SeaTac, Washington

History

The Highline area, which includes modern-day SeaTac, Burien, most of Des Moines, and unincorporated communities such as White Center and Boulevard Park, was settled by European Americans in the mid-1850s. The federal government finished construction of a military road from Fort Steilacoom to Fort Bellingham in 1860, passing through the Highline area to the east of modern-day SeaTac. One of the more prominent roads of travel from Seattle to Tacoma early in the 20th century is Des Moines Memorial Drive (originally called the High Line road), which passes directly through the middle of the region, particularly through SeaTac and Burien.

Incorporating the area as a city was proposed by local residents in the 1980s, while a competing proposal sought annexation into Des Moines or another city. Local residents voted for incorporation on March 14, 1989, and the city incorporated on February 28, 1990. Des Moines amended their annexation territory following the decision. The original ballot used the name "Sea-Tac", but the incorporation petition to the county government omitted the hyphen. In 2014, Gavin Kelly of The Resolution Foundation wrote that "A generation ago SeaTac was what Americans would call a middle-class town. A jet-fueller or baggage handler could earn a decent living."

Government and infrastructure

Local government

SeaTac is governed by a city council which consists of seven elected councilpersons. The city "has contracted with the King County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement since incorporation in 1990." Deputies assigned to SeaTac wear city uniforms and drive patrol cars marked with the city logo. There are currently 51 patrol officers, detectives, and support staff assigned full-time to the city.

In January 2014 the SeaTac Fire Department entered a 20-year contract with Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority (RFA) to form the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority. SeaTac's three fire stations, Station 45, 46, and 47, joined Kent's Station 73 to make up RFA's West Battalion.

The Seatac Municipal Court, located in the City Hall, is a court of limited jurisdiction. The judge is authorized by the Revised Code of Washington to preside over civil infractions, traffic infractions, criminal misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor violations, and civil orders for protection.

Public Works is responsible for planning, design, construction and maintenance of streets, transportation improvements, surface water utility, and solid waste and recycling programs.

In 2013, voters in the city narrowly passed a minimum wage of $15 per hour for employees of airport-related businesses, such as hotels, parking lots and car rental agencies. In a later appeals court decision, the $15 minimum wage was reversed for employees working entirely on Port of Seattle property within the city limits but still applies to employees of airport-related businesses in the city proper. However, the Washington Supreme Court in August 2015 reversed the King County Superior Court ruling, which said that SeaTac did not have authority to set a minimum wage at the airport. The Supreme Court rejected the argument that the wage did not apply because the airport is owned by the Port of Seattle. The Court stated that Proposition 1 can be enforced at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport because there is no indication that it will interfere with airport operations and that federal labor law does not preempt the provision protecting workers from retaliation.

Federal government presence

The Riverton Heights Post Office is located in the city.

The National Transportation Safety Board operates the Seattle Aviation Field Office in the city.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates the Federal Detention Center, SeaTac in SeaTac.

Economy

The city is home to over 900 licensed businesses, nearly 80 of which are Fortune 1000 companies. They employ nearly 40,000 employees in the city of SeaTac and generate local sales of approximately $3.7 billion.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are headquartered in the city. Four airlines have operations at 18000 Pacific Highway South (also known as 18000 International Boulevard) in the city, including Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Hainan Airlines, and China Airlines.

Economic development

SeaTac's Department of Community and Economic Development was formed in early 2011 to create a one-stop permitting center, increase the level of service and assist in the facilitation of economic development by creating a more cohesive approach to real estate development and job creation. The new department has four divisions: Economic Development, Planning, Engineering Review, and Building Services. In 2013, the City of SeaTac Proposition No. 1 passed with 50.64% of the vote to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Geography and climate

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.239 sqmi, of which, 10.064 sqmi is land and 0.175 sqmi is water.

Surrounding cities

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Demographics

|align-fn=center 2020 Census

As of the 2022 American Community Survey, there are 11,414 estimated households in SeaTac with an average of 2.63 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $79,433. Approximately 11.3% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. SeaTac has an estimated 71.3% employment rate, with 25.4% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 84.2% holding a high school diploma.

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (50.1%), Spanish (16.3%), Indo-European (6.0%), Asian and Pacific Islander (11.9%), and Other (15.7%).

The median age in the city was 36.1 years.

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 31,454 people, 11,093 households, and 6,700 families residing in the city. The population density was 3125.4 PD/sqmi. There were 11,774 housing units at an average density of 1169.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 31.81% White, 24.12% African American, 1.42% Native American, 18.39% Asian, 3.15% Pacific Islander, 11.98% from some other races and 9.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 19.40% of the population. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18, 5.7% were under 5 years of age, and 12.8% were 65 and older. The gender makeup of the city was % male and 45.8% female.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 26,909 people, 9,533 households, and 5,913 families residing in the city. The population density was 2682.9 PD/sqmi. There were 10,360 housing units at an average density of 1032.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 45.94% White, 16.84% African American, 1.48% Native American, 14.53% Asian, 3.56% Pacific Islander, 11.64% from some other races and 6.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 20.34% of the population.

