New census estimates show Seattle gained more than 11,500 new residents last year, while international immigration helped offset domestic losses.
SEATTLE — Seattle had one of the largest population gains in the nation last year, even as King County continues to lose residents to other parts of the country, according to newly released data U.S. Census Bureau estimate.
The Census Bureau estimates that Seattle added 11,572 residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, bringing the city’s population to 784,777. Among cities with a population of 20,000 or more, this increase ranks fifth in the country.
Charlotte, North Carolina; Fort Worth, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; and Celena, Texas, ranked higher than Seattle. Seattle is the only West Coast city in the top ten for population growth.
The data come as census officials report that economic growth is slowing in many major U.S. cities.
“Growth in large cities will slow significantly between 2024 and 2025, with some major center cities even experiencing modest declines in growth,” said Matt Erickson, a statistician in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Demography Division. “In contrast, midsize cities have found a ‘Goldilocks zone,’ where domestic and international migration combined with new housing helps prevent slower growth in small towns and large urban centers.”
The increase comes amid broader demographic trends in Western Washington.
King County added 26,980 residents during the same period, but the growth was largely driven by international immigration. Census estimates show King County gained 28,428 residents through international migration while losing 9,070 residents through domestic migration.
A similar situation occurred in Snohomish County, which gained 6,325 residents through international migration while losing 525 residents through domestic migration.
Pierce County is an exception, attracting residents through both international and domestic immigration.
The data shows that the region’s population continues to grow despite ongoing domestic exodus from some counties.
Washington state demographer Mike Moorman said immigration remains one of the most difficult parts of population projections. He said the state’s models continue to show growth and rely heavily on employment trends.
Moorman noted that the state’s forecast model does not differentiate between international and domestic migration as the Census Bureau’s estimates do.
“It’s all about job opportunities,” Moorman said.
Moorman said Washington continues to add jobs, noting that immigration patterns tend to ebb and flow over time and it’s unrealistic to expect a steady rate of growth every year.
Since the 2020 Census, King County has lost an estimated 95,386 residents to domestic migration while gaining 132,211 residents through international migration, for a net migration gain of 36,825.
Snohomish County lost 3,856 residents to domestic migration while gaining 28,268 residents to international migration.
Pierce County lost 4,517 residents to domestic migration but gained 14,414 residents to international migration.
Nationwide, census officials found that the average growth rate in the nation’s largest cities dropped by at least half compared with the previous year, although some cities continued to see significant increases.
