Everett was the 9th fastest-growing city in the state last year

EVERETT — The city of Everett’s population grew by 2,500 last year, according to recent state estimates.

That was the ninth biggest gain of all cities in Washington and 2 percent of the population growth for the entire state.

Seattle had the biggest growth, adding about 24,400 people. Altogether, Washington’s population grew by 122,290, according to the state Office of Financial Management.

Everett’s fast-paced growth is not a surprise for city officials.

“It’s for a variety of reasons: jobs, quality of life, affordable housing,” said Lanie McMullin, Everett’s economic development director.

Interest in the city is not slowing down, either.

“I can’t recall a similar time during my time with the city when we’ve had so many calls from potential investors and companies” interested in relocating or expanding in Everett, said McMullin, who has been with the city for 19 years.

The region’s booming population has stressed the housing market, with demand far outpacing the number of homes for sale. At the market’s current pace, the number of houses for sale in Snohomish and King counties would be sold in less than one month, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Services.

Builders have added hundreds of new homes, condos and apartments in Everett in recent years, with hundreds more in development.

And employers continue bringing jobs to the city. Funko is moving its headquarters to downtown Everett. Developments at the Port of Everett’s Riverside Business Park are expected to bring an estimated 800 jobs.

“Where will those people live?” McMullin asked.

Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.

Growing fast

Washington’s population grew by nearly 2 percent last year, according to the state Office of Financial Management.

Cities with biggest growth

	City	2016 population	Change since 2015
1	Seattle	686,800	24,400
2	Sammamish	61,250	11,270
3	Bellevue	139,400	4,400
4	Tumwater	23,040	3,940
5	Tacoma	206,100	3,800
6	Vancouver	173,500	3,100
7	Federal Way	93,670	2,910
8	Renton	101,300	2,830
9	Everett	108,300	2,500
10	Pasco	70,560	2,320
	Statewide	7,183,700	122,290

Biggest growth in Snohomish County

	City	2016 population	Change since 2015
1	Everett	108,300	2,500
2	Lake Stevens	30,900	1,000
3	Marysville	64,940	800
4	Monroe	18,120	500
5	Edmonds	40,900	410
	Countywide	772,860	15,260