Slow recovery also spells slower population growth
Washington’s population continues to grow, but at a slower rate.
The 2011 population estimate prepared by the Office of Financial Management places the state's population at 6,767,900 as of April 1. That represents an increase of 43,360, or a growth rate of 0.64 percent from the state’s official 2010 census count.
It's an unexpected slowdown in population growth, the agency said today, and is due to slower than expected economic recovery. That affects both natural population increase (births minus deaths) and migration into Washington.
Migration is a major component of the state’s growth. This year’s net migration is estimated at 6,600, the lowest level in more than two decades, OFM says.
Worker mobility remains low nationwide because of difficulties with selling homes and finding work. Part of the overall decrease in migration is due to a decline in international migration.
