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Washington Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Washington, officially the State of Washington, is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Washington recorded a population of 7,705,281 in the 2020 Census. The latest Census population estimate (July 1, 2024) places Washington’s population at 7,958,180 (about 8.0 million), reflecting steady growth since 2020.
Based on recent Census trends, continued domestic migration, and natural population growth, Washington’s population is expected to keep growing at a moderate pace over the next few years.
👉 Projected Population of Washington (2026): ~8.2 million
Washington Population Growth (2010–2020)
Washington has a population growth rate of 14.6% during 2010-2020. It has had a population increase of 980,741 since 2010. The median age across the state of Washington is 37.6 years of age. In terms of the ratio of females to males, 50.1% of the population is female and 49.9% male.
Washington Census Snapshot (2020)
| Indicators | Data |
| Total Population | 7,705,281 (7.7 million) |
| Median Age | 37.6 years |
| Population Rank | 13th |
| Total Land Area | 66,544 sq mi (172,587 km2) |
| Area Rank | 3rd |
| Population Density | 103/sq mi (39.6/km2) |
| Capital City | Olympia |
| Largest City | Seattle |
Source: US Census 2020
Washington State Historical Population
Washington has experienced strong long-term population growth over the past century. In 1910, the state’s population stood at just 1.14 million, but by 2020 it had grown to 7.71 million, an increase of more than 6.5 million people. Population growth was especially rapid during the mid-20th century and again from 1980 onward, driven by economic expansion and migration. Between 2010 and 2020, Washington’s population increased by 14.6%, highlighting its continued appeal as one of the faster-growing states in the Pacific Northwest.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Year | Population | % Change |
| 1910 | 1,141,990 | 120.4 |
| 1920 | 1,356,621 | 18.8 |
| 1930 | 1,563,396 | 15.2 |
| 1940 | 1,736,191 | 11.1 |
| 1950 | 2,378,963 | 37 |
| 1960 | 2,853,214 | 19.9 |
| 1970 | 3,409,169 | 19.5 |
| 1980 | 4,132,156 | 21.2 |
| 1990 | 4,866,692 | 17.8 |
| 2000 | 5,894,121 | 21.1 |
| 2010 | 6,724,540 | 14.1 |
| 2020 | 7,705,281 | 14.6 |
Source: US Census 2020
Washington Demographics (Summary)
Religion in Washington (Overview)
Christianity remains the largest religious affiliation in Washington, followed by a sizable unaffiliated population.
Christian: ~61%
Protestant: 40%
Roman Catholic: 17%
Mormon: 3%
Jehovah’s Witnesses: 2%
Unaffiliated: ~32%
Other Religions: ~6%
Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths
🔗 Read detailed data: Religion in Washington
Race and Ethnicity in Washington (Overview)
Washington has a diverse and steadily evolving population profile.
White (Non-Hispanic): 63.84%
Hispanic or Latino: 13.75%
Asian: 9.38%
Two or More Races: 6.63%
Black or African American: 3.84%
Ancestry in Washington (Overview)
Washington’s population reflects strong European roots along with long-standing American ancestry. The largest ancestry groups include:
German
English
Irish
Norwegian
American
🔗 Read more: Race and Ethnicity in Washington
Top cities and Counties in Washington
As of 2022, Washington is divided into 39 counties. The most populous counties in the state are King County (2,188,649) and Pierce County (876,764). By land area, Okanogan County is the largest county in Washington, while San Juan County is the smallest.
Seattle is the largest and most populous city in Washington, with a population of 769,714, followed by Spokane and Tacoma.
🔗 Read more: Cities and Counties in Washington
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