Facts, rankings & stats

  • Population of Greater Seattle is 4.01 million. (Lightcast: 2021)
  • Washington is the 6th fastest growing state economy by GDP growth. (Forbes).
  • Median household income for the region is $101,721, which is the 4th highest in the nation.
  • Seattle is one of the two global cities cited as best positioned for long-term success and short-term momentum (World Economic Forum).
  • Seattle has 42 cranes as of Q3 2022, and is one of the leading metros in the nation
  • The Seattle MSA ranked 10th in the nation in 2021 for GRP, with 470.6 billion.
  • Seattle is the most educated large city with 63% of the adult population 25+ owning a bachelor's degree.
  • Washington state was ranked as the best state in America in U.S. News' Best States ranking of economic growth.
  • The University of Washington is ranked #6 in the world, according to (U.S. News).
  • The Northwest Seaport Alliance is the 4th largest container gateway in North America (Northwest Seaport Alliance)

Major employers

  • Our region is the birthplace to some of the world’s most successful companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Alaska Airlines, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, Starbucks, Expedia, Paccar, Nordstrom, Expeditors, and Costco.
  • As of 2017, more than 100 outside technology companies have established engineering centers in Seattle (Geekwire).

Industry sectors

Aerospace

Agriculture

Artificial Intelligence

Clean Technology

Cloud Computing

Global Health

Information Communication Technology

Life Sciences

Manufacturing

Maritime

Military/Defense

Philanthropy

Retail

Telecommunications

Timber

Wholesaling

Workforce and talent

Greater Seattle’s skilled labor force is unmatched. From aerospace and shipping, to software development and groundbreaking research, our game-changing drive sets this region apart.

Infrastructure

  • Two airports service greater Seattle: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in King County and Paine Field in Snohomish County. Sea-Tac is the 9th busiest airport in the nation, serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations.
  • The Amazon Housing Equity Fund is investing $23 million and working with local nonprofits and real estate development organizations, all led by people of color, to increase Seattle’s affordable housing stock.
  • The ports in Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma traded with over 200 countries in 2021 for a combined total of $38 billion in exports and $107 billion in total trade.
  • A $70 billion investment in regional infrastructure will add over 90 miles of light rail and improve highways, connecting major employers and diverse communities across the region.
  • King County metro is now serving 5 million riders per month.
  • The Northwest Seaport Alliance – operating the ports of Seattle and Tacoma – is the fourth-largest container gateway in the U.S. and is a full sailing day closer to Asian markets than any other U.S. port.