Founded: 1852 (incorporated, 1884)
Head Official: City Manager James L. Walton (since 2003)
City Population
1980: 158,501
1990: 176,664
2000: 193,556
2003 estimate: 196,790
Percent change, 1990–2000: 9.1%
U.S. rank in 1980: 97th
U.S. rank in 1990: 95th
U.S. rank in 2000: 114th
Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)
1980: 486,000
1990: 586,203
2000: 700,820
Percent change, 1990–2000: 19.5%
U.S. rank in 1980: 18th (CMSA; includes Seattle)
U.S. rank in 1990: 14th (CMSA; includes Seattle)
U.S. rank in 2000: 13th (CMSA; includes Seattle)
Area: 50 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 380 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 53.1° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 39.2 inches
Major Economic Sectors: Services, international trade, government, military, high technology
Unemployment Rate: 6.6% (January 2005)
Per Capita Income: $19,130 (2000)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 20,182
Major Colleges and Universities: Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, University of Washington in Tacoma
Daily Newspaper: The News Tribune