The recession of the past year slowed population growth in Yamhill County but didn't halt it, according to numbers released by the Population Research Center, a division of Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs.

During 2008, the county's total population increased about 1 percent, going from 94,325 to 95,250 residents. Although it's a small change, it's not significantly different from the 1.3 percent change the county saw in 2007.

The numbers reflect populations around the state as of July 1 of this year. Currently, they are still considered estimates but the State of Oregon uses them to determine tax revenue distributions.

In raw numbers, Newberg, McMinnville and Carlton grew the most, with additions of 505, 360, and 35, respectively.

Newberg saw its population grow 2.2 percent to 23,150, while McMinnville increased 1.1 percent to 32,760. Carlton's modest growth produced a 2 percent leap because of its smaller population.

McMinnville is still the only urban area in Yamhill County.

One town, Dayton, had the dubious distinction of posting the only loss of residents. Five fewer people lived there this year than last, bringing the population to 2,495 from 2,500.

Three towns saw populations that didn't change at all. Lafayette (3,925), Sheridan (6,020) and Willamina (1,885) stayed exactly the same.

The average percent change for Yamhill County cities was .7 percent.

Last year, experts predicted 2008 would see small population gains for Yamhill County because the recession caused housing construction to essentially come to a halt.

Source: PSU Population Research Center