Medina, Washington

Medina, Washington
Name	Medina
Settlement type	City
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Washington
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	King County, Washington
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Kathryn (Kathy) H. Huckabay
Area total km2	4.80
Area land km2	4.50
Area water km2	0.30
Population as of	2020
Population total	3269
Population density km2	726.4
Timezone	Pacific Time Zone
Utc offset	-8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	-7
Coordinates	47, 37, 23, N...
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	98039
Area code	425
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	53-44815
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1512447
Website	https://www.medina-wa.gov/

Medina, Washington. Medina is an affluent residential city located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, opposite the city of Seattle. Part of the Seattle metropolitan area in King County, Washington, it is known for its secluded, wooded properties and as the home of notable figures like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. The city maintains a low-density, primarily single-family residential character with significant waterfront estates.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Duwamish people before American settlement began in the late 19th century. It was platted in 1904 by investors from Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, and named after the Arabian city. Early development was spurred by the 1916 opening of the first floating bridge across Lake Washington, connecting the area to Seattle. Medina was officially incorporated on December 17, 1955, largely to control local zoning and preserve its residential nature. Key historical figures include John J. Reddin, an early developer, and the prominent Denny family of Seattle, who owned large tracts of land.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.80 square miles, of which 4.50 square miles is land and 0.30 square miles is water. Its geography is defined by a nearly five-mile shoreline along the western edge of Lake Washington. The city is bordered by Clyde Hill to the north, Hunts Point and Yarrow Point to the northeast, and Bellevue to the east and south. Major natural features include the Washington Park Arboretum on the opposite shore and State Route 520, which traverses the city.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 3,269. The city is one of the wealthiest communities in the United States, with a median household income significantly above state and national averages. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and multiracial residents. A high percentage of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The population density is low compared to neighboring cities like Bellevue and Kirkland.

Economy

Medina has no significant commercial or industrial tax base, functioning almost exclusively as a residential enclave. The local economy is supported by the substantial personal wealth of its residents, many of whom are executives, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders. Notable corporate affiliations of residents include Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco. The city's primary commercial services are located just outside its borders in Bellevue and Seattle. Property taxes from high-value estates form the cornerstone of the city's municipal revenue.

Government and infrastructure

Medina operates under a mayor-council form of government. The current mayor is Kathryn (Kathy) H. Huckabay. Essential services include a contracted police force through the King County Sheriff's Office and a volunteer fire department. The city is served by the Bellevue School District, with students attending Medina Elementary School and later Chinook Middle School and Bellevue High School. Major transportation infrastructure is dominated by State Route 520, a critical artery connecting to Seattle and Redmond. King County Metro provides limited public bus service.

Notable people

Medina is renowned for its concentration of billionaires and prominent business figures. Longtime residents include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who built his extensive estate, known as Xanadu 2.0, in the city. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos also maintains a home there. Other notable residents have included Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, and Starbucks chairman emeritus Howard Schultz. The city has also been home to individuals like musician Kenny G and former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton.

Category:Cities in Washington (state) Category:Populated places on Lake Washington Category:King County, Washington