Tacoma, WA Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (female): 105,358

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Tacoma: 113.5 (more than average, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 14.9%

Poverty (breakdown): (11.6% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 22.4% for Black residents, 23.9% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 21.0% for American Indian residents, 17.8% for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander residents, 20.1% for other race residents, 22.2% for two or more races residents)

Sex Offenders: According to our research of Washington and other state lists, there were 331 registered sex offenders living in Tacoma, Washington as of January 18, 2021. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Tacoma is 638 to 1.>

Ancestries: Ancestries: German (8.0%), American (5.4%), Irish (4.8%), English (3.5%), Norwegian (3.3%), European (2.8%).

Elevation: 380 feet

Land Area: 50.1 square miles.

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $57,164 (it was $37,879 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $30,451 (it was $19,130 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $269,800 (it was $123,400 in 2000) Tacoma:$269,800WA:$339,000

Goldribbon

Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

980x250 DOT Drug Testing

DOT Drug Testing Tacoma, WA

Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Tacoma, WA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes who are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Tacoma, WA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.

1123 PACIFIC AVE 0.3 miles

1123 PACIFIC AVE
TACOMA, WA 98402
Categories: TACOMA WA

702 BROADWAY STE 102 0.4 miles

702 BROADWAY STE 102
TACOMA, WA 98402
Categories: TACOMA WA

1717 S J ST 0.5 miles

1717 S J ST
TACOMA, WA 98405
Categories: TACOMA WA

3124 S 19TH ST BLDG C STE 110 1.7 miles

3124 S 19TH ST BLDG C STE 110
TACOMA, WA 98405
Categories: TACOMA WA

3401 S 19TH ST STE 220 1.8 miles

3401 S 19TH ST STE 220
TACOMA, WA 98405
Categories: TACOMA WA

1901 South Union, Suite B3005 1.9 miles

1901 South Union, