Washington population grows to over 7.8 million residents

Due to migration, Washington’s population grew up to an estimated 7,846,400 as of April 1, according to annual estimates from the Office of Financial Management.

The state’s total population change was 97,400 since last year, which fell below the last decade average of 98,200 per year.

King County was the main contributor to the growth, bringing in 30,700 people this year, compared to the average 33,800 people per year between 2010 and 2020.

Net migration (people moving in minus people moving out) is the primary drive behind Washington’s growth, with a total of 83,300 people, 40,500 more from last year.

Housing growth remained a strong indicator of population growth after the state added 46,500 housing units this past year, 100 more than last year.

Out of the new housing units, 58% were multifamily and more than 71% of new housing the past two years were built in one of the state’s five largest metropolitan counties.

Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane counties accounted for over 67% of the state’s population growth.

The top 10 cities for population change, in descending order, are Seattle, Bellingham, Lake Stevens, Lacey, Vancouver, Pullman, Spokane Valley, Tacoma, Ridgefield and Spokane.

Seattle’s population increased by 20,100 people, for a total of 762,500.

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