To celebrate Black History Month, PSRC delved into some demographics of the region’s Black or African American population.
The central Puget Sound region has nearly 350,000 Black or African American residents, making up 8% of the total population.
From 2010 to 2020, this population increased by 35%, while the region overall increased 16%.
For this analysis, a person is counted as Black or African American if they identified as Black or African American Alone or in combination with another race or races on the census.
The biggest percent increase in the Black or African American population from 2010 to 2020 was in Snohomish County (66%).
The largest concentrations of Black or African American residents in the region are in southern King County and in Pierce County. The map below shows 2020 population by census tract.
Of the region’s four counties, Pierce County has the highest share of Black or African American residents, at 11%
King County has the largest total number of Black or African American residents, with 150,000.
Some of the communities where many of the region's Black or African American residents live include Rainier Valley, Renton, SeaTac, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent and Tacoma.
High housing costs and gentrification have played a role in changing the geography of Black or African American communities over time. Many residents of historically Black communities in Seattle, like the Central District, have been displaced to south King County and elsewhere across the region where housing is relatively more affordable. More information on this is available on PSRC’s Displacement Risk Mapping web page.
2020 Black or African American Population by Census Tract
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census Redistricting table P001
PSRC recognizes that the Black or African American community is not a monolith. This community represents a wide range of cultures and experiences, with some people having lived in the region for generations in deeply embedded communities. Others have come to our region because of economic, educational or other opportunities.
About one-third of the region's Black or African American residents were born in Washington state (35%). A somewhat larger share of Black or African American residents were born in another state (39%). Many of the region’s Black residents were born outside of the U.S (25%).
An increasing number of people in the region identify as multiracial.
While most of the region’s Black or African American residents identify as Black alone (73%), about one in four (27%) identifies as multiracial.
The largest multiracial combination is Black or African American with white (54,283 or 16%), followed by Black or African American with Asian (7,297 or 2%).
As the region becomes increasingly diverse, the systemic racism and disparate outcomes experienced by people of color are challenges that impact all central Puget Sound communities. With the update of PSRC’s VISION 2050, data on the changing demographic makeup of communities will be important in addressing social equity impacts and benefits now and in the future as the region grows.