Washington state has grown to 7.7 million people

The state’s new numbers are in and Washington has grown to 7,766,925 million people, which is an increase of 61,600 people in 2021.

The unadjusted population growth rate from the state’s Office of Financial Management is slower than last year at 0.8%, compared to the previous year at 1.5%.

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Washington has grown by 1,042,400 people since the decennial census in April 2010. On average, it’s grown by 94,800 people every year in the past decade. That’s up from the 83,000 from the previous decade.

The state expected the COVID-19 pandemic would affect the 2021 estimates. The latest survey shows a decrease in births in Washington, an increase in the death rate, and a dramatic drop in people moving here from out of state. The OFM said the decrease was large enough in some places to cause population decline, such as locations with college dorms. Those changes are expected to be temporary.

The OFM says net migration (people moving in minus people moving out) in 2020 to 2021 was 37,100 people. That is down 46,600 people from last year. But net migration still accounts for 60% of Washington’s population growth. A natural increase (births minus deaths) accounted for the other 40%.

Like previous years, initial results show the majority of state population growth occurred in the five most populated counties — Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane. Seattle grew by 8,400 people for a total of 769,500. The office said it will make a more detailed comparison on cities and counties once the 2020 census data is released in August.