Washington State Demand by 2030
Over the next 10 years, Washington State faces a significant challenge in building enough senior independent living apartments to meet the needs of its aging population. The state needs to add over 1 million housing units by 2044, with a substantial portion of these units dedicated to senior housing to address the growing demand as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Specifically, it is estimated that Washington will need to develop about 50,000 new housing units annually, with a focus on affordable and senior-specific accommodations to meet the expected shortfall​.
In terms of supply and demand, the top five counties with the greatest need for new housing units, including senior housing, are:
King County
- Projected Need for Senior Apartments:
15,000 – 18,000 units. - Key Drivers: King County has the largest population in the state and is experiencing rapid growth in its senior demographic. Its high housing costs also push the need for affordable senior apartments.
Pierce County
- Projected Need for Senior Apartments:
7,000 – 9,000 units. - Key Drivers: Pierce County serves as a more affordable alternative to King County. Its growing population of seniors and proximity to urban centers make it a hotspot for future senior housing demand.
Snohomish County
- Projected Need for Senior Apartments:
6,000 – 8,000 units.
- Key Drivers: As part of the greater Seattle metro area, Snohomish County’s aging population is expanding quickly, coupled with a need for more senior housing options.
Spokane County
- Projected Need for Senior Apartments:
5,000 – 6,500 units.
- Key Drivers: As Eastern Washington’s largest urban area, Spokane is a key hub for senior living development, driven by its growing aging population and lower housing costs compared to Western Washington.
Clark County
- Projected Need for Senior Apartments:
4,500 – 6,000 units.
- Key Drivers: As part of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area, Clark County continues to attract retirees, creating a rising demand for senior apartments.
