Washington State Facts & Information

Washington state's population reached 8,035,700 as of April 1, 2024, according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management. This marks the first time the state has crossed the eight million mark, representing an increase of 84,550 people (1.05%) from the previous year. Washington is the 13th most populous state in the United States. Seattle remains the largest city with a population of 797,700.

Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, is the current Governor of Washington. He was elected on November 5, 2024, defeating Republican Dave Reichert with 55.51% of the vote. Ferguson previously served as Washington's Attorney General since 2012, where he gained national attention for challenging the Trump administration's travel ban. He succeeded Jay Inslee, who served as the 23rd Governor from 2013 to 2025.

Washington's nominal GDP in 2024 was approximately $856 billion, making it the 9th largest economy among U.S. states. The state's real GDP (adjusted for inflation) was $702 billion. Washington boasts the third-highest GDP per capita in the nation at $108,468, behind only New York and Massachusetts. The major industries driving the economy include finance, information technology, professional services, government, and retail. The information industry has experienced exceptional growth, with 2024 GDP 3.5 times higher than in 2014.

Washington's unofficial motto is "Al-ki" (sometimes spelled "Alki"), a Chinook Jargon word meaning "by and by" or "someday." This motto first appeared on the territorial seal. While never officially adopted by the state Legislature, it reflects the pioneering spirit and optimism of early Washington settlers. The motto symbolizes hope for the future and the potential of the region.

Washington earned the nickname "The Evergreen State" due to its abundant evergreen forests, particularly in the western part of the state. The nickname was adopted by the state Legislature in 1893. The state's dense coniferous forests, including Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock, remain green year-round, giving the landscape its characteristic lush, verdant appearance even during winter months.

As of January 1, 2024, Washington's minimum wage is $16.28 per hour, the highest of any state in the nation. This reflects the state's commitment to ensuring a livable wage for workers and adjusts annually based on inflation. The high minimum wage corresponds with Washington's elevated cost of living, particularly in urban areas like Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region.

More than 68% of Washington's population growth occurred in the five largest metropolitan counties: King (Seattle), Clark (Vancouver), Snohomish (Everett), Pierce (Tacoma), and Spokane. Net migration accounts for 82% of the state's population growth, with 69,100 people moving to Washington in 2024. Seattle experienced the largest numeric growth with 18,500 new residents, followed by Vancouver with 3,000 new residents.

Washington's economy is driven by several major industries including technology (home to Microsoft and Amazon headquarters), aerospace (Boeing), information services, finance, professional services, retail, and agriculture. The information technology sector has shown exceptional growth, with 2024 GDP reaching 3.5 times its 2014 level. Washington also ranks third in U.S. wine production, having produced 25.7 million gallons in 2024. The state's per capita income of $83,938 ranks seventh nationally.