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Tukwila, WA

Frequently asked questions

Tukwila, WA

Tukwila is a suburban city in King County, Washington, United States, located immediately to the south of Seattle. The population was 21,798 at the 2020 census. 

A large commercial center draws workers and consumers to the city daily; industry thrives with the confluence of rivers, freeways, railroads, and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.

The earliest people in Tukwila were the Duwamish, who made their homes along the Black and Duwamish rivers. The name "Tukwila" is the Chinook Jargon word for "nut" or "hazelnut", referring to the hazelnut trees that grew in the area. The Duwamish lived in cedar longhouses, hunted and fished, picked wild berries, and used the river for trade with neighboring peoples.

In 1853, the first white settler was Joseph Foster, a Canadian pioneer who had traveled to the Pacific Northwest from Wisconsin. Foster would become known as the "Father of Tukwila" and represented King County in the Washington Territorial Assembly for 22 years. Today, the site of Foster's home on the banks of the Duwamish River is part of Fort Dent Park, which also served as a military base during the 1850s Indian Wars. Foster's name is memorialized in the Foster neighborhood of Tukwila, where Foster High School is located.

In the early years, the small village grew into an agricultural center and remained a trading point in the upper Duwamish River Valley. The population began to grow and industry followed, largely farm-oriented commerce. Early electric trains traveled along Interurban Avenue in Tukwila, connecting to Renton and a line to Tacoma. The Interurban Railroad operated a commuter line from 1902 to 1928, making it possible to travel from Seattle to Tacoma in less than an hour. A post office was established in 1904 at Riverton, uphill from the interurban line and directly West of Foster. Centered around Marginal Way and South 130th Street, it is Tukwila's most historically intact neighborhood. The original Tukwila was also settled in 1904, further South along the interurban line where a station was established. The first macadam paved road in Washington state was in Tukwila and bears the name of this new method of street paving. One of the earliest paved military roads in the state passes through the city.

With the main goal of establishing better fire protection and water service, better access to schools, and safer roads, Tukwila was incorporated as a fourth-class city on June 14, 1908, with a population of around 450. The original city limits consisted of a single square mile centered around the local interurban depot; Riverton and Foster would be annexed later. The city's first mayor was Joel Shomaker, a newspaperman who gave Tukwila its name soon after he arrived in 1904. Among the city's first council members was Del Adelphia, a famous magician.

Tukwila is located in western King County at 47°28′42″N 122°16′32″W (47.478243, -122.275432). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.58 square miles (24.81 km²), of which 9.17 square miles (23.75 km²) are land and 0.41 square miles (1.06 km²) are water.

Tukwila places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Valley Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. LA Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Have a soothing experience at Southcenter Massage, known for its excellent foot massages. Those looking for a tranquil retreat can visit Seattle South End Yoga or Aya Yoga Oasis for yoga and meditation sessions. Spavia Day Spa offers a range of spa treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. For outdoor activities, Tukwila Pond Park is perfect for a refreshing walk or jog. Orangetheory Fitness delivers high-intensity interval training for those seeking a rigorous workout.

Top sites in Tukwila WA include the Museum of Flight, iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Seattle, Starfire Sports, and Sykart Indoor Racing Center.

Population: 21,377 (2022). Elevation: 138 ft (42 m). Area: 9.60 sq mi (24.86 km²). ZIP Code: 98188. Area Code(s): 206, 425. 

FAQs

Is Tukwila, WA expensive to live in?

Tukwila is ranked 29 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Tukwila is 120.1% of the national average. The median household income in Tukwila is $71,688, which is 13% less than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $37,134, which is 15% less than that of the state. The average rent in the Tukwila (located in the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $2,075, which is 41% more than the average rent across the US.

Is Tukwila, WA a suburb of Seattle?

Tukwila is a suburb of Seattle with a population of 21,569. Tukwila is in King County. Living in Tukwila offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Tukwila, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Tukwila and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Tukwila are above average.

What is the crime rate in Tukwila, WA?

With a crime rate of 209 per one thousand residents, Tukwila has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 5. Within Washington, more than 100% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Tukwila.

Sources

City of Tukwila

Wikipedia

Fly Homes

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Museum of Flight 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Seattle 

Starfire Sports 

Sykart Indoor Racing Center

Valley Medical Center

LA Fitness

Southcenter Massage

Seattle South End Yoga

Aya Yoga Oasis

Spavia Day Spa

Tukwila Pond Park

Orangetheory Fitness

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