Federal Way

by The Linguist

Federal Way is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Federal Way was 101,298, making it the 9th largest city in Washington state.

History

The original settlers of the Federal Way area were the Coast Salish peoples. In the 19th century, non-native settlers started arriving in the area. The first European settlers were British and Canadian fur traders who arrived in the 1830s. The first American settler was Pleasant Porter Judson, who arrived in 1870 and founded the community of Judson’s Landing near present-day Federal Way.

In 1874, a post office named “San Lake” was established. In 1899, the area was incorporated into King County. The town of Federal Way was officially incorporated on February 28, 1990. The city was named after 19th century senator Richard Federal Way.

Geography

Federal Way is located in western King County, approximately 18 miles south of Seattle. It is bordered by Kent and Auburn to the north, Des Moines to the west, Tacoma to the south, and Milton and Enumclaw to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Federal Way has a total area of 35.71 square miles, of which 33.94 square miles is land and 1.78 square miles is water. Major bodies of water in Federal Way include Lake Geneva, Star Lake, Lake Fenwick, and Steel Lake.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 101,298 people living in Federal Way. The racial makeup of the city was:

  • 50.1% White
  • 16.5% Asian
  • 15.8% Hispanic or Latino
  • 13.6% Black or African American
  • 6.4% Two or more races
  • 1.7% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
  • 1.0% American Indian and Alaska Native

The median age in Federal Way was 36 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.4% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.3% were 65 years of age or older.

Economy

Some of the major employers and industries in Federal Way include:

In 2016, the median household income in Federal Way was $66,077. The city has a skilled, diverse workforce and provides many job opportunities in industries such as technology, healthcare, education, retail, and transportation.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Federal Way include:

  • Federal Way Community Center – This 126,000 square foot facility includes an aquatics center, fitness center, sports courts, meeting rooms, and more.
  • Military Road Shows Armory Museum – This museum displays military vehicles from World War I to present day.
  • Celebration Park – A 20-acre park with sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
  • Dash Point State Park – 532-acre camping park with sandy beaches, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound.
  • The Commons Mall – An open-air shopping center with over 60 stores and restaurants.

Federal Way also has a vibrant performing arts scene. The Knutzen Family Theatre and Performing Arts and Event Center host concerts, plays, dance performances, and more throughout the year.

Sports and Recreation

Federal Way has many parks, trails, and recreation facilities for sports and outdoor activities. The city operates over 20 parks covering more than 400 acres. Major parks include Steel Lake Park, Five Mile Lake Park, Fielding Saltwater State Park, Federal Way Sports Park, and the Jim Davis Fields.

The city has 35+ miles of hiking and biking trails, including the Interurban Trail that connects to regional trail systems. Popular water sports include kayaking, fishing, and swimming at lakes like Steel Lake and Five Mile Lake. Federal Way is also home to sports fields, tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds, and more.

For indoor recreation, the city operates two recreation centers – Federal Way Community Center and Federal Way Senior Center. These facilities have swimming pools, fitness centers, gyms, classrooms, and other amenities.

Federal Way is home to several sports teams including the Federal Way Eagles high school teams and Sound FC soccer club.

Education

Public education in Federal Way is provided by Federal Way Public Schools, which serves approximately 22,000 students. The district operates:

  • 3 comprehensive high schools
  • 1 secondary academy
  • 1 internet academy
  • 1 choice academy
  • 2 middle schools
  • 15 elementary schools
  • 1 early learning center

Federal Way Public Schools is highly diverse, with students speaking over 100 languages. The district has received recognition for its high graduation rates and innovative programs.

Federal Way is also home to several private schools, including Christian Faith School and Federal Way Christian Academy. Post-secondary education is available nearby at schools like Green River College and Highline College.

Transportation

Federal Way has access to major transportation networks, providing connections across the Puget Sound region. Interstate 5 runs through the western part of the city, connecting Federal Way north to Seattle and south to Tacoma. State Route 18 also passes through the city, crossing I-5 and providing an additional east-west route.

