Largest cities in Washington

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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: 765,050 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 217 KM² Density (sq mi): 9,126 Med. Household Income: $146,828

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: 223,638 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 178 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,252 Med. Household Income: $79,292

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: 223,137 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 129 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,487 Med. Household Income: $95,462

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: 188,837 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 122 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,022 Med. Household Income: $96,200

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: 151,975 Livability Score: 87

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,542 Med. Household Income: $192,022

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: 134,349 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,983 Med. Household Income: $111,000

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: 114,503 Livability Score: 71

Area Size: 86 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,443 Med. Household Income: $97,883

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: 105,173 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 61 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,491 Med. Household Income: $117,565

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: 102,600 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 98 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,720 Med. Household Income: $83,203

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: 100,624 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 58 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,529 Med. Household Income: $101,198

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	765,050	217	$146,828	75
2	Spokane	223,638	178	$79,292	81
3	Tacoma	223,137	129	$95,462	78
4	Vancouver	188,837	122	$96,200	82
5	Bellevue	151,975	87	$192,022	87
6	Kent	134,349	87	$111,000	79
7	Everett	114,503	86	$97,883	71
8	Renton	105,173	61	$117,565	82
9	Spokane Valley	102,600	98	$83,203	85
10	Federal Way	100,624	58	$101,198	73
11	Yakima	97,434	72	$72,830	79
12	Kirkland	94,699	46	$176,890	83
13	Bellingham	92,702	72	$83,310	80
14	Kennewick	84,474	71	$91,897	79
15	Auburn	83,617	76	$114,418	82
16	Pasco	76,821	87	$95,068	81
17	Marysville	71,855	53	$126,095	84
18	Redmond	70,521	43	$196,543	88
19	Sammamish	67,314	53	$265,841	87
20	South Hill	66,102	48	$135,909	78
21	Lakewood	61,909	44	$81,425	73
22	Richland	58,941	101	$116,720	79
23	Shoreline	58,611	30	$136,154	84
24	Olympia	54,379	47	$92,456	84
25	Burien	53,010	26	$107,339	78
26	Lacey	52,421	43	$104,634	84
27	Bothell	47,762	35	$157,898	83
28	Edmonds	44,023	23	$135,172	74
29	Bremerton	42,880	74	$86,160	84
30	Puyallup	42,717	37	$114,224	81
31	Issaquah	39,876	31	$178,809	88
32	Lynnwood	39,454	20	$95,524	75
33	Parkland	39,227	22	$83,113	75
34	Longview	38,884	39	$72,297	69
35	Mount Vernon	36,653	32	$95,859	78
36	Wenatchee	35,091	26	$83,325	73
37	Pullman	34,799	27	$46,850	86
38	Spanaway	34,750	23	$115,702	71
39	University Place	34,663	22	$116,014	86
40	Lake Stevens	34,189	23	$138,957	82
41	Walla Walla	33,841	35	$82,035	79
42	Graham	33,304	91	$136,309	62
43	Des Moines	32,691	17	$103,920	80
44	SeaTac	30,186	26	$96,581	76
45	Maple Valley	27,291	15	$175,512	86
46	Orchards	26,999	14	$109,630	75
47	Mercer Island	26,374	17	$227,166	75
48	Bainbridge Island	25,850	72	$183,894	78
49	Mill Creek East	25,623	12	$208,054	76
50	Camas	24,814	36	$172,490	74

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.