel Cortez, USA Today, and Lianna Norman, Palm Beach Post.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.

Softball

May 24, 2025

Oregon edges Liberty in softball super regionals with walk-off finish

May 24, 2025

Oregon took game one over Liberty with a walk-off single in the 8th inning. Watch the end of the NCAA softball super regional matchup of Oregon vs. Liberty.