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Washington

QuickFacts
Population:6,395,798
Pop. Change:9%
State:Washington
Metro Area:Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Spokane, ... 19 more
County:King, Pierce, ... 39 more
City:Seattle, Spokane, ... 522 more
Zip Code:99301, 99302, ... 728 more

State Overview

As of 2007, Washington's population is 6,395,798 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 8.51 percent.

The median home cost in Washington is $396,900. Home appreciation the last year has been 0.81 percent.

Compared to the rest of the country, Washington's cost of living is 9.92% Higher than the U.S. average.

Washington public schools spend $6,569 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 18 students per teacher in Washington.

The unemployment rate in Washington is 4.30 percent(U.S. avg. is 4.60%). Recent job growth is Positive. Washington jobs have Increased by 2.26 percent.

Washington SperlingFile

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People

The 2007 Washington, WA, population is 6,395,798. There are 96 people per square mile (population density).

Family in Washington, WA

The median age is 35.5. The US median is 37.6. 57.65% of people in Washington, WA, are married. 11.36% are divorced.

The average household size is 2.46 people. 23.80% of people are married, with children. 8.78% have children, but are single.

Race in Washington, WA

80.40% of people are white, 3.42% are black, 6.52% are asian, 1.58% are native american, and 8.31% claim 'Other'.

8.67% of the people in Washington, WA, claim hispanic ethnicity (meaning 91.33% are non-hispanic).

Washington People SperlingViews

The great outdoors: Washington provides the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation like no other area. In our great outdoors, residents can access the ocean, sound, and a multitude of... (read more)Recreation: There is always a lot to do no matter what the... (read more)the Puyallup and Graham area: This is the gateway to the some of the best fishing, hunting, and winter sport areas in the state of Washington. Their are a number of small lakes that provide the... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

PeopleWashington, WAUnited States
Population6,395,798293,655,400
Pop. Density9680
Pop. Change8.51%5.88%
Median Age35.537.6
Households2,457,492108,954,329
Household Size2.462.6
Male Population49.84%48.65%
Female Population50.16%51.35%
Married Population57.65%58.89%
Single Population42.35%41.11%

Economy

The unemployment rate in Washington, WA, is 4.30%, with job growth of 2.26%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 24.51%.

Washington, WA Taxes

Washington, WA,sales tax rate is 7.60%. Income tax is 0.23%.

Washington, WA Income and Salaries

The income per capita is $25,920, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $50,488.

Washington Economy SperlingViews

West vs. East: If you're moving here, choosing which side of the mountains to live on is a huge decision. The weather is different, the people are different, the economies are... (read more)Driver Courtesy: Having moved here 3 years ago, after 44 years in Colorado, we are constantly pleased and amazed by the courtesy of Washington drivers. Always going out of their way to... (read more)Commute times: Commute times in Western Washington are close to the worst in the US. Seattle has never had, and won't have any time soon, public transit like the Bay Area. In my... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

EconomyWashington, WAUnited States
Unemployment Rate4.30%4.60%
Recent Job Growth2.26%1.40%
Future Job Growth24.51%11.90%
Sales Taxes7.60%6.00%
Income Taxes0.23%5.02%
Income per Cap.$25,920$24,020
Household Income$50,488$44,684
ESTIMATED HOUSEHOLDS BY HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Income Less Than 15K11.46%13.64%
Income between 15K and 25K10.31%11.21%
Income between 25K and 35K11.19%11.46%
Income between 35K and 50K16.31%15.84%
Income between 50K and 75K20.86%19.28%
Income between 75K and 100K12.79%11.53%
Income between 100K and 150K11.30%10.70%
Income between 150K and 250K4.15%4.43%
Income between 250K and 500K1.15%1.31%
Income greater than 500K0.48%0.61%
POPULATION BY OCCUPATION
Management, Business, and Financial Operations14.12%13.61%
Professional and Related Occupations21.40%20.24%
Service14.84%14.75%
Sales and Office25.87%26.74%
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry1.57%0.74%
Construction, Extraction, and Maintenance9.50%9.48%
Production, Transportation, and Material Moving12.71%14.44%

Housing

The median home value in Washington, WA, is $396,900. Home appreciation is 0.81% over the last year. The median age of Washington, WA, real estate is 29 years.

Washington, WA Apartments and Rentals

Renters make up 32.44% of the Washington, WA, population. 7.36% of houses and apartments in Washington, WA, are unoccupied (vacancy rate).

