Departments | Services | Staff Directory | My.Seattle.Gov
Seattle.gov Home Page
Seattle.gov This Department
Link to DPD Home Page Shaping and protecting Seattle's built and natural environment
Link to DPD Home Page Link to About Us Link to Contact Us Diane Sugimura, DPD Director
  •  
  • Planning
  • Permits
  • Compliance
  • Online Tools
  • Resource Center
  •  
Seattle's Population & Demographics
Population Trends

Changes in Size, Race, Ethnicity & Age
Once every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the United States. These numbers are used to determine how many seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. They are also used to redraw legislative districts in each state. In addition, these population numbers determine how much money local jurisdictions receive for many public services and projects. The Census Bureau expects that at least $182 billion will be distributed annually based on formulas using Census 2000 data. Census data on race and ethnicity are used to determine compliance with federal legislation. Census information also helps people at the local level determine where services and projects are most needed and to plan for the future. Following are Seattle statistics from Census 2000, including historical data and comparisons with other locales:

  • Population Size & Growth
  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Age

Changes in Households, Families & Housing
This update focuses on Seattle's households, familes, and housing units. It takes a look at how they've changed since 1990 and how they compare to those of King County, Washington State, the U.S., other cities in Washington, and a dozen cities in other states with population sizes similar to Seattle. The cities outside Washington range in size from Kansas City, Missouri with a population of 441,545 in 2000 to San Francisco with 776,733. Information from Seattle's Comprehensive Plan shows how recent growth compares with the level that was anticipated.

  • The Census and Seattle's Housing Goals
  • Household Characteristics
  • Living Alone in Seattle
  • Home Ownership in Seattle
  • Vacancy Rates

A Century of Change In Seattle: 1900-2000

Population & Housing Trends
Geographic Coverage: Seattle citywide
Source: City of Seattle extracts from U.S. Census Bureau Data

  • 1900-2000 Overview Table - includes population, land area, density, rank among U.S. cities, and percentage of population change by decade.
  • Graph of population change since 1900.
  • Details on more recent population and housing trends.
Last Updated: January 13, 2005
Seattle-at-a-Glance

Population Est. 2009: 602,000

Housing Growth Report

Census 2000

  • Population: 563,374
  • Households: 258,499
  • Median household income: $45,736
  • People in poverty: 64,068
  • Adults with college degree: 53.6%
  • Median rent: $721

 

Demographic Snapshots

A quick look at Seattle's changing population.

  • Housing costs and income: 1990-2000
  • Shift in housing needs
  • Poverty declined in 1990s
  • Poverty rates vary widely
  • Birthplace of immigrants

View more details from Census 2000.

Questions?

If you have questions about Seattle population and demographic data, contact the most appropriate source listed on our related links page.

Department of Planning and Development (DPD)
DPD Home | About DPD | Contact DPD | Search DPD | Site Index
  • Navigate to:

  • Seattle.gov Home Page
  • Business In Seattle
  • Living in Seattle
  • Visiting Seattle
  • City Services
  •  

  • Mayor's Office
  • City Council
  • City Departments
  • My.Seattle.Gov
  •  
  • We're Here to Help...

  • Questions / Complaints
  • FAQs
  • Employee Directory
  • City Customer Service
    Call (206) 684-CITY (2489)
  • Follow Us

  • CityLink Blogs
  • Social Media Sites
  • Data.seattle.gov
  • © Copyright 1995-2011 City of Seattle
  • Privacy and Security Policy