There were 9,533 households, of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.0% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.38.

The median age in the city was 34.5 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.4% male and 47.6% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 25,496 people, 9,708 households, and 5,960 families residing in the city. The population density was 2558.8 PD/sqmi. There were 10,176 housing units at an average density of 1021.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 62.86% White, 9.15% African American, 1.50% Native American, 11.07% Asian, 2.66% Pacific Islander, 6.41% from some other races and 6.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 12.95% of the population.

There were 9,708 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.4% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 34.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 110.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,202, and the median income for a family was $47,630. Males had a median income of $34,396 versus $28,984 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,717. About 9.8% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

The most commonly spoken foreign languages in SeaTac are, in order, Spanish, Somali, and Punjabi.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $41,202, and the median income for a family was $47,630. Males had a median income of $34,396 versus $28,984 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,717. About 9.8% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

SeaTac's population has grown steadily since the 2000 Census, and is projected to grow 5.06% by 2022, a rate higher than the US rate of 3.77%, but lower than King County's 7.46%. SeaTac has considerable ethnic diversity. Only 51.76% of the age 5+ population reportedly spoke only English at home; some 13.90% spoke Spanish at home, considerably higher than King County's 6.82%, but only somewhat higher than the US's overall 13.16%. Languages spoken at home also include those from Asia-Pacific at 10.74%, Indo-European languages at 10.06%, and other languages at 13.54%.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Highline Public Schools is the school district with the majority of the city in its boundaries. Elementary schools serving the Highline sections of the city include Bow Lake Elementary School in SeaTac, Madrona Elementary School in SeaTac, McMicken Heights Elementary School in SeaTac, and Cedarhurst Elementary School in Burien. Most residents are zoned to Chinook Middle School and Tyee High School in the city, while some are zoned to Sylvester Middle School and Highline High School in Burien. With the opening of Glacier Middle School in north SeaTac, residents north of the airport are generally zoned there and subsequently to Highline High School given the proximity of that area to Burien.

Tyee Educational Complex housing three independent schools: The Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment, and Odyssey: The Essential School. It then has been transformed back to Tyee High School - a single school in the 2017–18 school year.

In 2004, Highline Public Schools reorganized some of its high schools, including Tyee, into having smaller programs on larger campuses.

Small portions of SeaTac are in the Kent School District and the Renton School District.

Public libraries

The King County Library System operates the Valley View Library in SeaTac.

Parks and recreation

The city operates seven city parks and operates two community center facilities.

Angle Lake Park, a 10.5 acre park at Angle Lake, has a barbecue area, a boat launch, a fishing pier, playground equipment, an open recreation area, swimming facilities, a stage, toilet facilities, and a spray park. In the swimming area lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Bow Lake Park, a 4 acre park, consists of open space.

Des Moines Creek Trail Park, consisting of 96 acre, has a paved trail for bicyclists and pedestrians; off-street parking spaces are located at the trail head.

The 37 acre Grandview Park, an off leash dog area, has open areas, benches, fencing, a kiosk, waste receptacles, "sani-cans," and trails.

The 2.5 acre McMicken Heights Park has an open area, playground equipment, and tennis courts.

The Neighborhood Park at SeaTac Community Center has a half court basketball court a skate park, playground equipment, a picnic area, a climbing boulder, and parking.

The 165 acre North SeaTac Park has the SeaTac Community Center, baseball, soccer (football), and softball fields, a disk golf course, an outdoor basketball court, an open area, playground equipment, a picnic shelter, toilet facilities, BMX track and paved walking trails.

The 18 acre Sunset Park has baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, toilet facilities, and paved walking trails.

The 21 acre Valley Ridge Park has baseball/softball fields with synthetic turf, outdoor basketball courts, a community center, a hockey court, playground equipment, a skate park, soccer fields with synthetic turf, tennis courts, toilet facilities.

The Tyee Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course and also served as the 1988 and 1989 USA Cross Country Championships running course.

Transportation

SeaTac is served by three major highways: State Route 99 (International Boulevard), State Route 518, and the Airport Expressway. Portions of Interstate 5 and State Route 509 also lie within the city limits.

Airports

The city is served by the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, located within city limits.

Public transportation

The city is also served by several public transportation services: Link light rail stops at two stations in the city, at SeaTac/Airport station and Angle Lake station; King County Metro operates several bus routes in the area, including the RapidRide A Line on International Boulevard and RapidRide F Line on Southcenter Boulevard; some Sound Transit Express regional bus routes terminate or serve the SeaTac area, primarily the airport and other transit hubs.

