Seattle Info
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Posts: 17
Home Country: usa
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 Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject: SEATTLE CITY PROFILE / SEATTLE CITY GUIDE |
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SEATTLE CITY PROFILE
Introduction
Little more than a century ago, Seattle—nicknamed "The Emerald City"—was a pioneer outpost and a quiet lumbering town. Transformed by the Yukon gold rush into a thriving metropolis, Seattle has become the transportation, manufacturing, commercial, and services hub for the Pacific Northwest as well as the largest urban area north of San Francisco, California. The city's arts community has gained an international reputation, annually drawing audiences from throughout the United States and abroad. Nestled between two magnificent mountain ranges, with a breathtaking view of a lake and bay, Seattle enjoys a climate one observer has likened to "an airborne ocean bath."
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)
Geography and Climate
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
Economy
Major Economic Sectors: Services, trade, manufacturing, government
Unemployment Rate: 4.7% (January 2005)
Per Capita Income: $30,306 (1999)
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Seattle is not inexpensive, given the relatively high price of housing. The average monthly rental cost for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, unfurnished apartment is $913. The estimated purchase price for a new home (three bedrooms and two full baths) with approximately 1,800 square feet of living space in the Seattle area is $313,983.
The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the Seattle area.
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Average House Price: $354,843
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Cost of Living Index: 122.7 (U.S. average = 100.0)
State income tax rate: None
State sales tax rate: 6.5% (food and prescription drugs are exempt)
Local income tax rate: None
Local sales tax rate: 1.0%
Property tax rate: $10.21-12.18 per $1,000 assessed value (2004)
Other Information
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 |
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