Between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, Washington lost 23,497 people, according to new U.S. Census Bureau annual estimates
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
Washington state was ranked No. 37 for population decline compared to last year in new annual population estimates. Between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, Washington lost 23,497 people, according to new U.S. Census Bureau annual estimates released Tuesday.
The -23,497 figure – derived by estimating population changes in the state since the 2020 decennial Census – does not tell the whole story. For the 12 months ending in July, Washington saw 15,276 people leave. However, migrants more than closed the gap by adding 28,919 to the Evergreen State’s population.
Despite 15,276 people leaving Washington, the state had 14,860 more births than deaths and welcomed 28,919 people from outside the country.
The Census Bureau figures show Washington had an estimated 7,812,880 people in 2023, or 28,403 more than the year before. That’s fewer gains than in 2022 when the state’s estimated population increase was 43,044, but more than the state increased by only 16,867 in 2021.
For total net change over the past year, Washington’s gain of 28,403 saw it tied on a percentage basis with Indiana, Virginia, Wyoming and Minnesota at .4%.
Earlier this year, the Census Bureau released data on 2022 state-to-state migration that found more than 248,000 people were estimated to have moved from other states to Washington, most from California, Oregon and Texas.
The Census Bureau figures generally align with the state Office of Financial Management’s population data.
“The April 1, 2023, population estimate places Washington’s population at 7,951,150,” the OFM website states. “This represents an increase of 86,750, or 1.10%, since last year.”
OFM also notes the state’s “annual rate of population growth had been below 1.0% from 2009 to 2013 due to the sluggish economy. Economic activity has a strong influence on net migration.”
According to a Nov. 8 OFM report, Washington is expected to hit 8 million people next year. The state is projected to hit 9 million people in 2038.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- House Democrats advance $18B in tax hike proposals as session winds down
House Democrats in Washington advanced several tax hike proposals as the legislative session nears its end, aiming to address a major budget shortfall. - Republican budget leaders see showdown ahead as Senate Democrats approve trio of major tax increasesSenate Democrats in Washington have approved major tax increases, prompting Republican budget leaders to warn of a growing showdown ahead.
- Representatives from the 18th and 20th Legislative Districts to hold joint town hall on May 3
Lawmakers from the 18th and 20th Legislative Districts will host a joint town hall on May 3 at Battle Ground City Hall to review the legislative session and hear from residents. - Expect delays on northbound I-5 near Ridgefield through May 9Northbound I-5 travelers near Ridgefield should expect delays through May 9 as crews work on improvements at the Exit 14 off-ramp to support future development.
- Brandon Erickson announces candidacy for Clark County Charter Review CommissionBrandon Erickson has announced his candidacy for the Clark County Charter Review Commission, seeking Position 1 in District 2.
- Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigating a reported burglary that led to apparent suicideThe Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported burglary in Vancouver that ended with the apparent suicide of Charles Gardiner, interim chief of the Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department.
- POLL: Why did voters reject all three tax proposals in the April 22 special election?Clark County voters rejected all three tax measures on the April 22 special election ballot, prompting questions about trust, affordability, and communication.
wpDiscuz