Sound Transit‘s Link light rail is scheduled to open two stations in Federal Way in 2024. This will provide light rail service to downtown Seattle and SeaTac Airport.

Public transportation in Federal Way is provided by King County Metro. Metro operates several bus routes serving major corridors in Federal Way and connecting to neighboring cities.

Federal Way’s location along I-5, proximity to SeaTac Airport, and upcoming light rail access make it a convenient place for both residents and businesses.

Housing

As of the 2020 census, there were 41,285 housing units in Federal Way. Most homes in the city are single-family detached houses, but apartments and condominiums are also available, especially in newer developments.

In 2020, the median home value in Federal Way was $409,400. Home values range from affordable starter homes to larger executive-style homes. New construction and neighborhood revitalization efforts are bringing additional housing options to the area.

Federal Way provides easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a more suburban pace of life. The city’s diversity, strong business community, and excellent parks system help make it a desirable place to live in the Puget Sound region.

Federal Way is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Federal Way was 97,444 making it the 9th largest city in Washington state.

Population

The population of Federal Way has grown rapidly over the past few decades. From 1980 to 2010, the population nearly tripled going from 34,737 to 89,306. The current estimated population for 2023 is 99,950. This growth can be attributed to Federal Way’s proximity to Tacoma and Seattle as well as its appealing suburban environment.

Federal Way has a diverse population. As of the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic composition of the city was as follows:

  • White: 47.5%
  • Asian: 17.5%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 11.6%
  • Black or African American: 11.3%
  • Two or more races: 7.8%
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.4%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1%

The median age in Federal Way is 36.5 years old. 22.5% of the population is under 18 years old and 13.4% is 65 years and over.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major industries and employers in Federal Way include:

  • Federal Way Public Schools – The school district employs over 2,000 people and is the city’s largest employer.
  • MultiCare Health System – Operates St. Francis Hospital which employs over 1,500 people.
  • Weyerhaeuser – Nearly 1,000 employees work at their facility in Federal Way.
  • Federal Way is also home to major distribution centers for companies like Amazon and Lowe’s.

Other major employment sectors include retail, healthcare, construction, and professional services. The median household income in Federal Way is $70,656.

Points of Interest

Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Federal Way include:

  • Celebration Park – A 20-acre community park with an amphitheater, playground, and walking trails along the shore of Lake Washington.
  • The Commons Mall – An outdoor shopping center with stores, restaurants, and entertainment.
  • Dash Point State Park – Offers camping, hiking, swimming, and beautiful views of Puget Sound.
  • Federal Way Performing Arts Center – This theater in downtown Federal Way hosts concerts and live performances.

Local Sports

The city has one professional sports team – the Tacoma Defiance which is the reserve team for the Seattle Sounders FC in the MLS. They play their home games at Starfire Stadium in Federal Way.

For high school sports, Federal Way is home to Federal Way High School whose football and track teams have won multiple state championships. The Federal Way Public Schools district has four high schools that compete in various sports.

Tourism

Federal Way sees over 2.5 million visitors annually. Most are day-trippers from the Seattle metro area attracted by shopping at The Commons and other retail centers. The city’s parks, camping at Dash Point State Park, and events at the Performing Arts Center also draw tourists.

To learn more about visiting Federal Way, check out the visitors section on the city’s website or the Federal Way Tourism Facebook page.

Federal Way is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Federal Way was 101,298, making it the 9th largest city in Washington state.

History

The original settlers of the Federal Way area were the Coast Salish peoples. In the 19th century, non-native settlers started arriving in the area. The first European settlers were British and Canadian fur traders who arrived in the 1830s. The first American settler was Pleasant Porter Judson, who arrived in 1870 and founded the community of Judson’s Landing near present-day Federal Way.

In 1874, a post office named “San Lake” was established. In 1899, the area was incorporated into King County. The town of Federal Way was officially incorporated on February 28, 1990. The city was named after 19th century senator Richard Federal Way.