Washington Housing SperlingViews

re: stay away!: I live in Lynnwood too. Who are you kidding---it's already ruined.We call it "Californicated".Also, we're overrun with illegals. If you go to Wal-Mart or Ross it's like... (read more)Washington cost of living: seems to be rising all the... (read more)Cost of Living Index Comparisons: I'm using the site to conduct cost of living comparisons as a part of various business... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

HousingWashington, WAUnited States
Median Home Age2927
Median Home Cost$396,900$217,200
Home Appreciation0.81%9.80%
Homes Owned60.15%64.07%
Housing Vacant7.36%14.48%
Homes Rented32.44%21.45%
Property Tax Rate$11.48$13.28
OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS BY VALUE
Less Than $20,0001.82%3.01%
$20,000 to $39,9991.78%4.37%
$40,000 to $59,9991.94%5.74%
$60,000 to $79,9992.78%7.07%
$80,000 to $99,9994.18%8.41%
$100,000 to $149,99917.40%19.74%
$150,000 to $199,99920.57%14.06%
$200,000 to $299,99925.57%16.59%
$300,000 to $399,99911.48%8.21%
$400,000 to $499,9995.48%4.53%
$500,000 to $749,9994.25%4.75%
$1,000,000 or more1.17%1.86%
HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT
1999 to October 200510.49%10.15%
1995 to 19988.37%6.69%
1990 to 19949.16%6.70%
1980 to 198915.05%14.75%
1970 to 197918.67%17.11%
1960 to 196911.50%12.78%
1950 to 19599.14%11.64%
1940 to 19496.23%6.64%
1939 or Earlier11.39%13.55%

Health

There are 135 physicians per capita in Washington, WA. The US average is 170.

Washington, WA Health Index

Air quality in Washington, WA is 54 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). This is based on ozone alert days and number of pollutants in the air, as reported by the EPA.

Water quality in Washington, WA is 48 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). The EPA has a complex method of measuring watershed quality using 15 indicators.

Superfund index is 73 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). This is upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts.

Washington Health SperlingViews

Kitsap Penninsula: The Kitsap penninsula is a different world from mainland Puget Sound. It is rural, quiet, not a lot of traffic. True, we get 60 inches of rain a year and sometime have... (read more)Living in Sequim: I was raised first in Somerville and then Arlington, MA. Moved to Pelham, NH after marrying. Lived in San Diego almost 13 years before moving here to Sequim, WA... (read more)A great place to live: Green, quiet, and many opportunities to experience the... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

HealthWashington, WAUnited States
Air Quality (100=best)5448
Water Quality (100=best)4855
Superfund Sites (100=best)7371
Physicians per 100k134.9169.7

Crime

Washington, WA, violent crime, on a scale from 1 (low crime) to 10, is 3. Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The US average is 3.

Washington, WA, property crime, on a scale from 1 (low) to 10, is 4. Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The US average is 3.

Washington Crime SperlingViews

The great outdoors: Washington provides the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation like no other area. In our great outdoors, residents can access the ocean, sound, and a multitude of... (read more)If you think Fla. politics suc: If you think the politics in Fla. are crooked, Check out Washington! The last Govenors race was a joke! And now they have made it almost impossible to get an honest... (read more)Recreation: There is always a lot to do no matter what the... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

CrimeWashington, WAUnited States
Violent Crime33
Property Crime43

Climate

Washington, WA, gets 35 inches of rain per year. The US average is 37. Snowfall is 22 inches. The average US city gets 25 inches of snow per year. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 125.

On average, there are 165 sunny days per year in Washington, WA. The July high is around 81 degrees. The January low is 27. Our comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 72 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable. The US average on the comfort index is 44.

Washington Climate SperlingViews

The Weather Here Sucks!: I love Washington State, but not the weather. I have lived here 17 years and I hate it. It's cold and rains alot! We are seriously thinking about moving (finally) to a... (read more)Pacific NW-Western Washington: It doesn't get much closer to paradise than this in the states...at least in summer when the rain stops! :-) If you can weather the gray days, and you love the outdoors,... (read more)Plenty of green......: If you like rain and trees, this is the place to... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

ClimateWashington, WAUnited States
Rainfall (in.)35.236.6
Snowfall (in.)22.325.2
Precipitation Days125101
Sunny Days165205
Avg. July High80.886.5
Avg. Jan. Low27.220.8
Comfort Index (higher=better)7244
UV Index2.94.3
Elevation ft.9361,062

Educate

Washington, WA, schools spend $6,569 per student. There are 18 pupils per teacher, 511 students per librarian, and 606 children per counselor in Washington, WA schools.

