In recent years, King County has experienced notable shifts in the population growth of its towns. Several urban centers are seeing substantial growth, while others are witnessing declines due to various socioeconomic factors.

Growing Towns:
1. Seattle: Despite a brief population decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle has rebounded, adding over 13,000 new residents between 2021 and 2022. The city’s robust tech industry and appeal as a cultural hub continue to attract people.

2. Bellevue: Often considered Seattle’s twin city, Bellevue has experienced a consistent influx of residents due to its booming tech sector, particularly with companies like Amazon and Microsoft expanding their offices there. The city’s high quality of life and growing job market have made it a preferred destination.

3. Kent: Kent has seen rapid growth, expanding by 244% over recent decades due to annexations and the development of business parks. Its affordable housing compared to Seattle and proximity to major employers like Boeing and Amazon’s warehouses have made it a growing town.

4. Renton: Renton’s population has grown by over 150% in recent decades. Like Kent, its affordability and business-friendly environment have contributed to an increase in residents, with the city becoming a hub for both manufacturing and tech services.

5. Issaquah: A smaller city with steady growth, Issaquah appeals to families and professionals seeking a suburban feel with access to natural surroundings. New housing developments and increased amenities have driven its population increase.

Shrinking Towns:
1. Federal Way: This city has been among the fastest shrinking in King County, losing about 2% of its population between 2020 and 2021. A primary factor is the lack of high-paying local jobs, forcing nearly 10,000 people to leave the city daily for work.

2. Auburn: Another town seeing a slight population decline, Auburn struggles with employment opportunities and affordability concerns, causing a small but noticeable outmigration.

Future Growth Projections and Impact on Housing:
Over the next 10-20 years, King County will continue growing, potentially adding hundreds of thousands of new residents due to its strong tech industry, cultural diversity, and international migration. However, this growth is likely uneven, with urban centers like Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding suburbs absorbing most of the population increase.

This projected growth will have significant implications for housing. The increased demand is expected to drive up housing prices, which are already some of the highest in the nation. In areas like Bellevue and Issaquah, this could lead to more gentrification and a push for increased housing density. Conversely, shrinking towns like Federal Way might see an opportunity for more affordable housing developments, though they must address employment challenges to attract residents.

Overall, King County’s future growth will likely deepen housing affordability issues, especially in already expensive areas, while spurring development in underutilized suburbs.