This article, the forty-seventh in a 50-state series, lists the largest cities in Washington by population size and provides demographic details for each city: total population, population by age group, racial composition of the population, land area, and population density. For purposes of this article, cities are incorporated municipalities and census-designated places (CDPs).
After reading “Largest Cities in Washington (2012),” return to this link to read “Best Places to Live in Washington (2012).”
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1. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Seattle, WA
Located in western Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the state with an estimated population of 608,660.
Grouped by age, 15.4% of the population is under 18, 11.8% is 18 to 24, 37.2% is 25 to 44, 24.9% is 45 to 64, and 10.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 36.1.
The racial composition of the city is 69.5% White, 7.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 13.8% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 2.4% from other races, and 5.1% from two or more races. The population is 6.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 83.9 square miles. The city’s population density is 7,255 people per square mile.
2. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Spokane, WA
Situated in eastern Washington, Spokane is the second largest city in the state with an estimated population of 208,916.
Classified by age, 22.4% of the population is under 18, 12.0% is 18 to 24, 27.6% is 25 to 44, 25.1% is 45 to 64, and 12.9% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.0.
The racial complexion of the city is 86.7% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 2.0% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 4.6% from two or more races. The population is 5.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 56.8 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,678 people per square mile.
3. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Tacoma, WA
Located in western Washington, Tacoma is the third largest city in the state with an estimated population of 198,397.
Categorized by age, 23.0% of the population is under 18, 10.8% is 18 to 24, 29.8% is 25 to 44, 25.3% is 45 to 64, and 11.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.1.
The racial profile of the city is 64.9% White, 11.2% Black or African American, 1.8% Native American, 8.2% Asian, 1.2% Pacific Islander, 4.6% from other races, and 8.1% from two or more races. The population is 11.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 50.1 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,960 people per square mile.
4. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Vancouver, WA
Situated in southwestern Washington, Vancouver is the fourth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 161,791.
Sorted by age, 24.0% of the population is under 18, 9.4% is 18 to 24, 28.9% is 25 to 44, 25.3% is 45 to 64, and 12.4% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.9.
The racial makeup of the city is 80.9% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 1.0% Native American, 5.0% Asian, 1.0% Pacific Islander, 4.3% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. The population is 10.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 42.8 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,780 people per square mile.
5. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Bellevue, WA
Located in western Washington, Bellevue is the fifth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 122,363.
Arranged by age, 21.2% of the population is under 18, 7.6% is 18 to 24, 30.8% is 25 to 44, 26.5% is 45 to 64, and 13.9% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 38.5.
The racial mix of the city is 62.6% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 27.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 3.1% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. The population is 7.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 30.7 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,986 people per square mile.
6. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Everett, WA
Located in northwestern Washington, Everett is the sixth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 103,019.
Grouped by age, 22.7% of the population is under 18, 11.4% is 18 to 24, 30.6% is 25 to 44, 25.0% is 45 to 64, and 10.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.4.
The racial composition of the city is 74.6% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 7.8% Asian, 0.7% Pacific Islander, 6.1% from other races, and 5.3% from two or more races. The population is 14.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 32.5 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,170 people per square mile.
7. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Kent, WA
Situated in western Washington, Kent is the seventh largest city in the state with an estimated population of 92,411.
Classified by age, 26.2% of the population is under 18, 10.2% is 18 to 24, 30.6% is 25 to 44, 24.3% is 45 to 64, and 8.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 33.0.
The racial complexion of the city is 55.5% White, 11.3% Black or African American, 1.0% Native American, 15.2% Asian, 1.9% Pacific Islander, 8.5% from other races, and 6.6% from two or more races. The population is 16.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 28.0 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,300 people per square mile.
8. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Yakima, WA
Located in southern Washington, Yakima is the eighth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 91,067.
Categorized by age, 28.3% of the population is under 18, 10.3% is 18 to 24, 26.4% is 25 to 44, 21.9% is 45 to 64, and 13.1% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 32.7.
The racial profile of the city is 67.1% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 2.0% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 23.3% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. The population is 41.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 20.1 square miles. The city’s population density is 4,531 people per square mile.
9. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Renton, WA
Situated in western Washington, Renton is the ninth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 90,927.
Sorted by age, 23.2% of the population is under 18, 8.8% is 18 to 24, 33.5% is 25 to 44, 24.4% is 45 to 64, and 10.1% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.2.
The racial makeup of the city is 54.6% White, 10.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 21.2% Asian, 0.8% Pacific Islander, 6.2% from other races, and 5.8% from two or more races. The population is 13.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 22.0 square miles. The city’s population density is 4,133 people per square mile.
10. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Spokane Valley, WA
Located in eastern Washington, Spokane Valley is the tenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 89,755.
Arranged by age, 24.0% of the population is under 18, 9.3% is 18 to 24, 26.1% is 25 to 44, 26.4% is 45 to 64, and 14.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 37.3.
