Out-of-State Migrants Flock to Seattle's King County

During the year 2014, a record number of people chose to make their home in King County, Washington. And 2015 may shape up to shatter last year's record.

1 minute read

March 30, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Seattle skyline

dherrera_96 / Flickr

King County in Washington, home to the city of Seattle, saw a record number of newcomers in 2014. The previous record was set during the "Microsoft boom" of the early 1990s, referring to an influx of tech workers. Something similar may be happening again.

Gene Balk describes the unprecedented migration trend: "But don't expect any of those records to last very long, because 2015 is off to the fastest start of any year yet. In January and February, 10,616 out-of-staters have been issued licenses in King County, narrowly edging out the previous high of 10,128 set in 1998."

Predictably, plenty of newcomers hailed from California and Oregon. But there are also some surprises this time around. From the article: "In 2011, for the first time, more Texans than Oregonians relocated to King County. Since then, Texas has remained firmly in second place behind California. In 2014, 4,055 Texans moved here, nearly double the number from 1999." Another surprise: India has also become one of the most popular origin points for new Seattle residents.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.