Report: Benton, Franklin Counties outpace statewide average for estimated population growth

0

OLYMPIA, Wash.-Washington State topped 8 million residents in 2024, according to the Office of Financial Management.

Washington’s population grew by an estimated 84,550 residents in the past year at a rate of 1.06 percent, with 8,035,700 people now calling the Evergreen State home.

Benton County outpaced the statewide average, growing by 1.09 percent over the past year for a total population of 217,850, or almost three percent of the state’s population, according to the OFM’s 2024 Population Estimates.

Franklin County grew at a pace of 1.19 percent over the past year and now counts 102,300 residents.

In total, the Tri-Cities area now has an estimated 320,150 residents, according to a post from Benton County.

From 2023-2024 Yakima grew at a pace below the statewide average, increasing by 0.77 percent, or about 2,000 residents.

According to the OFM’s numbers, Walla Walla also experienced minimal change over the past year, with its population growing by 0.44 percent, or about 275 residents.

 

FOX41 Yakima©FOX11 TriCities©