Notable people

• Mark Driscoll, evangelical pastor
• Mia Gregerson, member of the Washington House of Representatives
• Tally Hall, soccer player
• Julia Patterson, former member of the Washington State Legislature and King County Council
• Adam Smith, member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Doug Sutherland, former mayor of Tacoma and Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Notes

References

References

1. "Mayor Mohamed Egal". City of SeaTac, Washington.
2. "Deputy Mayor Iris Guzmán". City of SeaTac, Washington.
3. "2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau.
4. (May 2025). "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places of 20,000 or More, Ranked by July 1, 2024 Population: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024". United States Census Bureau.
5. {{GNIS. 2411855
6. "Explore Census Data". [[United States Census Bureau]].
7. "SeaTac History". [[History Link]].
8. "Welcome to the City of SeaTac 'The Hospitality City'". City of SeaTac.
9. (May 31, 2003). "SeaTac — Thumbnail History". [[HistoryLink]].
10. Godchaux, Erik. (December 9, 1987). "Sea-Tac area eyes cityhood". The News Tribune.
11. Wilma, David. (March 15, 2006). "City of SeaTac incorporates on February 28, 1990.". HistoryLink.
12. Kelly, Gavin. "[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/seatac-minimum-wage-increase-washington?CMP=twt_fd SeaTac: the small US town that sparked a new movement against low wages]." ''[[The Guardian]]'' (''The Observer''). Saturday February 22, 2014. Retrieved on February 24, 2014.
13. [http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/elections/past-elections.aspx King County Elections]
14. "King County Sheriff". King County.
15. "Our Department". City of SeaTac.
16. "SeaTac Fire joins Kent Fire RFA". City of SeaTac.
17. "History". Kent, WA Fire Department Regional Fire Authority.
18. "Stations & Facilities". Kent, WA Fire Department Regional Fire Authority.
19. "Municipal Court". City of SeaTac.
20. "Public Works". City of SeaTac.
21. Union workshops are exempt from the $15 minimum wage.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-no-calamity-yet-as-seatac-wash-adjusts-to-15-minimum-wage/2014/09/05/d12ba922-3503-11e4-9e92-0899b306bbea_story.html Raising the minimum wage without raising havoc], Washington Post, September 5, 2014
22. (August 20, 2015). "State Supreme Court rules: Sea-Tac's $15-an-hour minimum wage applies to airport workers".
23. "Post Office Location – Riverton Heights". [[United States Postal Service]].
24. "Regional Offices: Aviation". [[National Transportation Safety Board]].
25. "FDC SeaTac Contact Information". [[Federal Bureau of Prisons]].
26. (2008). "Welcome to the City of SeaTac". City of SeaTac.
27. "Top Industries". City of SeaTac.
28. "Media Contacts". [[Alaska Airlines]].
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30. (December 1, 1998). "Contact Phone Numbers". [[Alaska Air Group]].
31. "Contact Us". [[EVA Air]].
32. "Contact Us". [[Hainan Airlines]].
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35. (December 5, 2013). "US fast-food workers stage nationwide strike". BBC News.
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37. 1990 census figure enumerated prior to incorporation as SeaTac [[Census-designated place. CDP]].
38. Most of the census area returned under the name '''Valley Ridge''' in 1980.
39. "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: SeaTac city, Washington".
40. "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – SeaTac city, Washington". [[United States Census Bureau]].
41. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – SeaTac city, Washington". [[United States Census Bureau]].
42. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – SeaTac city, Washington". [[United States Census Bureau]].
43. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau.
44. "How many people live in SeaTac city, Washington". USA Today.
45. (2017). "Demographics". City of SeaTac.
46. "2020 Census – School District Reference Map: King County, WA". United States Census Bureau.
47. "Bow Lake Elementary". [[Highline Public Schools]].
48. "Madrona Elementary". [[Highline Public Schools]].
49. "McMicken Heights Elementary". [[Highline Public Schools]].
50. "Cedarhurst Elementary". [[Highline Public Schools]].
51. "Elementary Service Area Boundaries". [[Highline Public Schools]].
52. "Chinook Middle School". [[Highline Public Schools]].
53. "Secondary School Service Area Boundaries". [[Highline Public Schools]].
54. "Tyee Educational Complex". [[Highline Public Schools]].
55. "Global Connections High School". [[Highline Public Schools]].
56. "Odyssey: The Essential School". [[Highline Public Schools]].
57. "High School Redesign". [[Highline Public Schools]].
58. "Valley View Library". [[King County Library System]].
59. "Parks & Recreation". City of SeaTac.
60. "Parks & Facilities". City of SeaTac.
61. "Entertainment and Recreation {{!}} City of SeaTac".
62. "USA Winter Cross Country National Championships". pntf.org.
63. (October 23, 2013). "City of SeaTac Street Map". City of SeaTac.
64. "RapidRide A Line". [[King County Metro]].
65. "RapidRide F Line". King County Metro.
66. (September 2015). "Metro Transit System: Southwest Area". King County Metro.
67. "Transit". City of SeaTac.