EVERETT — The city of Everett’s population grew by 2,500 last year, according to recent state estimates.

That was the ninth biggest gain of all cities in Washington and 2 percent of the population growth for the entire state.

Seattle had the biggest growth, adding about 24,400 people. Altogether, Washington’s population grew by 122,290, according to the state Office of Financial Management.

Everett’s fast-paced growth is not a surprise for city officials.

“It’s for a variety of reasons: jobs, quality of life, affordable housing,” said Lanie McMullin, Everett’s economic development director.

Interest in the city is not slowing down, either.

“I can’t recall a similar time during my time with the city when we’ve had so many calls from potential investors and companies” interested in relocating or expanding in Everett, said McMullin, who has been with the city for 19 years.

The region’s booming population has stressed the housing market, with demand far outpacing the number of homes for sale. At the market’s current pace, the number of houses for sale in Snohomish and King counties would be sold in less than one month, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Services.

Builders have added hundreds of new homes, condos and apartments in Everett in recent years, with hundreds more in development.

And employers continue bringing jobs to the city. Funko is moving its headquarters to downtown Everett. Developments at the Port of Everett’s Riverside Business Park are expected to bring an estimated 800 jobs.

“Where will those people live?” McMullin asked.

Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.

Growing fast

Washington’s population grew by nearly 2 percent last year, according to the state Office of Financial Management.

Cities with biggest growth City 2016 population Change since 2015 1 Seattle 686,800 24,400 2 Sammamish 61,250 11,270 3 Bellevue 139,400 4,400 4 Tumwater 23,040 3,940 5 Tacoma 206,100 3,800 6 Vancouver 173,500 3,100 7 Federal Way 93,670 2,910 8 Renton 101,300 2,830 9 Everett 108,300 2,500 10 Pasco 70,560 2,320 Statewide 7,183,700 122,290

Biggest growth in Snohomish County City 2016 population Change since 2015 1 Everett 108,300 2,500 2 Lake Stevens 30,900 1,000 3 Marysville 64,940 800 4 Monroe 18,120 500 5 Edmonds 40,900 410 Countywide 772,860 15,260