Seattle

The City in Brief

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