WASHINGTON
Welcome to Washington!
Imagine a life where vibrant innovation meets breathtaking natural beauty. In Washington, you can find world-changing ideas and sprawling apple orchards existing side by side. It’s a place to build a future, surrounded by opportunity and evergreen landscapes. Explore the opportunities to build your life here!
Top CHIPs for Washington
The best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
Finding a home in Washington is more achievable than ever, thanks to Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) designed to support your journey. Explore these helpful options and take a confident step toward making your dream of homeownership a reality.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Opportunity Downpayment Assistance Loan Program
This program offers up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs, all at just 1% interest. With up to 30 years of deferred payments, you won’t feel pressured to pay right away. Open to first-time buyers and those purchasing in a target area.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Home Advantage DPA
This program provides between 4% and 5% of your total loan amount for down payment and closing costs! With a 0% interest rate and no immediate repayment required, it’s a great option for homebuyers statewide earning up to $180,000. Apply today and make your dream of homeownership a reality!
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program
This program provides up to $10,000 to assist with home purchase costs, featuring a low 3% interest rate and deferred payments for up to 30 years. Eligible applicants include individuals with an honorable discharge, those discharged for medical reasons with an honorable record, members of the Washington National Guard and Reserve, and the unremarried spouses or dependents of deceased veterans.
Solarity Credit Union Zero-Down Home Mortgages
This program offers full funding for your dream home with no down payment required. Enjoy low interest rates and a simple, fast application process. This program is available to both first-time and repeat buyers in Washington.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Home Advantage DPA Needs Based Option
Get up to $10,000 in down payment assistance with a 1% interest rate. Payments are deferred for up to 30 years, offering financial flexibility. Veterans are eligible for the full loan amount with no assessment of need.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Opportunity Downpayment Assistance Loan Program
This program offers up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs, all at just 1% interest. With up to 30 years of deferred payments, you won’t feel pressured to pay right away. Open to first-time buyers and those purchasing in a target area.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Home Advantage DPA
This program provides between 4% and 5% of your total loan amount for down payment and closing costs! With a 0% interest rate and no immediate repayment required, it’s a great option for homebuyers statewide earning up to $180,000. Apply today and make your dream of homeownership a reality!
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program
This program provides up to $10,000 to assist with home purchase costs, featuring a low 3% interest rate and deferred payments for up to 30 years. Eligible applicants include individuals with an honorable discharge, those discharged for medical reasons with an honorable record, members of the Washington National Guard and Reserve, and the unremarried spouses or dependents of deceased veterans.
Solarity Credit Union Zero-Down Home Mortgages
This program offers full funding for your dream home with no down payment required. Enjoy low interest rates and a simple, fast application process. This program is available to both first-time and repeat buyers in Washington.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Home Advantage DPA Needs Based Option
Get up to $10,000 in down payment assistance with a 1% interest rate. Payments are deferred for up to 30 years, offering financial flexibility. Veterans are eligible for the full loan amount with no assessment of need.
👥
Total Population
7,705,281
🗺️
Land area in square miles
66,455.4 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
20
📍
State Capital
Olympia
💰
Median household income
$94,605
💵
Median home sale price
$700,683
🏘️
Total Housing Units
3,101,265
👥
Total Population
7,705,281
🗺️
Land area in square miles
66,455.4 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
20
📍
State Capital
Olympia
💰
Median household income
$94,605
💵
Median home sale price
$700,683
🏘️
Total Housing Units
3,101,265
Census Data Snapshot for Washington
Crucial statistics and data about the state of Washington.
Washington’s landscape includes everything from high-tech cities to peaceful towns, and the data reflects that variety. Home prices, income levels, and population trends can guide where you buy and how much you spend. This snapshot provides a useful starting point for your home search.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in the state of Washington?
Before you plant roots in Washington, it’s worth understanding how the seasons shape everyday life. This guide walks you through the state’s climate so you can picture what it’s really like to live, work, and play here year-round.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of Washington?
A strong economy can make a big difference when choosing where to live. Washington leads in industries like aerospace, clean energy, and technology, with Boeing standing as its largest private employer. This overview gives you a closer look at the workforce, employer landscape, and job opportunities across the state.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: Boeing
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Employer Headcount: 71,036
Total Employer Establishments
🏢198,854
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in Washington.
Home affordability in Washington is possible. With CHIPs, you have a path to homeownership that is smoother, smarter, and less stressful.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in Washington in terms of population?
Choosing the right city starts with knowing where people are building their lives. Washington’s top cities reflect a mix of economic strength, cultural attractions, and lifestyle appeal. This snapshot offers a closer look at the communities drawing the most residents.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
1
764,753
2
229,608
3
225,030
4
199,884
5
151,436
6
131,235
7
111,371
8
111,371
9
103,005
10
96,619
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in Washington?
Finding the right school is a key part of choosing the right home. This overview highlights local school districts and performance rankings to help you make informed choices. Washington offers a range of public and private options to support your child’s success.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in Washington.
Your new home in Washington is waiting. Begin exploring the beautiful properties available and find the one that perfectly fits your vision for the future.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about the state of Washington.
Ready for fun facts? This state is known for its love of coffee, huge tech companies, and some spooky vampire fame too!
Famous People from Washington
Who are the well-known personalities from Washington?
Some of the world’s biggest names in music, technology, and film began in this state. Now it is your turn to get to know them.
Agency
Website
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC)
Washington State Department of Commerce – Housing Division
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in Washington.
For trusted guidance and support, these official state resources can provide valuable assistance and information throughout your homebuying journey.
Agency
Website
Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC)
Washington State Department of Commerce – Housing Division
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR)
