The 7 Fastest-Growing Towns in Washington Everyone Is Talking About

Washington, also known as “The Evergreen State,” has been attracting Americans nationwide for many years. The nickname makes perfect sense if you’ve ever visited this picturesque state with its gorgeous mountain ranges and never-ending lush forests. Today, many Americans are looking for a better quality of life. A good community that is both affordable and offers ample outdoor activities is becoming more difficult to find in other states and major cities. This is why numerous people have begun moving to Washington to take advantage of everything this dynamic state has to offer. So are you interested in possibly moving here? Then check out our list of the seven fastest-growing towns in Washington that everyone is talking about! We’ll go over what each city offers and what makes it unique.

1. Redmond, Washington

Our list starts with Redmond, Washington, a city in King County, Washington. This city has been consistently growing throughout the years, with the population recorded at 76,732 in 2022. Over the past ten years, the population has increased by roughly 35%. So, what makes this city such a popular choice with newcomers? For starters, the city is known for being the home of Microsoft Corporation, as their headquarters are located here. Microsoft’s presence in the area, along with that of other tech companies, has created a strong job market in the area. Additionally, Redmond is only 15 miles east of Seattle, which gives residents access to a major city. Finally, many people move here because it offers the perfect blend of urban living and scenic outdoor opportunities.

2. Lacey, Washington

Known for having low crime rates and friendly neighborhoods, Lacey, Washington continues to attract many individuals and families. Lacey’s population has grown by approximately 33% over the past ten years. The most recent US Census Bureau data reported that the population in 2022 was 58,552. The growth here has been attributed to several factors, the largest reason being that Lacey is part of the Olympia metro area. It is also located near Olympia, the state capital. Due to its excellent location, many residents can easily commute to Olympia as its market offers numerous healthcare, education, and government jobs. Another big selling point for people is that Lacey is located near Puget Sound. People who love to swim, boat, and fish love the ease of access that Lacey offers.

3. Richland, Washington

The city of Richland is located in southeastern Washington. As of the 2022 census, the city’s population was 62,821, easily making it another one of the fastest-growing towns in Washington. When comparing the population numbers between 2012 and 2022, the number of residents has increased by 21%. Richland is unique because it is a part of the Tri-Cities region, along with the cities of Pasco and Kennewick. As a part of this region, Richland attracts many people looking for careers in science and technology. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Hanford Site are two major employers in the area. Outside of great job opportunities, Richland is also a part of Washington’s wine country. Many wine aficionados relocate here to enjoy the wineries and vineyards.

4. Seattle, Washington

With a population of 749,256, Seattle is the most populous city in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is also the 15th-largest metropolitan area in the United States, as the Seattle metro area has a population of 4.02 million. This city is wonderful and has so much to offer residents and visitors. You’ll never be bored in Seattle, and that’s why so many people continue to relocate here. Thanks to tech companies such as Amazon and Microsoft, there are many job opportunities. Residents here enjoy the best of both worlds thanks to the vibrant cultural scene that includes museums and theaters and picturesque landscapes such as the Cascade Mountains.

5. Pasco, Washington

If you’re looking for a city with small-town vibes that offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, check out Pasco, Washington. Pasco continues to be one of the fastest-growing towns in Washington. The most up-to-date records place the resident population at 79,315. The city has seen a 17% population increase over the past ten years when comparing the numbers from 2012 to 2022. Many people move to Pasco because of the strong sense of community here and the safety of the neighborhoods. Additionally, it is popular for people to move here thanks to Pasco’s proximity to many scenic spots, including the Columbia River. Outdoor lovers greatly enjoy the clean air and natural beauty that Pasco has to offer.

6. Vancouver, Washington

If you’re looking for a bustling city with tons of outdoor attractions and stunning views, you’ll want to learn more about Vancouver, Washington. One of the most attractive aspects of Vancouver is that you get the benefits and access of Portland, Oregon, without having to pay the high living costs. After all, Vancouver is located just across the water from Portland, and the city is easy to get to regularly. However, that’s not the only reason people have been flocking here. Vancouver offers a high quality of living encompassing an urban environment coupled with extraordinary natural landscapes. 

This is the perfect city for individuals and families that want to have a little bit of everything. You can easily enjoy big city attractions while also escaping to the gorgeous forests and parks when you need some solitude. In 2022, the population of Vancouver was 194,512, according to the US Census Bureau. This indicated a 14% population increase in the area over the past ten years.

7. Spokane, Washington

For many families and individuals, Spokane is more affordable than many other Pacific Northwest cities, including Seattle. This is why it continues to be one of the fastest-growing towns in Washington, as it is an attractive option for budget-conscious households. In 2022, the population of the city was 230,160 — marking an almost 10% increase over the past ten years. Spokane is an absolute gem of a city as it features a river flowing through downtown and many picturesque landscapes all throughout the area.

The city is also known for its many stunning parks, such as Riverfront Park. People who love to hike will never grow bored of living in Spokane, as there are so many places to explore. Finally, the job market here is also worth considering, as major employers such as Providence Health & Services and Washington State University Spokane are located here. This city is an excellent option if you’re looking for affordable housing and living costs without giving up many facets of city life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com