Washington Education SperlingViews

Any suggestions on a great place to live around Se: -Cost of living -Middle/High Schools... (read more)Kitsap Penninsula: The Kitsap penninsula is a different world from mainland Puget Sound. It is rural, quiet, not a lot of traffic. True, we get 60 inches of rain a year and sometime have... (read more)Living in Sequim: I was raised first in Somerville and then Arlington, MA. Moved to Pelham, NH after marrying. Lived in San Diego almost 13 years before moving here to Sequim, WA... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

EducationWashington, WAUnited States
School Expend.$6,569$6,058
Pupil/Teacher Ratio1815.9
Students per Librarian511907
Students per Counselor606546
2 yr College Grad.8.12%8.22%
4 yr College Grad.18.49%15.16%
Graduate Degrees9.20%7.16%
High School Grads.86.86%79.62%

Transportation

The average one-way commute in Washington, WA, takes 28 minutes. 74% of commuters drive their own car alone. 13% carpool with others. 5% take mass transit and 4% work from home.

Washington Transportation SperlingViews

Driver Courtesy: Having moved here 3 years ago, after 44 years in Colorado, we are constantly pleased and amazed by the courtesy of Washington drivers. Always going out of their way to... (read more)Commute times: Commute times in Western Washington are close to the worst in the US. Seattle has never had, and won't have any time soon, public transit like the Bay Area. In my... (read more)Beautiful state: Beautiful state, only been here a... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

TransportationWashington, WAUnited States
Commute Time27.727.4
COMMUTE MODE
Auto (alone)73.73%71.32%
Carpool12.83%14.52%
Mass Transit4.74%2.00%
Work at Home4.30%5.46%
COMMUTE TIME TO WORK
Commute Less Than 15 min.28.63%28.89%
Commute 15 to 29 min.36.55%36.08%
Commute 30 to 44 min.19.52%19.35%
Commute 45 to 59 min.7.43%7.57%
Commute greater than 60 min.7.86%8.12%

Cost of Living

Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Washington, WA is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Washington, WA is more expensive.

Overall, Washington, WA cost of living is 109.92.

Washington Cost of Living SperlingViews

re: stay away!: I live in Lynnwood too. Who are you kidding---it's already ruined.We call it "Californicated".Also, we're overrun with illegals. If you go to Wal-Mart or Ross it's like... (read more)Washington cost of living: seems to be rising all the... (read more)Cost of Living Index Comparisons: I'm using the site to conduct cost of living comparisons as a part of various business... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

CostoflivingWashington, WAUnited States
Overall110100
Food105100
Utilities75100
Miscellaneous104100

Religion

32.90% of the people in Washington, WA are religious, meaning they affiliate with a religion. 12.10% are Catholic; 12.06% are Protestant; 3.10% are LDS; 4.54% are another Christian faith; 0.73% in Washington, WA are Jewish; 0.10% are an eastern faith; 0.26% affilite with Islam.

Washington Religion SperlingViews

Kitsap Penninsula: The Kitsap penninsula is a different world from mainland Puget Sound. It is rural, quiet, not a lot of traffic. True, we get 60 inches of rain a year and sometime have... (read more)Living in Sequim: I was raised first in Somerville and then Arlington, MA. Moved to Pelham, NH after marrying. Lived in San Diego almost 13 years before moving here to Sequim, WA... (read more)A great place to live: Green, quiet, and many opportunities to experience the... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

ReligionWashington, WAUnited States
Percent Religious32.90%50.03%
Catholic12.10%21.92%
Protestant12.06%19.12%
LDS3.10%1.57%
Baptist2.45%8.16%
Episcopalian0.70%8.12%
Pentecostal3.16%1.89%
Lutheran2.95%2.81%
Methodist1.49%3.84%
Presbyterian1.32%1.33%
Other Christian4.54%4.66%
Jewish0.73%2.16%
Eastern0.10%0.05%
Islam0.26%0.54%

Voting

52.04% of the people in Washington, WA are registered as Democrats. 46.43% are registered Republican. Remaining are independent: 1.54%.

Washington Voting SperlingViews

If you think Fla. politics suc: If you think the politics in Fla. are crooked, Check out Washington! The last Govenors race was a joke! And now they have made it almost impossible to get an honest... (read more)Corruption and Bias in the King County Legal and C: My experience with the King County Superior Court has been very poor. I am a disabled person, and believe I have received discriminatory and biased treatment by King... (read more)The great outdoors: Washington provides the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation like no other area. In our great outdoors, residents can access the ocean, sound, and a multitude of... (read more)Have an opinion about Washington? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Washington Click Here

VotingWashington, WAUnited States
Democrat52.043%48.590%
Republican46.427%51.070%
Independent Other0.000%0.066%
Independent Liberal0.976%0.475%
Independent Conservative0.554%0.447%