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.

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Washington ZIP codes are home to some of the priciest real estate and richest residents in the country — with Medina's 98039 at the top.

Why it matters: Disparities in income and housing prices highlight the economic divide statewide, with many middle- and lower-income residents finding home ownership out of their reach due to skyrocketing home costs and limited supply.

By the numbers: Washington's most exclusive ZIP codes are concentrated on the Eastside, per real estate website Realty Hop: Medina (median price $4.2 million), 98040/Mercer Island ($2.3 million), and 98004/Bellevue ($1.95 million).

• The Medina ZIP code was also among the state's highest average income at $460,000, followed by Sammamish at $319,000 and Mercer Island's $303,425, according to census data aggregated by Cubit's Income by Zipcode.

Zoom in: Seattle neighborhoods with the highest median home values in September include Washington Park, Montlake, Magnolia and Laurelhurst, according to Forbes.

Yes, but: Washington doesn't even crack the top 10 priciest U.S. ZIP codes for 2024, according to real estate data company Property Shark.

• Atherton, California, took the top spot for the eighth consecutive year with a $7.9 million median home price, per shark's report.
• California is home to seven of the nation's 10 priciest locales, followed by New York with two and Florida with one.

Reality check: Seattle's median household income is just over $120,000 per year, according to the latest census data.

• Statewide, single-person households are often much lower.

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📉 Outdoor gear co-op REI says it will lay off 180 full-time and 248 part-time employees, including 67 in Washington. (MyNorthwest)

• Redmond-based Microsoft is also planning a new round of layoffs, but the company hasn't disclosed the number of employees that will be affected. (GeekWire)

💰People whose homes or businesses were damaged in November's bomb cyclone can now apply for state or federal assistance to help them afford repairs. (KING 5)

Authorities and conservation groups are seeking information on three recent gray wolf killings in Washington, offering up to $20,000 for tips leading to arrests.

Why it matters: Gray wolves are listed as endangered by the state and under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Driving the news: The Center for Biological Diversity this week announced a $10,000 reward for people who provide information in the illegal killings of:

• An adult male gray wolf, the last remaining member of the Big Muddy Pack, in late September or early October 2024 in Klickitat County.
• An adult female gray wolf in Okanogan County around Oct. 20.
• An adult male gray wolf in Klickitat County around Dec. 17.

Separately, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also offering $10,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction for each case.

• All told, five wolves were illegally killed in Washington in the past year and four remain under active investigation, according to Fish and Wildlife.

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January is packed with events, from civil rights celebrations honoring Martin Luther King Jr. to vibrant cultural festivities like Tet.

🎵 Sound of Music Sing-A-Long (Saturday-Sunday): Join hardcore fans in Von Trapp family costumes at the Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long at the 5th Avenue Theatre. $40-$50.

🤣 Nate Jackson comedy shows (Saturday-Sunday): Laugh with Eastern Washington University grad Nate Jackson, a comedian with over 3 million TikTok followers and 500 million global views.

🐍 Lunar New Year Fair (Jan. 18): Celebrate the Year of the Snake with family-friendly art activities, a free outdoor lion dance, and indoor crafts and calligraphy at the Wing Luke Museum.

MLK Day events (Jan. 20): Join the celebration from 10am-5pm at the Northwest African American Museum, or check out Painting the Town Red, A Billie Holiday tribute concert at The Royal Room.

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