Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools

Seattle and Tacoma were the fastest growing cities in the state over the past year, according to new April 1, 2026 population estimates from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). Seattle added 6,800 residents, growing to 823,400. Tacoma added 2,600 residents, reaching 231,000 residents, a 1.1% growth rate.

Much of the growth in new residents came outside Puget Sound. The Tri-Cities in southeastern Washington also posted significant population growth. Pasco added 2,570 residents, the third largest gain in the state. Kennewick added 1,430 residents, and Richland added 1,360 residents, putting all three Tri-Cities in the top six gainers. The other city in the top six: Vancouver, with 1,900 residents gained.

Seattle accounted for just over half of King County's estimated growth, with the county growing by 13,000 residents, reaching 2,424,700. The state of Washington grew by 61,200 residents, reaching a grand total of 8,176,300.

The growth rate in Seattle and statewide signify a considerable deceleration from previous years. Last year, Seattle added 18,000 residents in OFM's annual update, good for a 2.4% growth rate. This year, Seattle's population grew only 0.8% over 2025, compared – three times slower.

https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-tacoma-lead-as-washingtons-population-growth-cools/?ref=daily-articles-newsletter