These 5 Washington State Towns are Shrinking the Fastest

Although Washington, as a state, is growing in population, there are several towns where residents are moving out of those cities. Whether they're moving to a new town or just moving out of Washington all together, there are some cities that are losing more residence than have people moving in.

Read More: This is the Fastest Growing City in Washington State

First and foremost, Washington State is growing.

According to USA Facts, Washington State is growing in population. Washington saw a 75,000 increate in residents in 2025 with more on the way.

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Washington Residents Relocation Making Cities Shrink

Which are the towns people are moving out of?

Electric City
The southern neighbor of Grand Coulee, it's been slowly shrinking overtime as many rural area towns happen to do overtime.
With an older-leaning demographic many are leaving town for better jobs and opportunities elsewhere.

Carbonado
Same could be said for Carbonado. You'll find Carbonado south of Enumclaw near Tacoma.

Klickitat
West of Goldendale, north of The Dalles. A town that seems like it may be out in the middle of nowhere, people finding work elsewhere is one reason population is on the decline.

Walla Walla
A little surprising since Walla Walla is a cool, hip town full of great wineries and things to do. That's just it, it's a town more people visit than reside. With population swinging due to college kids coming in just for school, then leaving once graduated and an older demographic who do live there without the highest birthing population, it can all be reason why Walla Walla's population is on the decline.

Federal Way
Federal Way seems the town that's shrinking the fastest. Right between Seattle and Tacoma, many are relocating closer to work as needed. It also doesn't help the price of homes have skyrocketed in many areas near there making it less desirable to move there, or have people sell their home to relocate using those home funds.

Although some towns are shrinking in population for their own reason, Washington State is growing with plenty of reason to move to Washington.