INDICATORS

POPULATION & AGE

•0.1.1 Total Population & Annual Growth Rate •0.1.2 Median Age of the Population •0.1.3 Population by Age Groups •0.1.4 Veteran Population

MIGRATION & IMMIGRATION

IN THE HOME

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

PEOPLE

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0.1.1 Total Population & Annual Growth Rate

Why is this important?

Population growth reveals much about a community. Popular communities experience high rates of growth, bringing wanted economic benefits. In many cases, however, growth can also lead to concerns over traffic, the environment, and essential services such as education. Locations experiencing slow rates of population growth, or even depopulation, may face fiscal difficulties and a downward spiral of further population loss, especially of their youth.

Population growth comes from two sources: the "natural" growth of births outpacing deaths as well as net in-migration. In general, annual estimates are based on the most recent decennial Census (in this case, the year 2010 Census). Since these are estimates, and not actual counts, there is room for some error, although the methods used are standardized and tested to reduce the size of the error.

This indicator measures the total population and the annual growth rates of Walla Walla County. Washington State and the U.S. are offered as benchmarks. Additional information, including the total estimated population of the state and U.S., can be found in the "Download Data" section.

Where are we?

In 2025, the total population in Walla Walla County for:

The non-institutionalized population was 61,657, increasing from 54,979, or by 12.1% since 2005.
The institutionalized population was 2,143, increasing from 2,026, or by 5.8% since 2005.

The annual growth rate of the population from 2024 to 2025 in:

Walla Walla County (institutionalized population included) was 0.7%.
Walla Walla County (non-institutionalized population) was 0.7%.
Washington State was 1.0%.
The U.S. was 1.6% (from 2023 to 2024).

Data Sources

For County and State: Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) - April 1 Official Population Estimates

Select desired format under "April 1 population of cities, towns, and counties used for the allocation of selected state revenues"
Penitentiary Population: Under Statistical Reports see "Average Daily Population of Incarcerated Individuals in Prisons." Compute the average of ADP for all the months inside the desired year.

For U.S.: U.S. Census Bureau - QuickFacts

Under "People" and "Population", see "Population Estimates"

Notes:

1) Population numbers are estimates. According to the data source (OFM): "Estimates are approximations based on direct or indirect indicators and cannot be expected to be as accurate as a census. A detailed discussion about the nature of estimates and the methods used can be found in OFM’s research brief: About Population Estimate Accuracy."

2) Walla Walla County has a large inmate population from the Washington State Penitentiary. Their numbers are included in this indicator.

The data visualization on this webpage may not be fully accessible for persons with disabilities. However, the source data will download in a file by clicking on the "Download Data" link above. If you would like assistance downloading the file or be provided a copy of the information on this webpage, please contact us at dpjones@ewu.edu.