Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Foreign-born share
1900–2023Share of residents born outside the U.S.; the early peak reflects Scandinavian and Japanese settlement, the modern rise skilled migration.
Foreign-Born Population
Residents born abroad.
Foreign-born residents
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of total population, B05002 (2020 not released).
Foreign-born population
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-born share (%) | 15.0 | 13.9 |
- •Nearly one in four King County residents was born abroad, with India, China, Mexico and Vietnam the leading origins.
Countries of Origin
Where immigrants come from.
Foreign-born residents who are naturalized citizens
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Asian-origin share of immigrants (%) | 41 | 31 |
- •Washington's immigrant population is more Asian-origin than the U.S. average, reflecting tech recruiting and long-standing Filipino and Vietnamese communities.
Migration Flows
Overall population movement.
Total net migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, international plus domestic net migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
| Indicator | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Net migration (thousands) | 17 | 1140 |
- •Net migration into Washington turned positive again after 2020, largely thanks to arrivals from Illinois.
International Migration
Arrivals from abroad.
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
| Indicator | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Net international migration (thousands) | 15 | 1140 |
- •International migration is now the main reason Washington's population still grows.
Domestic Migration
Movement between states.
Net domestic migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net domestic migration to/from other states, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
| Indicator | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Net domestic migration (thousands) | 2 | 0 |
- •Washington gains more residents from Illinois than from any other state.