Special area population estimates
OFM produces annual population estimates for ‘special areas’ required by statue. Special areas include highway urban areas, public transportation benefit areas, and the thermal electric generating facility area. The special area estimates are based on data produced by the Small Area Estimate Program using GIS-based spatial interpolation procedures.
Highway urban area population estimates
OFM produces annual population estimates for Highway Urban Areas (HUAs) as defined by the Washington State Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and input from local governments and metropolitan planning organizations. HUAs include all areas defined as urbanized by the Census bureau but can and usually do include areas beyond the Census Bureau defined boundaries.
HUA Fall 2023 Population Estimates PDF | Excel
Public transportation benefit area population estimates
OFM produces annual population estimates for Public Transportation Benefit Areas (PTBA) as well as Unincorporated Public Transportation Benefit Areas as defined by Washington State Department of Revenue. PTBAs are Washington State transit areas established by public vote. Population estimates are produced in accordance with RCW 36.57A.010.
PTBA Fall 2023 Population Estimates PDF | Excel
Regional transit authority population estimates
OFM Produces quarterly population estimates for the parts of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties that lie inside and outside of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) sales tax area. The RTA area is defined by the Washington State Department of Revenue and is updated quarterly. Population estimates are used for the quarterly distribution of tax proceeds in accordance with RCW 43.79.520. RTA estimates will be updated every March, June, September and December.
RTA Quarterly Population Estimates PDF | Excel
Thermal electric generating facility area population estimates
OFM produces annual population estimates for incorporated places, unincorporated areas, fire protection districts, and library districts within the Thermal Electric Generating Facility Area (TEGFA). This boundary is defined as the area lying within thirty-five miles of the most commonly used entrance of the Columbia Generating Station (formerly known as the Hanford Nuclear Reservation) and is south of the southern boundary of township fifteen north. Population estimates are used for the annual distribution of tax proceeds in accordance with RCW 54.28.055. These taxes are dispersed as part of the Public Utility District Privilege Tax.
