Washington’s population continues to grow

Washington remains one of the nation’s fastest growing states

OLYMPIA – Washington state’s total population grew by an estimated 61,200 — to 8,176,300 as of April 1, 2026, according to annual estimates prepared by the Office of Financial Management.

Washington is growing, though slower than the annual average from last decade (61,200 between April 2025 and April 2026 compared to 98,200 from 2010–20). National population trends show slower growth across the board, according to the latest data from 2025 from the U.S. Census Bureau. The state’s population is growing slower than last year, with an unadjusted growth rate of 0.8%. Looking at the current decade as a whole, the population has increased by 469,990 since April 1, 2020, which represents an increase of 6.1%.

Net migration (people moving in minus people moving out) is the largest driver of population growth, accounting for 72% of the state’s increase (43,870 people, down 18,450 from last year).

The most recent ranking data from the U.S. Census from 2024-25 showed Washington was one of the fastest growing states in the nation in terms of population growth. At the time, we ranked #6 in terms of numeric growth, and #7 in terms of highest percent of growth. These rankings are expected to be updated again in December 2026.

Components of State Population Change

Birth rate continues to decline

Natural change (births minus deaths) accounted for 28% of the annual growth or 17,330 people. Deaths — which are driving one part of the decline in natural change — have been trending upwards since before the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so as the baby boomer generation ages. Births have been trending downward statewide in earnest since around 2017, driven largely by decreases in the fertility rates of mothers in their teens and early 20s (see figure below). This decrease has not been offset by the increased fertility rates seen in mothers over age 35.

Age-Specific Fertility Rates by Age of Mother, 1990–2024

Strong housing growth continues

Washington continues to have strong housing growth. Over the past year, from April 2025 to March 2026, the state added 41,000 housing units, 7,300 fewer than the previous year.

• Of all new units built this past year, 62% were multi-family units, continuing the decade-long trend.
• In the past year, 2,135 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were built in the state, making up 5.2% of new housing. Starting in 2023, ADUs made up a larger portion of new housing than manufactured and special units did.
• More than 69% of all new housing units built within the past year were in one of the state’s five largest metropolitan counties — Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane.
• King County led all counties with 14,160 new housing units and represented 35% of the state’s total housing growth over the last year.

OFM estimates housing growth based on the numbers of new housing units and other changes reported by cities and counties.

Percentage of New Housing Units by Type, 2021–26

Where Washington is growing the most

Consistent with previous years, over 62% of the state’s population growth occurred in the five largest metropolitan counties. The nine counties with populations between 100,000 and 350,000 received 29% of the state’s growth. Counties with fewer than 100,000 had a 9% share, higher than the previous year. Franklin (2.6%), Adams (2.1%), and Benton (1.6%) counties were the three fastest growing.

The April 1, 2026, population estimate for Washington’s incorporated cities and towns is 5,396,145, an increase of 0.8% from the previous year. The top 10 cities by numeric change, in descending order, are Seattle, Tacoma, Pasco, Vancouver, Kennewick, Richland, Port Orchard, Spokane, Marysville, and Kirkland. Yelm would appear to qualify for this list, but its change in housing was due mostly to historical housing data revisions rather than current year growth. Seattle’s population increased by 6,800 people, for a total of 823,400. Strong housing growth was the main driver of population growth for these cities.

Population milestones

Significant milestones for cities and counties this year include:

• Port Orchard, which reached 20,000 residents.
• Omak, which reached 5,000 residents.
• Colville, which reached 5,000 residents.
• George, which reached 1,000 residents.

Why these estimates matter

Population estimates are the foundation of numerous analyses and reports that help us learn about Washington and who lives here. OFM’s county and city population estimates are used for the distribution of roughly $220 million in state funding to local governments each year. Other uses for these estimates include:

• Forming the foundation of numerous state planning and data products.
• Monitoring caseloads and tracking resources.
• Helping to target the delivery of health care services and monitoring the spread of disease.
• Assisting in planning for housing and environmental protection.

How OFM estimates population

OFM population estimates are developed using a variety of state and local government data. They are based on the most recent federal census counts with annual change added by monitoring changes in births, deaths, housing supply, school enrollment, voter registrations, motor vehicle registrations, and employment.

You can find additional information on the latest population estimates for the state, counties, cities and towns on OFM’s website.

Press contact

Mike Mohrman
Mike.Mohrman@ofm.wa.gov
(360) 870-7974