Geography

Federal Way is located in western King County, approximately 18 miles south of Seattle. It is bordered by Kent and Auburn to the north, Des Moines to the west, Tacoma to the south, and Milton and Enumclaw to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Federal Way has a total area of 35.71 square miles, of which 33.94 square miles is land and 1.78 square miles is water. Major bodies of water in Federal Way include Lake Geneva, Star Lake, Lake Fenwick, and Steel Lake.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 101,298 people living in Federal Way. The racial makeup of the city was:

  • 50.1% White
  • 16.5% Asian
  • 15.8% Hispanic or Latino
  • 13.6% Black or African American
  • 6.4% Two or more races
  • 1.7% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
  • 1.0% American Indian and Alaska Native

The median age in Federal Way was 36 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.4% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.3% were 65 years of age or older.

Economy

Some of the major employers and industries in Federal Way include:

In 2016, the median household income in Federal Way was $66,077. The city has a skilled, diverse workforce and provides many job opportunities in industries such as technology, healthcare, education, retail, and transportation.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Federal Way include:

  • Federal Way Community Center – This 126,000 square foot facility includes an aquatics center, fitness center, sports courts, meeting rooms, and more.
  • Military Road Shows Armory Museum – This museum displays military vehicles from World War I to present day.
  • Celebration Park – A 20-acre park with sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
  • Dash Point State Park – 532-acre camping park with sandy beaches, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound.
  • The Commons Mall – An open-air shopping center with over 60 stores and restaurants.

Federal Way also has a vibrant performing arts scene. The Knutzen Family Theatre and Performing Arts and Event Center host concerts, plays, dance performances, and more throughout the year.

Sports and Recreation

Federal Way has many parks, trails, and recreation facilities for sports and outdoor activities. The city operates over 20 parks covering more than 400 acres. Major parks include Steel Lake Park, Five Mile Lake Park, Fielding Saltwater State Park, Federal Way Sports Park, and the Jim Davis Fields.

The city has 35+ miles of hiking and biking trails, including the Interurban Trail that connects to regional trail systems. Popular water sports include kayaking, fishing, and swimming at lakes like Steel Lake and Five Mile Lake. Federal Way is also home to sports fields, tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds, and more.

For indoor recreation, the city operates two recreation centers – Federal Way Community Center and Federal Way Senior Center. These facilities have swimming pools, fitness centers, gyms, classrooms, and other amenities.

Federal Way is home to several sports teams including the Federal Way Eagles high school teams and Sound FC soccer club.

Education

Public education in Federal Way is provided by Federal Way Public Schools, which serves approximately 22,000 students. The district operates:

  • 3 comprehensive high schools
  • 1 secondary academy
  • 1 internet academy
  • 1 choice academy
  • 2 middle schools
  • 15 elementary schools
  • 1 early learning center

Federal Way Public Schools is highly diverse, with students speaking over 100 languages. The district has received recognition for its high graduation rates and innovative programs.

Federal Way is also home to several private schools, including Christian Faith School and Federal Way Christian Academy. Post-secondary education is available nearby at schools like Green River College and Highline College.

Transportation

Federal Way has access to major transportation networks, providing connections across the Puget Sound region. Interstate 5 runs through the western part of the city, connecting Federal Way north to Seattle and south to Tacoma. State Route 18 also passes through the city, crossing I-5 and providing an additional east-west route.

Sound Transit‘s Link light rail is scheduled to open two stations in Federal Way in 2024. This will provide light rail service to downtown Seattle and SeaTac Airport.

Public transportation in Federal Way is provided by King County Metro. Metro operates several bus routes serving major corridors in Federal Way and connecting to neighboring cities.

Federal Way’s location along I-5, proximity to SeaTac Airport, and upcoming light rail access make it a convenient place for both residents and businesses.

Housing

As of the 2020 census, there were 41,285 housing units in Federal Way. Most homes in the city are single-family detached houses, but apartments and condominiums are also available, especially in newer developments.

In 2020, the median home value in Federal Way was $409,400. Home values range from affordable starter homes to larger executive-style homes. New construction and neighborhood revitalization efforts are bringing additional housing options to the area.

Federal Way provides easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a more suburban pace of life. The city’s diversity, strong business community, and excellent parks system help make it a desirable place to live in the Puget Sound region.