Nov 10, 2025 - News

A look at Washington state's veterans

Melissa Santos

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A choropleth map of U.S. states showing the estimated share of adult civilians who are veterans in 2024. Nationally, 5.9% of adults are veterans. The share is highest in Alaska, with 9.9%, and lowest in D.C., with 3.1%. — Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Map: Axios Visuals

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, honoring those who have served in the military.

By the numbers: Veterans make up about 7.3% of the civilian population in Washington state, according to the latest census data.

Zoom in: About one-third of Washington's veterans served after Sept. 11, 2001.

27% served during the Gulf War period, while 28% served during the Vietnam era.

Bar chart showing the periods of service for veterans in the Seattle metro area from a 2024 estimate. 33.8% of veterans in the area served after September 2001. 27% served in the Gulf War, 28% in the Vietnam era, 2.6% in the Korean War, and 0.3% in World War II. — Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Note: Periods of service are not mutually exclusive, so values may add up to more than 100%; Chart: Axios Visuals

Bar chart showing the periods of service for veterans in the Seattle metro area from a 2024 estimate. 33.8% of veterans in the area served after September 2001. 27% served in the Gulf War, 28% in the Vietnam era, 2.6% in the Korean War, and 0.3% in World War II. — Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Note: Periods of service are not mutually exclusive, so values may add up to more than 100%; Chart: Axios Visuals

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