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Between April 2019 and April 2020, the Puget Sound region grew by 60,800 people, which is the equivalent of 166 per day, according to Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). The organization, a leading source of data and forecasting, anticipates an additional 1 million people will live in the region by 2040.
PSRC said King County added 34,500 people during the latest reporting period, accoounting for 57% of the region’s increase.
The latest regional population trends reported by the organization stated the region’s population reached 4,264,200, which reflects a gain of one million people since 2000. It noted last year’s growth was less than recent years when population increases sometimes topped 80,000.
More than half the region’s population growth occurred in King County each year since 2011. Pierce and Snohomish counties together accounted for 40% of the latest growth. Three percent of the growth was in Kitsap County.
PSRC indicated the 2020 estimates are subject to revision based on 2020 Census results. It also plans to track data to see possible impacts of COVID-19 on growth in the next year.
PSRC’s mission is to “ensure a thriving central Puget Sound now and into the future through planning for regional transportation, growth management and economic development.” Its work is directed by the elected leaders of King Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties, the region’s cities and towns, port districts, transit agencies, and tribes.