Seattle Population Hits Record 784,777 as Downtown Office Vacancy Reaches 25%

1 articles · Updated · KOMO News · May 15

11,572 new residents pushed Seattle’s population to a record 784,777 between July 2024 and July 2025, making it the fourth-fastest growth rate among major U.S. cities.
Downtown Seattle Association says that growth is not translating into jobs: downtown office vacancy reached 25% last year, up from 13% in 2020.
The group’s 2025 economic report also flagged declining office net absorption and falling taxable values at several major Seattle buildings, underscoring weaker business demand downtown.
Store departures including Nike and The North Face have added to visible vacancies, though a new Barnes & Noble on 6th Avenue marks the bookseller’s first Seattle return since 2020.
DSA President Jon Scholes said the city needs more business activity in its core and argued Seattle should focus on expanding the tax base rather than adding taxes on businesses.

With a record population but an empty downtown, can turning offices into homes revive Seattle's core?

As downtown skyscrapers lose billions in value, who will ultimately foot the bill for Seattle's city services?