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Pullman, WA

Frequently asked questions

Pullman, WA

Pullman is the most populous city in Whitman County, located in southeastern Washington within the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. The population was 32,901 at the 2020 census and is estimated to be 32,508 in 2022. Originally founded as Three Forks, the city was renamed after industrialist George Pullman in 1884.

Pullman is noted as a fertile agricultural area known for its many miles of rolling hills and the production of wheat and legumes. It is home to Washington State University, a public research land-grant university, and the international headquarters of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Pullman is eight miles (13 km) from Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho, and is served by the Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport.

In 1876, about five years after European-American settlers established Whitman County on November 29, 1871, Bolin Farr arrived in Pullman. He camped at the confluence of Dry Flat Creek and Missouri Flat Creek on the bank of the Palouse River. Within the year, Dan McKenzie and William Ellsworth arrived to stake claims for adjoining land. They named the first post office here as Three Forks. In the spring of 1881, Orville Stewart opened a general store and Bolin Farr platted about 10 acres (4.0 ha) of his land for a town.

Pullman was incorporated on April 11, 1888, with a population of about 250–300 people. It was originally named Three Forks, after the three small rivers that converge there: Missouri Flat Creek, Dry Fork, and the South Fork of the Palouse River. In 1884, Dan McKenzie and Charles Moore (of Moscow) replatted the site and named it for American industrialist George Pullman.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Pullman has a total area of 11.12 square miles (28.8 km²), all land. The city is in the eastern part of Whitman County in southeastern Washington, approximately 65 miles (105 km) south of Spokane and 32 miles (51 km) north of Lewiston, Idaho.

The city is situated across several loess hills that characterize the Palouse Prairie, formed from windblown sediment over an estimated period of over one million years. This prairie region, the Palouse, is noteworthy for its fertile rolling hills where winter and spring wheat, barley, canola, lentils, and peas are grown. These hills provide a variety of elevations across the city, from 2342 to 2575 ft (714 to 785 m) above sea level. Downtown Pullman is situated in a valley between these hills. Within the Pullman city limits, the Missouri Flat Creek and Paradise Creek both join the South Fork of the Palouse River. Pullman sits in the watersheds of the Snake River and the Columbia River.

Pullman is situated across four major hills which divide the city into nearly equal quarters. These are Military Hill, north of the Palouse River and west of North Grand Avenue, Pioneer Hill, south of Main Street and the downtown area, and east of South Grand Avenue, Sunnyside Hill, south of Davis Way and west of South Grand Avenue, and College Hill, north of Main Street and east of North Grand Avenue.

Pullman places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center serves as a hub for fitness activities and community engagement. Pullman Regional Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Sanctuary and Aloft Yoga and Nia provide a serene environment for yoga enthusiasts of all levels. The Community Action Center provides various programs to promote overall well-being.

Top sites in Pullman, WA are Martin Stadium, Palouse Discovery Science Center, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, and RTOP (Regional Theatre of the Palouse).

Population: 33,543 (2024). ZIP codes: 99163, 99164. Area code: 509. Elevation: 2,352 ft (717 m). Area: 11.12 square miles (28.8 km²).

FAQs

What is Pullman, WA known for?

Pullman is noted as a fertile agricultural area known for its many miles of rolling hills and the production of wheat and legumes. It is home to Washington State University, a public research land-grant university, and the international headquarters of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Pullman is eight miles (13 km) from Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho, and is served by the Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport.

How expensive is it to live in Pullman, WA?

Pullman is 5% less expensive than the national average and 17% less expensive to live in than the average city in Washington. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Pullman are less affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Pullman are less affordable than average in the United States. Housing costs in Pullman are more affordable than average in the United States. Healthcare costs in Pullman are less affordable than the US average.

Is Pullman, WA a good place to live?

Pullman is in Whitman County and is one of the best places to live in Washington. Living in Pullman offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Pullman, there are a lot of parks. The public schools in Pullman are highly rated.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Pullman

Niche

ERIERI

Martin Stadium 

Palouse Discovery Science Center

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU 

RTOP (Regional Theatre of the Palouse)

Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center 

Pullman Regional Hospital

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Sanctuary

Aloft Yoga and Nia

Community Action Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.