Largest cities in Washington

Washington, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 7.7 million, it ranks as the 13th most populated state in the U.S. Washington has experienced steady population growth, driven by its appealing living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Canada to the north, Idaho to the east, Oregon to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Washington offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 281 cities and towns.

Living in Washington provides residents with numerous benefits, including a mild climate, excellent schools, and abundant natural beauty. The state's moderate population density allows for vibrant community life and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Washington's economy is diverse, with strengths in technology, healthcare, and tourism. The state's steady population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Washington, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Washington cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Seattle Population: 741,251 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 217 KM² Density (sq mi): 8,838 Med. Household Income: $97,185

Living in Seattle, WA, known as 'The Emerald City,' offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a large city renowned for its stunning waterfront, vibrant neighborhoods, and innovative tech industry. Major nearby cities like Tacoma and Bellevue enhance its appeal as a central hub in the region. Seattle's blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and cutting-edge innovation creates a distinctive living experience.

Spokane Population: 219,185 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 178 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,188 Med. Household Income: $52,600

Spokane, WA, known as 'The Lilac City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in eastern Washington, Spokane is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Coeur d'Alene and Pullman enhance its status as a central point in the region. Spokane's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Tacoma Population: 215,766 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 129 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,340 Med. Household Income: $64,457

Tacoma, WA, known as 'The City of Destiny,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the Puget Sound region, Tacoma is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle and Olympia enhance its status as a central point in the region. Tacoma's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Vancouver Population: 182,792 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 122 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,750 Med. Household Income: $63,617

Vancouver, WA, known as "Gateway to the Pacific Northwest," offers a vibrant lifestyle with stunning natural beauty. Located in southwestern Washington along the Columbia River, Vancouver is approximately 10 miles north of Portland, OR. This medium-sized city provides a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable place to live.

Bellevue Population: 146,145 Livability Score: 87

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,368 Med. Household Income: $129,497

Bellevue, WA, known as 'The City in a Park,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in King County, Bellevue is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle (10 miles) and Redmond (6 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Bellevue's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Kent Population: 130,038 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,844 Med. Household Income: $73,891

Kent, WA, known as 'The Heart of the Green River Valley,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in King County, Kent is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle (20 miles) and Tacoma (17 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Kent's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Everett Population: 110,840 Livability Score: 71

Area Size: 86 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,339 Med. Household Income: $66,023

Everett, Washington, known as "The City of Smokestacks," is a vibrant and historic community located on the shores of Puget Sound. With its rich industrial heritage, thriving arts scene, and strong local economy, Everett offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes living in Everett an attractive option for families and professionals.

Renton Population: 101,871 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 61 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,333 Med. Household Income: $79,824

Renton, Washington, known as "The Landing," is a dynamic and diverse community located near Seattle and Bellevue. With its beautiful natural surroundings, strong local economy, and rich cultural heritage, Renton offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of suburban charm and urban amenities makes living in Renton an attractive option for families and professionals.

Spokane Valley Population: 99,275 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 98 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,632 Med. Household Income: $56,351

Spokane Valley, WA, known as 'The Heart of the Inland Northwest,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Spokane County, Spokane Valley is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Spokane (10 miles) and Coeur d'Alene, ID (30 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Spokane Valley's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Federal Way Population: 96,812 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 58 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,342 Med. Household Income: $68,672

Federal Way, WA, known as 'A City in Motion,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in King County, Federal Way is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle (22 miles) and Tacoma (11 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Federal Way's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Full list of the largest cities in Washington

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Seattle	741,251	217	$97,185	75
2	Spokane	219,185	178	$52,600	81
3	Tacoma	215,766	129	$64,457	78
4	Vancouver	182,792	122	$63,617	82
5	Bellevue	146,145	87	$129,497	87
6	Kent	130,038	87	$73,891	79
7	Everett	110,840	86	$66,023	71
8	Renton	101,871	61	$79,824	82
9	Spokane Valley	99,275	98	$56,351	85
10	Federal Way	96,812	58	$68,672	73
11	Yakima	93,829	72	$48,220	79
12	Kirkland	91,146	46	$116,595	83
13	Bellingham	90,821	72	$56,198	80
14	Kennewick	82,633	71	$62,283	79
15	Auburn	80,914	76	$76,410	82
16	Pasco	74,266	87	$64,756	81
17	Marysville	69,629	53	$83,239	84
18	Redmond	67,959	43	$132,770	88
19	Sammamish	65,265	53	$181,464	87
20	South Hill	64,104	48	$89,600	78
21	Lakewood	60,564	44	$55,723	73
22	Richland	57,353	101	$77,981	79
23	Shoreline	56,835	30	$91,524	84
24	Olympia	52,290	47	$63,185	84
25	Burien	51,588	26	$71,233	78
26	Lacey	50,827	43	$69,752	84
27	Bothell	46,386	35	$107,651	83
28	Edmonds	42,347	23	$91,499	74
29	Puyallup	41,666	37	$76,565	81
30	Bremerton	41,258	74	$57,963	84
31	Issaquah	38,707	31	$122,053	88
32	Lynnwood	38,538	20	$62,926	75
33	Parkland	37,946	22	$56,838	75
34	Longview	37,914	39	$48,028	69
35	Mount Vernon	35,502	32	$63,194	78
36	Wenatchee	34,249	26	$56,962	73
37	Pullman	33,974	27	$32,073	86
38	Spanaway	33,776	23	$76,447	71
39	University Place	33,661	22	$77,832	86
40	Lake Stevens	33,470	23	$93,087	82
41	Walla Walla	32,951	35	$54,412	79
42	Graham	32,505	91	$90,403	62
43	Des Moines	31,983	17	$70,268	80
44	SeaTac	29,102	26	$66,131	76
45	Maple Valley	26,739	15	$117,706	86
46	Orchards	26,289	14	$74,723	75
47	Mercer Island	25,820	17	$150,506	75
48	Bainbridge Island	24,859	72	$125,861	78
49	Mill Creek East	24,643	12	$142,307	76
50	North Lynnwood	24,084	8	$80,035	86

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Washington, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.