Snohomish County

Snohomish County
County	Snohomish County
State	Washington
Founded	January 14, 1861
Seat	Everett
Largest city	Everett
Area total sq mi	2190
Area land sq mi	2087
Area water sq mi	103
Population as of	2020
Population total	827,957
Population density sq mi	397
Time zone	Pacific
District	1st
District2	2nd
Named for	The Snohomish people

Snohomish County is a major jurisdiction located in the U.S. state of Washington. It forms part of the Seattle metropolitan area and is situated directly north of King County, with its western boundary defined by the Puget Sound. The county seat and largest city is Everett, a major industrial and aerospace center.

Geography

The county's diverse landscape spans from the densely populated Puget Sound lowlands to the rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. Major waterways include the Snohomish River, the Skykomish River, and the Stillaguamish River, which drain westward into the sound. Significant geographic features encompass Port Gardner Bay, the Sultan River, and Mount Pilchuck, while large portions of the eastern region lie within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Incorporated cities and towns, such as Marysville, Edmonds, and Lynnwood, are concentrated in the western third, with vast tracts of forest and wilderness to the east.

History

The area has been inhabited for millennia by Coast Salish peoples, including the Snohomish people, the Stillaguamish, and the Snoqualmie. European American settlement accelerated following the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott, which established the Tulalip Reservation. The county was created by the Washington Territorial Legislature on January 14, 1861, from a portion of Island County. Early economies were dominated by logging and agriculture, with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway and industrialist John D. Rockefeller's investment catalyzing the founding and rapid growth of Everett in the 1890s. The 20th century saw the rise of the Boeing Company as a dominant employer, particularly with the development of the Boeing Everett Factory.

Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, it is the third-most populous county in Washington, following King County and Pierce County. The population is predominantly non-Hispanic white, with significant and growing communities of Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and multiracial residents. Major population centers include Everett, Marysville, and the South County communities of Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Mountlake Terrace. The Tulalip Tribes are a federally recognized sovereign nation within the county's borders.

Economy

The economy is heavily influenced by the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, anchored by the Boeing Everett Factory, the world's largest building by volume, which produces the Boeing 747, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Other major employers include the Naval Station Everett, the Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, and Amazon. The Tulalip Resort Casino and associated retail outlets at Seattle Premium Outlets are major drivers of tourism and retail. Additional economic activities include advanced technology, healthcare, and education, with institutions like Everett Community College and Edmonds College playing key roles.

Government and politics

The county operates under a home-rule charter with a five-member elected Snohomish County Council and an elected Snohomish County Executive. Key law enforcement is provided by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. It is part of the 1st and 2nd congressional districts, represented by Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen, respectively. Politically, it is considered a swing county in statewide and national elections, though recent trends have shown it leaning toward the Democratic Party. The county also contains parts of the 21st and 44th legislative districts.

Culture and recreation

The county offers extensive cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities. Cultural institutions include the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, the Schack Art Center, and the Historic Everett Theatre. Outdoor attractions are abundant, featuring destinations like the Centennial Trail, Howarth Park, Lord Hill Regional Park, and the Wallace Falls State Park. The county is also home to the annual Everett AquaSox minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Seattle Mariners, and hosts major events at the Angel of the Winds Arena and the Xfinity Arena. The scenic Mountain Loop Highway provides access to alpine areas and historic sites like the former mining town of Monte Cristo.

Category:Snohomish County, Washington Category:Washington (state) counties Category:Puget Sound Category:1861 establishments in Washington Territory