More proof of ‘two Washingtons’

By Warren Cornwall

Herald Writer

Central Puget Sound residents tend to make more money, are better educated and face less poverty than people in the state’s other urban centers — Spokane County in the east and Clark County to the south.

But higher housing costs and longer commutes offset those pluses, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The 2000 snapshot of Washington’s five most-populous counties, including Snohomish County, reveals splits that track with what some refer to as the "two Washingtons."

Snohomish County households enjoyed the highest median income among those counties at an estimated $54,022. Both Snohomish and King counties ranked in the top third for income levels among the nation’s 216 most urban counties. They had poverty rates putting them in the bottom half of counties nationwide.

By contrast, Spokane County, and to a lesser degree Clark County, are reverse images of the Puget Sound counties, ranking in the top third for poverty rates and the bottom half for income.

The Puget Sound has long been a more established urban center, with a diversified economy drawing more educated workers and young adults from around the state, state demographer Theresa Lowe said.

Clark County was the fastest-growing county in the state during the ’90s. That’s partly because it served as a bedroom community for people working in nearby Portland, Ore., Lowe said.

"It has a strong economy itself, but it still doesn’t have quite the urban characteristics that our large and long-standing Puget Sound counties have had," she said.

Spokane, meanwhile has fared less well partly because it’s isolated from major transportation networks, said Ta-Win Lin, a regional economist for the state’s Office of Financial Management.

King County boasted the most-educated residents of the five counties, with 41 percent of people 25 or older holding at least a four-year college degree. Snohomish County was second with 27 percent.

On the state’s eastern edge, nearly a quarter of Spokane residents 25 or older had at least a bachelor’s degree, while 21 percent did in Clark County.

The newest statistics also reveal some of the prices people pay for living in the Puget Sound.

Property values were among the highest in the nation in Snohomish and King counties, with home prices ranking in the top fifth of counties. A median Snohomish County homeowner spent nearly $475 a month more on house payments than one in Spokane County.

Snohomish County commuters also spent more time in traffic, with an average of nearly 28 minutes. That’s in the top quarter of counties nationwide and second to Pierce County in Washington state.

By comparison, Spokane County drivers zipped to work in an average of 19 minutes.

Lowe cautioned the newest census numbers may prove skewed. Unlike the door-to-door 2000 census, the latest estimates are based on a survey of 700,000 households. That widens the margin for error.

The bureau also has warned against comparing the new information to statistics from 1990 because of differences in how the information was collected.

The economic data also came before the region’s economic slump took its toll on the Puget Sound economy.

You can call Herald Writer Warren Cornwall at 425-339-3463 or send e-mail to cornwall@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.