Puyallup

Puyallup
City
City of Puyallup
Downtown Puyallup with Mount Rainier in the background Downtown Puyallup with Mount Rainier in the background
Flag of Puyallup Flag Official seal of Puyallup Seal
Nickname(s):  The Puyallup
Motto(s):  "Working Together for a Better Community"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Washington
County	Pierce
Founded	1877
Incorporated	1890
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Mayor	Julie Door
Area
• Total	14.04 sq mi (36.4 km2)
• Land	13.62 sq mi (35.3 km2)
• Water	0.42 sq mi (1.1 km2)
Elevation	43 ft (13 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	42,361
• Density	3,109.6/sq mi (1,200.6/km2)
Time zone	UTC-8 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	98371-98375
Area code(s)	253
FIPS code	53-56500
GNIS feature ID	1512589
Website	www.cityofpuyallup.org

Puyallup is a city located in Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is situated approximately 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and 35 miles south of Seattle. With a population of 42,361 as of 2020, Puyallup is the ninth-largest city in the state.

History

Puyallup's history dates back to the indigenous Coast Salish people who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The name "Puyallup" comes from the Coast Salish word "spuyaləpabš," which means "generous people." The first European settlers arrived in the late 1800s, and the city was officially founded in 1877. Puyallup quickly grew as a farming community due to its fertile soil and favorable climate.

Geography

Puyallup is located at . The city covers a total area of 14.04 square miles, of which 13.62 square miles is land and 0.42 square miles is water. The city is surrounded by scenic natural beauty, with the majestic Mount Rainier visible from many parts of Puyallup.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Puyallup had a population of 42,361 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures. The median age in Puyallup is 37.6 years, and the median household income is $71,432.

Economy

Puyallup's economy is diverse and includes a mix of industries. Agriculture has historically been an important part of the local economy, with berry farms and nurseries being prominent. The city is also home to a number of manufacturing and distribution companies. In recent years, Puyallup has seen significant growth in the retail and service sectors, with several shopping centers and restaurants opening in the area.

Education

Puyallup is served by the Puyallup School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools in the city. The district is known for its high-quality education and has received numerous accolades. Puyallup is also home to Pierce College Puyallup, a community college that offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs.

Culture and Recreation

Puyallup offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The city is known for its annual Washington State Fair, one of the largest fairs in the state. The fair features livestock exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a wide range of food options. Puyallup also has several parks and trails, including the popular Bradley Lake Park and the Puyallup Riverwalk Trail, which offers scenic views of the Puyallup River.

Notable People

• Gary Larson - Cartoonist, creator of The Far Side
• Doris Day - Actress and singer
• Kylee Duede - Olympic gold medalist in swimming

External links

• Official website
• Puyallup Main Street Association