Community Information

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History


Incorporated in 1890, Puyallup’s economic history is one of steady, varied growth. The early city was heavily supported by the area’s agriculture, with elements of timber and general trade. The City’s population steadily increased through the 1900s, both via infill development and new annexations, establishing Puyallup as the business and residential center of East Pierce County. Over the past 30 years, single-family and multi-family residential construction has continued to increase, with the creation of several large new neighborhoods and a major commercial core in the City’s South Hill area.


Demographics


As of April 1, 2022, Puyallup's estimated population is 43,260. The following table shares some key demographics of the city, according to the U.S. Census Bureau:

City of Puyallup
2010
2000
1990
Total Population
37,022
33,011
23,875
Median Age
36.8
33.9
32.6
Median Household Income
$56,984
$47,269
$32,849
Average Household Size
2.43
2.52
2.59
Persons 65 years or older
12.4%
10.7%
12.9%
Persons Under 18 Years old
23.6%
27.5%
27.8%
Non white Ethnicity
15.6%
12.1%
5.3%
Total Housing Units
16,171
13,467
9,377
Occupied Housing Units
14,950
12,870
8,944
Vacant Housing Units
1,221
597
433
Owner Occupied (%)
52.9
54.9
59.6
Renter Occupied (%)
47.1
45.1
40.4                       


South Hill Mall


The South Hill Mall, the regional mall located in Puyallup, lists its trade area as being 330,000 people, with that area having an average household income of app. $87,000.


Employment


Per the US Census, approximately 68% of Puyallup’s population over the age of 16 is considered to be “in the labor force”. The following tables summarize some key employment info for the City.

Employer
Number of Employees
Rank
% of Total City Employment
Puyallup School District
3,118
1
13.9
Multicare/Good Samaritan Hospital
2,861
2
12.7
Fred Meyer Distribution Center
485
3
2.2
Comcast Cable
438
4
1.9
Costco Wholesale Store #660
347
5
1.5
Wal-Mart #2403
332
6
1.5
CSK Automotive Distributors
307
7
1.4
Fred Meyer
296
8
1.3
City of Puyallup
294
9
1.3
Western International Review Board
218
10
1.0

Largest employers based on City (2012, per City Business License)


Business License Information


  • Total number of active business licenses in the city - 1445
  • Average number of employees listed per business receiving a license - 11
  • Number of businesses in City exceeding 50 full time employees - 55
  • Number of businesses in city with less than 10 full time employees - 1215
  • Number of businesses in city reporting as based in a home - 127