In the heart of Eastern Oregon, the city of Hermiston is writing an inspiring story of community growth and economic vitality that's creating opportunities for thousands of families. With 130 new single-family homes approved in 2025 alone, this thriving city continues a remarkable five-year trend that has reshaped its landscape and future.

Since 2020, Hermiston has welcomed 767 new housing units, a testament to the community's appeal and economic strength. But these numbers represent far more than construction statistics. They represent families finding their dream homes, children gaining access to quality schools, and a community growing stronger together.

"Hermiston's housing growth has been consistent for many years and developers have worked hard to match pace with other economic development," shared Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan, whose enthusiasm for his city's progress is palpable. The diversity of new housing options, from single-family homes to income-restricted apartments and manufactured housing, ensures that workers across all income levels can find a place to call home in this welcoming community.

The housing boom reflects something even more significant: job creation on an impressive scale. According to the Oregon Employment Department and U.S. Census Bureau, Umatilla County has added more than 3,200 jobs since 2012, with an astounding 91% of those gains occurring in the Greater Hermiston area. When including neighboring Morrow County data, Greater Hermiston accounts for 60% of all net job growth across both counties.

Between 2012 and 2022, Hermiston alone added 2,200 jobs, representing roughly two out of every three new positions in Umatilla County. In the critical growth period from 2019 to 2022, the Greater Hermiston area generated nine out of every 10 new jobs in Umatilla County, showcasing the city's role as what officials proudly call a "regional economic engine."

The Ripple Effect

The transformation of Hermiston extends far beyond statistics and construction permits. The city's success story demonstrates how strategic investment creates waves of opportunity that touch every corner of a community. The arrival of major data centers beginning in 2019 catalyzed extraordinary growth in the technology sector. Employment in the county's "Information" sector blossomed from just 170 jobs in 2018 to 880 by June 2025, representing permanent operational positions that provide stable careers for local families.

This economic diversification means more than paychecks. It means students graduating from local schools can find careers without leaving their hometown. It means small businesses have a growing customer base. It means restaurants, retail stores, and service providers all benefit from an expanding, economically secure population.

The $469 million in residential and commercial permits approved in 2025 reflects not just construction activity, but business confidence and private investment in Hermiston's future. These investments create construction jobs, permanent positions, and a stronger tax base that supports better schools, parks, and public services for everyone.

Morgan emphasized that the variety of housing options ensures the community remains accessible to the diverse workforce driving this growth. From manufacturing workers to tech professionals, from service industry employees to entrepreneurs, Hermiston is building a community where everyone can thrive.

As Hermiston looks ahead, the foundation laid over the past five years positions this Eastern Oregon community for continued success, proving that thoughtful development, diverse economic opportunities, and inclusive housing policies create prosperity that lifts entire regions.