Veterans in Washington

How many veterans live in Washington? What are their characteristics?

Latest update on October 27, 2023
Explore veterans data trends
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How many veterans live in Washington?

Veteran population

In 2022, 469,565.0 veterans lived in Washington. That's a 20.04% decrease since 2012.

Washington has the 11th-highest veteran population.

The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey includes annual estimates of veterans. According to the Census Bureau, veterans are anyone who has previously served (regardless of the duration of service) in active duty in the armed forces. Relevant armed forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. People who served during World War II in the Merchant Marine are veterans, as is anyone in the National Guard or Reserves who has been on active duty. Veterans are not currently serving and are considered civilians.

Based on the data, the largest group of veterans in Washington served in the Vietnam era.

Veteran population of Washington

In 2022, 469,565.0 veterans lived in Washington.

Washington

Veteran state of Washington residents by race or ethnicity

Veteran state of Washington residents by period of service

Veteran share of the adult civilian population in Washington

In 2022, 7.70% of the adult civilian population in Washington were considered veterans.

The population share of a group like veterans illustrates the prevalence of that group to others in a place. The population share of Washington veterans has been dropping in recent years, down 3 percentage points since 2012.

Veteran share of adult civilian population in Washington

In 2022, 7.70% of the adult civilian population in Washington were considered veterans.

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Washington
United States

Veteran share of adult civilian population

Washington is ranked 17th-highest among states for its share of the veteran population.

No data
3.7%
4.77%
5.83%
6.9%
7.97%
9.03%
10.1%

Veterans below the poverty line in Washington

In 2022, 7.40% of veterans in Washington earned income below the poverty line, compared with 9.80% of nonveterans.

The Census Bureau's American Community Survey allows for comparisons between veteran and nonveteran populations based on several measures.

Percent of veterans in Washington who earned income below the poverty line

In 2022, 7.40% of veterans in Washington earned income below the poverty line, compared with 9.80% of nonveterans.

Washington

Veteran unemployment rate in Washington

In 2022, the unemployment rate for Washington veterans for the year was 3.40% compared with 4.10% for nonveterans.

Unemployment rate of veterans in Washington

In 2022, the unemployment rate for Washington veterans for the year was 3.40% compared with 4.10% for nonveterans.

Washington

Veterans with bachelor's degrees in Washington

In 2022, 33.00% of Washington veterans older than 25 had a bachelor's degree compared with 40.10% of the nonveteran population.

Washington veterans with at least a bachelor's degree

In 2022, 33.00% of Washington veterans older than 25 had a bachelor's degree compared with 40.10% of the nonveteran population.

Washington

Veterans with any disability in Washington

In 2022, 30.30% of Washington veterans had a disability compared with 14.90% of the nonveteran population.

Veterans in Washington with any disability

In 2022, 30.30% of Washington veterans had a disability compared with 14.90% of the nonveteran population.

Washington