Founded: 1851 (incorporated, 1869)
Head Official: Mayor Greg Nickels (D) (since 2001)
City Population
1980: 493,846
1990: 516,259
2000: 563,374
2003 estimate: 569,101
Percent change, 1990–2000: 9.1%
U.S. rank in 1980: 23rd
U.S. rank in 1990: 21st
U.S. rank in 2000: 30th
Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)
1980: 1,607,000
1990: 2,033,128
2000: 2,414,616
Percent change, 1990–2000: 23%
U.S. rank in 1980: 18th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 14th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 13th (CMSA)
Area: 83.9 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Ranges from sea level to 450 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 52.4° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 36.6 inches
Major Economic Sectors: Services, trade, manufacturing, government
Unemployment Rate: 4.7% (January 2005)
Per Capita Income: $30,306 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 46,432
Major Colleges and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University
Daily Newspapers: The Seattle Times; Seattle Post-Intelligencer