Washington’s population growth slows

Population growth in Washington is slowing, according to new estimates.

There are nearly 6.6 million people in the state, a 1.5 percent increase in the past year. The state grew by 99,600, compared with an estimated 112,400 the year before.

The state Office of Financial Management now estimates Snohomish County has 696,600 people, an increase of 10,300.

That’s a 1.5 percent increase that mirrors the state’s growth. The year before, Snohomish County grew by an estimated 14,500.

Most cities and towns here saw population growth in the past year. Only Index and Woodway are believed to be unchanged.

The population figures are based on school enrollments, housing growth, voter registrations, driver’s licenses and other data.

The Office of Financial Management estimates population annually as of April 1. The figures released this week are used to calculate state tax revenue distribution.

The numbers released reflect a continued slide in population growth.

Annual state population growth was nearly 120,000 in 2006, a 1.9 percent increase. King County’s growth year over year was 22,900 and now totals 1.88 million.

Puget Sound area population growth leads the state in numbers. Snohomish County still ranks third in total population and the number of new people.

Since the 2000 Census, Snohomish County has grown by 90,576 people, according to the state. King County leads with an additional 147,154 people and Pierce County in second with 104,582.

Population changes

Here are the population changes from 2007 to 2008 for cities in Snohomish County:

Arlington16,72017,050

Bothell*15,45015,730

Brier6,4806,485

Darrington1,4851,500

Edmonds40,56040,760

Everett101,800102,300

Gold Bar2,1752,210

Granite Falls3,1953,290

Index160160

Lake Stevens13,35014,560