In 2016, Spokane’s population was about 215,973, an increase of 1.36 percent over 2015. But Tacoma grew 1.73 percent to finish at 211,277 people. Surprising no one, Seattle continues to hold the No. 1 slot.

If both cities continued growing at the same rate each year, Tacoma would surpass Spokane in 2027, with a population of about 251,000 people to Spokane’s 250,000.

Growth rates are unlikely to stay the same, however. Spokane’s rate, though lower, rose faster than Tacoma’s from 2015 to 2016, a trend that would keep the Lilac City on top if it continues. But Tacoma has had both a higher and faster-growing growth rate every other year since 2011. Full Story. Rachel Alexander, SR

---

---