The racial mix of the city is 90.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.4% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. The population is 4.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 37.8 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,374 people per square mile.
11. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Federal Way, WA
Located in western Washington, Federal Way is the eleventh largest city in the state with an estimated population of 89,306.
Grouped by age, 25.6% of the population is under 18, 10.2% is 18 to 24, 27.7% is 25 to 44, 26.1% is 45 to 64, and 10.4% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.9.
The racial composition of the city is 57.5% White, 9.7% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 14.2% Asian, 2.7% Pacific Islander, 8.3% from other races, and 6.6% from two or more races. The population is 16.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 21.0 square miles. The city’s population density is 4,253 people per square mile.
12. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Bellingham, WA
Situated in northwestern Washington, Bellingham is the twelfth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 80,885.
A large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to several colleges and universities. Classified by age, 15.6% of the population is under 18, 23.7% is 18 to 24, 25.9% is 25 to 44, 22.0% is 45 to 64, and 12.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 31.3.
The racial complexion of the city is 84.9% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Native American, 5.1% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. The population is 7.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 25.6 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,160 people per square mile.
13. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Kennewick, WA
Located in southern Washington, Kennewick is the thirteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 73,917.
Categorized by age, 28.2% of the population is under 18, 10.3% is 18 to 24, 26.8% is 25 to 44, 23.8% is 45 to 64, and 10.9% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 32.6.
The racial profile of the city is 78.5% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 12.1% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. The population is 24.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 22.9 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,328 people per square mile.
14. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Auburn, WA
Situated in western Washington, Auburn is the fourteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 70,180.
Sorted by age, 25.9% of the population is under 18, 10.5% is 18 to 24, 27.9% is 25 to 44, 25.5% is 45 to 64, and 10.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.4.
The racial makeup of the city is 70.5% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 2.3% Native American, 8.9% Asian, 1.6% Pacific Islander, 6.3% from other races, and 5.4% from two or more races. The population is 12.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 21.3 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,295 people per square mile.
15. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Marysville, WA
Located in western Washington, Marysville is the fifteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 60,020.
Categorized by age, 27.5% of the population is under 18, 9.0% is 18 to 24, 28.8% is 25 to 44, 24.7% is 45 to 64, and 10.0% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.2.
The racial profile of the city is 80.0% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 5.6% Asian, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 4.4% from other races, and 5.5% from two or more races. The population is 10.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 9.6 square miles. The city’s population density is 6,252 people per square mile.
16. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Pasco, WA
Located in southern Washington, Pasco is the sixteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 59,781.
Grouped by age, 35.5% of the population is under 18, 10.6% is 18 to 24, 29.9% is 25 to 44, 17.2% is 45 to 64, and 6.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 27.3.
The racial composition of the city is 55.8% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 36.4% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. The population is 55.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 28.1 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,127 people per square mile.
17. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Lakewood, WA
Situated in western Washington, Lakewood is the seventeenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 58,163.
Classified by age, 22.7% of the population is under 18, 10.7% is 18 to 24, 26.4% is 25 to 44, 26.5% is 45 to 64, and 13.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 36.6.
The racial complexion of the city is 59.3% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 1.3% Native American, 9.0% Asian, 2.6% Pacific Islander, 7.3% from other races, and 8.7% from two or more races. The population is 15.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 44.3 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,313 people per square mile.
18. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Redmond, WA
Located in western Washington, Redmond is the eighteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 54,144.
Categorized by age, 22.7% of the population is under 18, 7.5% is 18 to 24, 38.7% is 25 to 44, 21.6% is 45 to 64, and 9.5% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.1.
The racial profile of the city is 65.2% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 25.4% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 3.2% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. The population is 7.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 15.9 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,405 people per square mile.
19. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): Shoreline, WA
Situated in western Washington, Shoreline is the nineteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 53,007.
Sorted by age, 19.1% of the population is under 18, 8.1% is 18 to 24, 26.7% is 25 to 44, 30.9% is 45 to 64, and 15.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 42.1.
The racial makeup of the city is 71.4% White, 5.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 15.2% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 2.2% from other races, and 5.1% from two or more races. The population is 6.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 11.7 square miles. The city’s population density is 4,531 people per square mile.
20. Largest Cities in Washington (2012): South Hill, WA
Located in western Washington, South Hill is the twentieth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 52,431.
Arranged by age, 29.7% of the population is under 18, 8.6% is 18 to 24, 29.8% is 25 to 44, 24.2% is 45 to 64, and 7.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 33.6.
The racial mix of the city is 78.2% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 1.0% Native American, 6.0% Asian, 1.1% Pacific Islander, 3.1% from other races, and 6.5% from two or more races. The population is 8.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 18.0 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,913 people per square mile.
Source(s):
” American Community Survey ,” U.S. Census Bureau
” American Fact Finder ,” U.S. Census Bureau
“Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000,” U.S. Census Bureau
