Pasco and Richland were among the state’s top 10 cities for population growth, and Benton and Franklin counties each grew about 2 percent in the past year.

Benton County, the state’s 10th largest county, grew 1.9%, adding 3,900 people, and Franklin County, the state’s 14th largest county, grew 2.2%, adding 2,080 people.

That’s according to the latest population tallies released by the state.

The state total population topped 7.6 million residents, according to annual April 1 estimates prepared by the Office of Financial Management. The state released the data June 29.

Though year-over-year data shows modest growth in Benton and Franklin counties, the area’s growth over the past decade shows an explosive uptick, with Benton County up 17.4% and Franklin County, up 24%.

The Covid-19 crisis did not have a discernible impact on the 2020 estimates because most population change occurred before the crisis began, OFM said.

Strong population growth continued in Washington, with the state adding 109,800 people over the last year, a 1.5 percent increase.

Migration continues to be the primary driver behind Washington’s population growth.

From 2019-20, net migration (people moving in minus people moving out) to Washington totaled 83,400, which was down by 6,700 from last year.

Net migration accounted for 76% of the state’s population growth, with natural increase (births minus deaths) responsible for the other 24%.