EVERETT — In the past decade, Snohomish County’s population growth narrowly outpaced Washington as a whole.
From 2010 to 2020, the county gained 114,000 residents— a 16.1% increase — according to recently released U.S. Census data.
During that span, the state population grew by 14.6%.
Across Snohomish County, Lake Stevens, Stanwood, Granite Falls and Marysville saw the biggest bumps in population, the data show.
Marysville gained more than 10,000 new residents in the decade — the most of any Snohomish County city.
High housing prices in other areas of the region are what’s bringing people to town, city spokesperson Connie Mennie said.
“Drive until you can afford it is an old real estate phrase,” she said.
Nearby, Granite Falls saw the largest percentage change in population — a 32% increase.
Since 2010, the town has grown from 3,364 residents to 4,450.
Everett, which gained 7,610 residents, remains the county’s largest city, with a 2020 population of 110,629.
Index was the only municipality in the county with population that dropped between 2010 to 2020.
New population numbers
| Municipality | 2020 | 2010 | Difference | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 7,705,281 | 6,724,540 | 980,741 | 14.58% |
| Snohomish County | 827,957 | 713,335 | 114,622 | 16.07% |
| Everett | 110,629 | 103,019 | 7,610 | 7.39% |
| Marysville | 70,714 | 60,020 | 10,694 | 17.82% |
| Bothell* | 48,161 | 33,505 | 14,656 | 43.74% |
| Edmonds | 42,853 | 39,709 | 3,144 | 7.92% |
| Lynnwood | 38,568 | 35,836 | 2,732 | 7.62% |
| Lake Stevens | 35,630 | 28,069 | 7,561 | 26.94% |
| Mukilteo | 21,538 | 20,254 | 1,284 | 6.34% |
| Mountlake Terrace | 21,286 | 19,909 | 1,377 | 6.92% |
| Mill Creek | 20,926 | 18,244 | 2,682 | 14.70% |
| Arlington | 19,868 | 17,926 | 1,942 | 10.83% |
| Monroe | 19,699 | 17,304 | 2,395 | 13.84% |
| Snohomish | 10,126 | 9,098 | 1,028 | 11.30% |
| Stanwood | 7,705 | 6,231 | 1,474 | 23.66% |
| Brier | 6,560 | 6,087 | 473 | 7.77% |
| Sultan | 5,146 | 4,651 | 495 | 10.64% |
| Granite Falls | 4,450 | 3,364 | 1,086 | 32.28% |
| Gold Bar | 2,403 | 2,075 | 328 | 15.81% |
| Darrington | 1,462 | 1,347 | 115 | 8.54% |
| Woodway | 1,318 | 1,307 | 11 | 0.84% |
| Index | 155 | 178 | -23 | -12.92% |
* Bothell population includes King County portion
The new numbers also show growing racial and ethnic diversity in Snohomish County.
Between 2010 to 2020, the portion of white residents in the county declined 10 percentage points, from 74% to 64%. In that same span, Asian, Hispanic and multiracial populations all saw increases of about 3 percentage points.
Together, residents in those groups account for about 30% of the county.
That makes Snohomish the fifth-most-diverse county in the state, according to the U.S. Census, trailing King, Pierce, Yakima and Grant counties, in that order.
In 2010, Snohomish County ranked 10th in racial and ethnic diversity.
Redrawing the lines
The updated population numbers from the 2020 census will help decide how Snohomish County Council districts are redrawn.
Under state law, the updated boundaries must be nearly equal in population, be as compact as possible, consist of geographically contiguous areas and not use the data to favor or disfavor any racial group or political party.
The new districts should also coincide with existing natural boundaries and preserve communities of related and mutual interest.
The county’s redistricting committee is hosting a second public meeting at 4 p.m on Wednesday, according to a news release.
County residents are encouraged to participate, either in the council chambers at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett or online via Zoom. Written comments and feedback can be emailed to districting@snoco.org.
The committee consists of five voting members. Four of them, two Republicans and two Democrats, were appointed by the Snohomish County Council.
The Democratic members of the redistricting committee are Hillary Moralez and Bill Phillips. The Republican members are Jim Langston and Sid Roberts.
The fifth member, Kurt Hilt, was appointed by the committee to serve as chair.
Members of the committee expect to prepare drafts of the new boundaries by October. The Snohomish County Council must approve a plan by December.
Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.
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