Tacoma

The City in Brief

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