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Auburn, WA

Frequently asked questions

Auburn, WA

Auburn is a city in King County, Washington, United States (with a small portion crossing into neighboring Pierce County). The population was 87,256 at the 2020 Census. Auburn is a suburb in the Seattle metropolitan area and is currently ranked as the 14th most populous city in the state of Washington. The Muckleshoot Indian Reservation lies to the south and southeast.

Before the first Europeans arrived in the Green River Valley in the 1850s, the area was home to the Muckleshoot people, who were temporarily driven out by Indian wars later that decade. Several settler families arrived in the 1860s, including Levi Ballard, who set up a homestead between the Green and White Rivers. Ballard filed for a plat to establish a town in February 1886, naming it Slaughter for an officer slain during the Indian wars in 1855.

Slaughter was incorporated on June 13, 1891, but its name was changed two years later to Auburn on February 21, 1893, by an action of the state legislature. Newer residents disliked the name and its connection to the word "slaughter", especially after the town's hotel was named the Slaughter House. The name Auburn was chosen in honor of Auburn, New York, for the area's shared reliance on hops farming.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.89 square miles (77.41 km²), of which 29.62 square miles (76.72 km²) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.70 km²) is water. 

Two rivers, the White River and, to a greater extent, the Green River flow through Auburn. Historically, the Stuck River ran through the settlement of Stuck, which is now a small pocket of unincorporated King County within southern Auburn. In 1906, the flow of the White River was diverted into the Stuck's channel near today's Game Farm Park. References to the Stuck River still appear in some property legal descriptions and place names, e.g. Stuck River Drive, within Auburn, but today it is essentially indistinguishable from the southern White River.

Auburn places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, boasting facilities and initiatives aimed at enhancing residents' well-being. The Auburn Valley YMCA serves as a community hub, offering a plethora of fitness classes, sports activities, and wellness programs. MultiCare Auburn Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Auburn Fitness Center offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Fitstop24 is a great option for those looking for a 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment and personal training services. Auburn Yoga & Pilates Center provides various classes for all levels, focusing on enhancing flexibility and strength. Soos Creek Botanical Garden is perfect for a peaceful stroll among beautifully maintained gardens. 

Top sites in Auburn, WA are Flaming Geyser State Park, Game Farm Park, and White River Valley Museum.

Population: 83,870 (2023). ZIP code: 98092. Area code: 253. Elevation: 82.62 ft (25 m). Area: 29.89 square miles (77.41 km²)

FAQs

What is Auburn, WA is known for?

Affectionately known as the gateway to Mt. Rainier, Auburn offers everything for the outdoor enthusiast including bike trails, golf courses, fishing areas, and an extensive parks and trails system. Historical attractions such as the White River Valley Museum, Mary Olson Farm, and Neely Mansion allow you to get in touch with Auburn’s charming heritage.

What is the history of Auburn, WA?

Before the first Europeans arrived in the Green River Valley in the 1850s, the area was home to the Muckleshoot people, who were temporarily driven out by Indian wars later that decade. Several settler families arrived in the 1860s, including Levi Ballard, who set up a homestead between the Green and White rivers. Ballard filed for a plat to establish a town in February 1886, naming it Slaughter for an officer slain during the Indian wars in 1855. Slaughter was incorporated on June 13, 1891, but its name was changed two years later to Auburn on February 21, 1893, by an action of the state legislature. Newer residents disliked the name and its connection to the word "slaughter", especially after the town's hotel was named the Slaughter House. The name Auburn was chosen in honor of Auburn, New York, for the area's shared reliance on hops farming.

What county is Auburn, WA in?

Auburn is a city in King County, Washington, United States (with a small portion crossing into neighboring Pierce County). The population was 87,256 at the 2020 Census. Auburn is a suburb in the Seattle metropolitan area and is currently ranked as the 14th most populous city in the state of Washington. The Muckleshoot Indian Reservation lies to the south and southeast.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Auburn

Flaming Geyser State Park

Game Farm Park

White River Valley Museum

Auburn Valley YMCA

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center

Auburn Fitness Center

Fitstop24

Auburn Yoga & Pilates Center

Emerald Downs

Soos Creek Botanical Garden

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