Greater Hermiston Powers Regional Job Growth Across Umatilla and Morrow Counties

Despite national headlines about economic uncertainty, interest rates, and trade policy, local data tell a story of steady and resilient growth for the Greater Hermiston area. Employment figures reveal that the region, which includes Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield and Echo, has been a driving force behind job creation in both Umatilla and Morrow counties over the past decade.

According to the Oregon Employment Department and U.S. Census Bureau, Umatilla County has added more than 3,200 jobs since 2012, with 91% of those gains occurring in the Greater Hermiston area. When combined with Morrow County data, Greater Hermiston accounts for 60% of all net job growth across both counties.

The recent surge in job creation began in 2019, propelled by the start of major data center construction and operations in western Umatilla County. Employment in the county’s “Information” sector — historically limited to newspapers and radio — grew from 170 jobs in 2018 to 880 by June 2025. These figures represent permanent operational positions and do not include the significant number of temporary jobs created during construction.

Between 2012 and 2022, Hermiston alone added 2,200 jobs — roughly two out of every three new positions in Umatilla County. The Greater Hermiston area generated nine out of every 10 new Umatilla County jobs from 2019 to 2022 and accounted for 114% of the county’s net job growth, which indicates other parts of Umatilla County experienced a net loss in jobs during that period. 

Morrow County also posted strong gains recently with U.S. Census data showing 1,489 jobs added in the Greater Boardman area (Boardman and Irrigon) and 2,930 jobs added in the Greater Hermiston area between 2012 and 2022. When looking at Umatilla and Morrow counties together, Greater Hermiston and Greater Boardman combined accounted for over 90% of all job growth in the two-county area.

While county-wide job numbers have leveled off in the past year — largely due to national slowdowns in agriculture, food processing, and hospitality — Greater Hermiston’s diversified private sector and ongoing technology investment continue to create stability.