Originally published Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments
E-mail article
Print view
Washington now 13th-largest state
New census figures released Monday put Washington's population at 6,549,224 in July — moving the state past Massachusetts and Indiana to become the nation's 13th largest. The state has gained more than 655,000 new residents so far this decade.
Seattle Times staff reporter
Driven in large part by migration — from other states and overseas — Washington added more than 655,000 new residents since the decade began, rising two notches to become the nation's 13th-largest state.
New census figures released Monday put the state's estimated population at 6,549,224 in July this year, up from 5,894,143 in April 2000. The addition of 655,081 new residents was the eighth-highest population increase among the states so far this decade.
Demographers credit a relatively strong state economy over the past four years.
"It took us about three years to get out of the recession earlier in this decade," said King County demographer Chandler Felt. "But since 2004, the state and the Puget Sound region have seen strong growth and a strong economy compared to the rest of the nation."
Nationwide, the U.S. added more than 22 million people so far this decade, breaking through the 300 million mark in October 2006. The nation's population in July stood at an estimated 304 million people.
Population rises or declines through natural growth (births minus deaths) and net migration. So far this decade, Washington added a net 166,300 residents from overseas and 198,700 from other states.
Those newcomers helped the state surpass Indiana and Massachusetts to become the nation's 13th largest.
Meanwhile, neighboring Oregon added 368,600 new residents in the past eight years, increasing its national ranking from 28th to 27th.
California remained the nation's most populous state, with about 36.8 million people in July. Rounding out the top five states were Texas (24.3 million), New York (19.5 million), Florida (18.3 million) and Illinois (12.9 million).
Only two states lost population during the decade — Rhode Island with a loss of 2.2 percent and Michigan with a loss of 4.6 percent.
Lornet Turnbull: 206-464-2420 or lturnbull@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
Greenwood merchants nervous after 3 more arsons
UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor memorial
NEW - 11:14 AM
Conte pleads guilty in racketeering case
County foot-ferry routes cut; money may go to buses

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
261 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
261 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
201 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
169 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
132 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
128 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
83 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
83 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
82 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
71
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene





