The Forecasting division conducts research on a variety of issues related to the state budget, public policy, and demographics. The Population unit develops official state and local population estimates and projections for use in the allocation of certain state revenues, growth management, and other planning functions.

As the official partner of the U. S. Census Bureau for Washington state, the Population unit helps disseminate information about the characteristics of Washington’s population, housing, and economy and provide guidance to a variety of stakeholders in accessing and using demographic information.