Washington ranks 6th among states in population growth
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Washington's population has grown faster than most U.S. states in recent years, with that growth spread fairly evenly across counties, per the latest census data.
The big picture: All but four of Washington's 39 counties saw population increases in the 2019-23 five-year American Community Survey, which the U.S. Census Bureau released last month.
- That's in contrast to states like Texas, which saw huge growth around major cities, but saw many of its rural counties lose population.
By the numbers: Among states, Washington saw the sixth-fastest rate of population growth in the 2019-2023 survey.
- The state's average population from 2019-2023 increased 6.1% over its five-year average from 2014-2018, per the survey data.
- Pacific County grew the most (11.6%) followed by San Juan County (10.9%), Clark County (9.7%) and Spokane County (9.3%).
- King County was somewhat in the middle, with its 4.6% growth rate placing it 28th among Washington's 39 counties.
Yes, but: Four Washington counties saw slight decreases in population: Ferry County (-3.3%), Whitman County (-3.2%), Kittitas County (-0.2%) and Columbia County (-0.1%).
Between the lines: The state Office of Financial Management estimates that most of Washington's recent population growth — which recently put the state over 8 million people — has been driven by people moving here.
- About 82% of Washington's population increase from 2023 to 2024 was due to an increase in net migration, the agency said.
- That annual growth of nearly 85,000 residents was buoyed by the addition of more than 50,000 housing units, mostly in urban areas, according to state officials.
- Birth rates, meanwhile, have been declining statewide since 2017.
What we're watching: Washington's death rate is expected to continue trending upward as the baby boomer generation ages, state demographers predict.