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Federal Way, WA

Frequently asked questions

Federal Way, WA

Federal Way is a city in King County, Washington, United States. One of the most recently incorporated cities in the county, its population was 101,030 at the 2020 census. Federal Way is the 10th most populous city in Washington and the 5th most populous in King County.

Originally a logging settlement, the area was first called "Federal Way" in 1929 to refer to a school district. The name derived from U.S. Route 99 (now State Route 99 or Pacific Highway South), a federally designated highway that ran through the state and connected Seattle to Tacoma. Five existing schools consolidated operations into School District No. 210 in 1929 and planned construction of Federal Way High School, which opened in 1930 and gave its name to the school district. The local chamber of commerce adopted the name in the early 1950s.

Attempts to incorporate the city were voted down in 1971, 1981 and 1985. The voters eventually approved incorporation as a city on February 28, 1990; the official act of incorporation was held at the Sportsworld Lanes bowling complex.

As part of the Washington State Growth Management Act of 1990 (GMA), Federal Way has identified areas of unincorporated King County as Potential Annexation Areas (PAAs) to be annexed to the city. Federal Way's current PAAs include the Star Lake and Camelot neighborhoods in Lakeland North and the neighborhoods of Parkland, Lakeland, and Jovita in Lakeland South. All of these neighborhoods are located east of the city proper. In 2004, the city annexed the Northlake, East Redondo, and Parkway neighborhoods, adding over 2,700 people and nearly 1 square mile (2.6 km²) of area. While Federal Way had previously considered Auburn's West Hill, Auburn annexed that along with Lea Hill in 2007.

Federal Way is located in the southwest corner of King County at 47°18′47″N 122°20′21″W (47.312960, −122.339173). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.46 sq mi (58.17 km²), of which 22.26 sq mi (57.65 km²) are land and 0.20 sq mi (0.52 km²) is water. The city is home to several lakes, including Steel Lake and Lake Killarney.

Federal Way places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Federal Way Community Center serves as a central hub, offering fitness classes, sports programs, and wellness services. St. Francis Hospital stands as a pillar of healthcare, ensuring Federal Way residents have access to top-notch medical services. Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at Three Trees Yoga to enhance your flexibility and mindfulness. Dive into relaxation with a massage or spa treatment at Blissful Knead. For a holistic approach to wellness, visit Northwest Wellness for chiropractic care and wellness advice. Experience the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture at Federal Way Naturopathy. boost your overall fitness with a visit to Orangetheory Fitness, offering high-intensity interval training sessions.

The top sites in Federal Way, WA are Dash Point State Park, Pacific Bonsai Museum, and Steel Lake Park.

Population: 99,037 (2021). Area code: 253. Elevation: 515 ft (157 m). ZIP code: 98023. Area: 23.70 sq mi (61.39 km²).

FAQs

What is the average household income in the Federal Way, WA?

The average annual household income in Federal Way is $92,993, while the median household income sits at $72,969 per year. Residents aged 25 to 44 earn $70,863, while those between 45 and 64 years old have a median wage of $90,535. There are a total of 36,053 households in Federal Way, each made up of around 3 members. Family establishments represent 67.26% of these Federal Way households, while non-family units account for the remaining 32.74%. Additionally, 33.41% of households have children and 66.59% of households are without children.

Is Federal Way, WA expensive?

Federal Way is part of the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent Metro metro area, which is ranked 29 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Federal Way is estimated to be 120.1% of the national average making it one of the more expensive cities in the US. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. Note that your household composition (single or married, number of kids) and home ownership status (renting vs. owning) might affect your monthly expenses.

What is the Federal Way, WA is known for?

Federal Way is known for being home to the Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, one of the amusement parks in the Pacific Northwest. This popular attraction features thrilling rides, water slides, and live entertainment, making it a fun destination. The park’s signature roller coasters, such as the Timberhawk and the Klondike Gold Rusher, provide adrenaline-pumping experiences for visitors.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Federal Way

Point2homes

Redfin

Fly Homes

Dash Point State Park

Pacific Bonsai Museum

Steel Lake Park

Federal Way Community Center

St. Francis Hospital 

Three Trees Yoga

Blissful Knead

Northwest Wellness

Federal Way Naturopathy

Orangetheory Fitness

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