00 Democracy
Our democracy thrives when people participate in community processes and engage with elected representatives.
+1.2% change nonprofit organizations per 10,000 residents
(as of 2024)
+1.2% change nonprofit organizations per 10,000 residents (as of 2024)
What are we seeing?
Voter participation declined across the region in 2025 following higher turnout rates during the 2024 general election. Regional turnout fell from 79.2% in 2024 to 40.8% in 2025, reflecting the typical difference between presidential-election and off-year election cycles.
The number of nonprofit organizations per 10,000 residents increased across the region between 2017 and 2024, rising from 40.9 to 54.2. Growth occurred in all four counties, suggesting an expanding network of organizations supporting community services, advocacy, and civic engagement.
The social associations rate remained relatively stable across the region over time, decreasing slightly from 8.5 per 10,000 residents in 2017 to 7.9 in 2024. While levels varied modestly by county, the overall availability of membership-based community organizations changed little during this period.
Nonprofit Organizations per 10,000 Residents
Nonprofit Organizations Strengthen Community Well-Being
Number of registered nonprofit organizations per 10,000 residents. Higher values indicate a greater presence of nonprofit organizations relative to the population.
Why is this metric important? Nonprofit organizations provide services, resources, and opportunities for community engagement. A higher concentration of nonprofits may reflect stronger community support networks and local capacity to address resident needs.
Source: Urban Institute | National Center for Charitable Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau | American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Year: 2024
Social Associations per 10,000 Residents
Social Associations Foster Civic Participation
Number of social associations per 10,000 residents. Social associations include membership organizations such as civic, recreational, religious, professional, business, and labor groups.
Why is this metric important? Reflects opportunities for social connection, civic participation, and community engagement. Higher values may indicate stronger social networks and community cohesion.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau | American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute | County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
Year: 2024
Voter Participation Rate
Engaged Voters Promote a Thriving Democracy
Percentage of registered voters who participated in the general election, calculated as ballots cast divided by registered voters.
Why is this metric important? Broader participation in elections results in more representative government, policies that reflect the will of the region's residents, and promotes greater civic engagement.
Source: Washington Secretary of State | Election Results and Voters' Pamphlets
Year: 2025
