The Seattle metropolitan region is experiencing growth at a rate surpassing the national average, largely attributed to an influx of foreign immigrants, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Last year, foreign immigration was the primary driver of population increases in Seattle, a trend observed in other metropolitan areas across the United States as well.
While many cities faced significant population declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle is among those recovering and attracting residents back, along with their tax contributions. The Census Bureau reported that the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area’s population rose by 66,666 from 2023 to 2024, marking a growth rate of approximately 1.6%. In contrast, the overall U.S. population grew by 1% during the same period, with all metro areas combined showing a growth of about 1.1%.
The Seattle metro area added nearly 64,000 individuals through international migration last year, although it experienced a loss of about 11,000 residents moving to other U.S. locations. Additionally, the population increased by 14,172 due to “natural change,” which is calculated by subtracting deaths (28,960) from births (43,132).
Cities experiencing rapid population growth often encounter a variety of challenges. Increased demand for housing can lead to shortages and skyrocketing prices, making it difficult for residents to find affordable accommodations. Rapid growth can overwhelm existing infrastructure, including transportation systems, water supply, sewage, and waste management, resulting in congestion and service disruptions. More residents typically mean more vehicles on the road, leading to increased traffic congestion, longer commute times, and greater air pollution.
While cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are recovering from pandemic-related population losses, they remain below their 2020 figures. In contrast, the Seattle area has fully rebounded, gaining over 126,000 residents since 2020, despite a temporary dip in 2021. Researchers and demographers are expected to monitor closely how immigration levels may be influenced by policies from the Trump administration.
Source: Seattle Medium
