Moving to Pacific, Washington

Pacific, Washington is a small city located in King County, Washington. It is situated on the banks of the White River, which runs through the city and into Puget Sound. The city has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature range from the low 30s to the high 80s Fahrenheit. The area is known for its lush greenery with rolling hills and towering evergreens.

The history of Pacific dates back to 1875 when it was first settled by pioneers looking for a better life. In 1910, it was officially incorporated as a city. Over the years, the population has grown steadily due to its proximity to Seattle and Tacoma.

Pacific has a strong political presence in King County and across Washington State with two representatives in the state legislature and one representative in Congress. It also has an active mayor who works closely with other local government leaders on issues such as education, public safety, economic development, transportation and infrastructure projects.

The economy of Pacific is largely driven by tourism due to its close proximity to Seattle and Tacoma. There are numerous restaurants, shops, hotels and other businesses that cater to tourists visiting the area each year. Additionally, there are many small businesses that provide goods or services to locals as well as visitors alike.

Education is important in Pacific with several public schools located throughout the city including elementary schools such as Hillcrest Elementary School and middle schools such as Cascade Middle School among others. Additionally there are numerous private schools available for those seeking an alternative education option including St Mary’s Catholic School or Pacific Christian Academy both located in Pacific itself..

Pacific also boasts several landmarks which attract visitors from around the world each year including Point Defiance Park which offers stunning views of Puget Sound as well as miles of trails for hiking or biking; Owen Beach which provides picnic areas and beach access; Narrows Bridge which connects Tacoma to Gig Harbor; Marine Park which offers outdoor recreation activities; Fort Nisqually Living History Museum; Chambers Bay Golf Course which hosted US Open Golf Championship 2015; Dash Point State Park offering camping grounds; Titlow Beach Park that features beach access along with fishing pier; Point Ruston Waterfront Park providing public access trails along waterfront area ;and many more attractions that make Pacific an attractive destination for tourists year round .

Population: 5,527. Estimated population in July 2024: 5,722 (+3.5% change)
Males: 2,755 (49.8%), Females: 2,772 (50.2%)

King County

Zip code: 98047

Demographics

Median resident age: 30.7 years
Median household income: $45,673
Median house value: $145,900

Population by Race

Races in Pacific:

  • White Non-Hispanic (82.7%)
  • Hispanic (6.5%)
  • Two or more races (3.7%)
  • Filipino (3.0%)
  • Other race (2.9%)
  • American Indian (2.7%)
  • Black (1.4%)
  • Other Asian (0.5%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (15.4%), English (9.2%), United States (8.3%), Irish (7.5%), Norwegian (5.7%), French (3.8%).

Elevation: 85 feet

Land area: 2.6 square miles

Population by Education

Pacific, Washington is a small city located in King County, Washington. The population of the city was 6,606 as of the 2010 census. Pacific is home to many families and is a diverse community with residents from many different backgrounds. Over half of the population is white, while nearly 20% are Hispanic or Latino. About 9% of Pacific’s population is Asian and 7% are African-American. The median household income in Pacific was $49,711 according to the 2010 census, which is slightly lower than the county average at $60,879. Pacific has a large number of young families and children with over 30% of its population being under 18 years old. Education in Pacific is overseen by the Federal Way School District which serves over 23,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 14 elementary schools, three middle schools and four high schools within its boundaries. In addition to public education options, there are also several private school options available to those who live in Pacific including Christian Academy School System (CASS) and St Joseph Catholic School.

For population 25 years and over in Pacific

  • High school or higher: 85.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.5%
  • Unemployed: 8.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 28.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Pacific city

  • Never married: 29.8%
  • Now married: 49.9%
  • Separated: 1.3%
  • Widowed: 1.5%
  • Divorced: 17.5%

6.5% Foreign born (3.2% Asia, 2.2% Europe, 1.0% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +1,234 (+28.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Pacific:

  • AUBURN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 4 miles; AUBURN, WA)
  • ST FRANCIS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 6 miles; FEDERAL WAY, WA)
  • GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL & REHAB CENTER (about 7 miles; PUYALLUP, WA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Pacific:

  • SEATTLE-TACOMA INTL (about 13 miles; SEATTLE, WA; Abbreviation: SEA)
  • MCCHORD AFB (about 18 miles; TACOMA, WA; Abbreviation: TCM)
  • BOEING FIELD/KING COUNTY INTL (about 18 miles; SEATTLE, WA; Abbreviation: BFI)

Other public-use airports nearest to Pacific:

  • AUBURN MUNI (about 5 miles; AUBURN, WA; Abbreviation: S50)
  • CREST AIRPARK (about 12 miles; KENT, WA; Abbreviation: S36)
  • PIERCE COUNTY – THUN FIELD (about 12 miles; PUYALLUP, WA; Abbreviation: 1S0)

Amtrak station near Pacific:

  • 12 miles: TACOMA (1001 PUYALLUP AVE.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, full-service food facilities, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service, intercity bus service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Pacific:

  • GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 7 miles; AUBURN, WA; Full-time enrollment: 4,568)
  • HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 11 miles; DES MOINES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 4,288)
  • BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 16 miles; TACOMA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,710)
  • UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND (about 17 miles; TACOMA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,754)
  • PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY (about 17 miles; TACOMA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,265)
  • RENTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 18 miles; RENTON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,623)
  • CLOVER PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 20 miles; LAKEWOOD, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,819)

Public primary/middle school in Pacific:

  • ALPAC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 541; Location: 310 MILWAUKEE BLVD N; Grades: PK – 05)