ically diverse habitats. Increased human populations often result in habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. A larger human population requires more land for housing and roads, more food, and generates more waste. Population density in Oregon ranges greatly and is shaped by distance to the river. In the areas east of the cascades some average fewer than three people per square mile. In contrast, the highest populations occur in the Portland metropolitan area, in Multnomah (1,424 people per square mile), Washington (427 people per square mile) and Clackamas counties. Washington County and the Portland metropolitan area are nationally recognized as one of the most livable areas in the country. Located on the western edge of the City of Portland, Washington County is the second largest and fastest growing urban county in Oregon, with approximately 445,342 citizens. Focused residential and industrial growth has enabled the County to preserve more than 75% of its agricultural and forestlands. Washington County enjoys the benefits of a healthy urban and rural environment. Often referred to as the "Silicon Forest" for its continuing growth in the area of high technology, Washington County is home to electronics leaders such as Intel, Tektronix, and NEC, and is World Headquarters for Nike, Inc. Multnomah County is the smallest Oregon county geographically and yet it contains approximately 20% of the state's population due to the high density found in Portland and the surrounding cities. Multnomah County has a population of 660,486. As a part of the Portland Metropolitan Area, about 1/8th of the land area in Clackamas County is urban, but the majority is rural. Clackamas County encompasses 1,879 miles including Mt. Hood, the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Bull Run Watershed. Some of Oregon's richest farmland is located in areas surrounding Canby, Sandy, Boring, Wilsonville and Molalla. Major rivers include the Willamette and the...
