Seattle continues to grow steadily, even though the boom of the 2010s, when it was the fastest-growing large city in America, is behind it. According to new U.S. Census Bureau data, from July 2024 to July 2025 Seattle’s population increased by nearly 11,600 people (1.5%), reaching a record 784,800 residents. That kept the city at 18th place by population among all U.S. cities.
Seattle’s growth rate has slowed somewhat compared with the previous year: the bureau earlier reported an increase of 16,800 people (2.2%), later revised to 13,800 (1.8%). Still, the current figures remain quite strong. Among the 50 largest U.S. cities, Seattle ranked fourth in growth rate, trailing only Charlotte (2.2%), Fort Worth (1.9%) and Atlanta (1.6%). Notably, Seattle was the only large city outside the so-called “Sun Belt” — the southern and southwestern U.S. region known for warm climate and rapid economic growth — whose growth exceeded 1%. This underscores a unique situation: while the Sun Belt (from Florida to California) attracts domestic movers with lower living costs and sunshine, Seattle is growing for different reasons.
Nationwide, growth among large cities has slowed — only three of them (Portland, Atlanta and San Francisco) improved on last year’s figures. Fifteen cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, actually lost population. The biggest decline was recorded in Memphis (-0.7%). In absolute terms, Charlotte leads the gains (+20,700 people), while Seattle ranks fifth in that list.
An interesting contrast: the city that placed fourth in numeric growth among all U.S. cities is little-known Celina, Texas, a Dallas suburb. Its population grew by 12,700 people, more than Seattle, reaching roughly 64,400 residents. Meanwhile New York, which led last year, now suffered the largest losses — about 12,200 people.
Although the city-level data don’t reveal causes of growth, previously released county statistics shed light on the situation. The main driver of population increase in King County, where Seattle is located, was international migration, while domestic migration produced a net loss. This is explained by Seattle’s attraction for international migrants due to its strong tech sector (Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks), high wages and developed infrastructure for skilled professionals. Domestic migration in the U.S. often flows to cheaper, sunnier Sun Belt cities (for example, Austin, Phoenix), whereas Seattle is expensive and has a rainy climate. Immigrants choose Seattle for IT job opportunities, research centers and multinational companies, as well as for diverse ethnic communities. Thus, it can be assumed that Seattle’s growth itself is primarily driven by arrivals from abroad.
Among other Washington state cities, Leavenworth was the growth leader by percentage, with population up 15.9% (almost 500 people, reaching 3,400). In King County, Woodinville (+5.4%), Kirkland (+3%) and Shoreline (+1.7%) grew faster than Seattle. Bellevue — an affluent Seattle suburb housing the headquarters of Amazon and T‑Mobile — gained 0.8% (about 1,200 residents), bringing its population to roughly 154,200. Special attention goes to Tacoma — the state’s third-largest city. Unlike Seattle and Bellevue, where growth is slowing due to high cost of living, Tacoma is an industrial and port city with more affordable housing and growing jobs in logistics and healthcare. It grew by 1,900 people (0.8%), narrowing the gap with second-place Spokane. Spokane, the largest city in eastern Washington, oriented around agriculture, healthcare and education, has slower growth and a more conservative culture. Its population is 230,800 versus Tacoma’s 229,800.
Seattle remains the largest city in Washington — a center of technology, finance and culture that attracts highly paid workers from around the world. At the opposite end is tiny Krupp in Grant County, whose population remains just 45 people, making it the state’s smallest city.
Based on: Seattle ranked fourth among large cities for growth last year