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

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

View of wetlands with lilypads at dusk.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling

The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

7 hours ago - Pew Stateline

Rendering of white, yellow, and purple Brightline West high-speed rail train speeding along highway median with blurred cars in foreground.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding

The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

December 5 - Fox 5

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5 - The Oklahoman

Senior Planner

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Planner II

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Senior Travel Demand Modeler

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

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.