Population growth reveals much about a community. Popular communities experience high rates of growth, bringing wanted economic benefits. In many cases, however, growth can also lead to concerns over traffic, the environment and essential services such as education. Locations experiencing slow rates of population growth, or even depopulation, may face fiscal difficulties and a downward spiral of further population loss, especially of their youth.

Attaining a level that meets the threshold for a Standard Metropolitan Area (MSA) is typically viewed as an important achievement. In 2005, Spokane was the 108th largest MSA. This indicator offers both population levels and rates of growth and provides a relatively long-run perspective of the growth of Spokane County. The growth rate for the State of Washington is offered for comparison.

The data for this population indicator come from the State of Washington Office of Financial Management’s April 1st Population Estimates. The estimates are updated every year and use information from the most recent decennial Census (in this case, the year 2010 Census). Since these are estimates, and not actual counts, there is room for some error, although the methods used are standardized and tested to reduce the size of the error.

Where are we?

Spokane County’s estimated mid-year population in 2013 was 480,000. Since 1981, the county has gained 133,185 residents or increased by 38%, with most of the gains occurring in the 1990s. Its annual rate of growth has ranged from a low of -0.5% (1987) to a high of 3.2% (1991). The 2013 rates of growth from the previous year in the county, state, and nation, were 1.1%, 1.0%, and 0.7%, respectively. The state annual growth rate has fluctuated between a low of 0.6% in 2011 to a high of 3.2% in 1991 while the national annual growth rate has fluctuated between 1.4% in 1992 and 0.7% in 2011 and 2013.

Data Sources

Office of Financial Management – Washington State Population Tables