WA Needs 1.1 Million New Homes Over The Next Two Decades

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington needs to add at least 1.1 million new homes over the next 20 years to keep up with expected population growth, and more than half need to be affordable for residents in lower income brackets, according to the state.

The Washington State Department of Commerce released its final report Thursday using federal census data and population projections from the Office of Financial Management. That report estimates Washington will be home to about 8 million residents by next year and 9 million by 2037.

The housing projections include specific estimates for the number of apartments, multi-plexes and single-family homes that would need to be built to serve various income levels, along with more than 90,000 new emergency housing beds.

According to federal data, 30 percent of Washingtonians are classified as cost-burdened, meaning more than 30 percent of their income is going to housing costs.

"Based on the large number of housing needs at the lower income bands, many communities will need to change the way they plan for housing and plan for more apartments, condominiums, moderate density housing such as middle housing, and accessory dwelling units," said Dave Anderson, managing director of the state's Growth Management Services unit. "Planning for housing in the next 20 years will require an inclusive and equity-driven approach if we are to meet the housing needs for all the residents at all income levels."

The state's breakdown details estimates by county, from 82 total housing units needed in Garfield County to nearly 337,000 in King County by 2044. Pierce and Snohomish counties will need about 136,000 and 143,000 respectively.

The Department of Commerce said all communities will need to plan to accommodate more housing across income levels, including subsidized housing to support people most at risk for experiencing homelessness.

"Every community in the state is experiencing housing pressures and needs to plan for enough housing so that everyone can live inside," said Tedd Kelleher, director of housing policy. "This housing will require significant local, state and federal investments to meet our state's future housing needs, because it is difficult for the private market to produce housing for the lower income brackets."

State officials said most counties will be updating their comprehensive plans in the coming years and may adjust their specific population targets.