Washington Trends
State economic, demographic, and social trends are related to one another and, in turn, affect government policies on spending and taxation. A strong economy, for example, attracts more people to the state, which in turn boosts state tax collections. At the same time, however, increases in population also put additional pressure on such areas of state responsibility as public schools, prisons, and social services. Social developments, such as crime rates and the incidence of teenage pregnancies, also contribute to demands on public resources. The purpose of Washington Trends is to chart these elements which shape public and private life in Washington.
Budget drivers
Trends that affect government spending, including medical costs and school enrollment.
Revenue
Revenue data per capita, by income, by function, and compared to other states.
Expenditures
Expenditures data per capita, by income, by function, and compared to other states.
Economic trends
Wages, export activity, home prices, income, as well as employment and unemployment rates.
Social-economic conditions
Data on population in poverty, educational attainment, and more.
Population changes
Washington state population by race, age, gender, as well as data on migration.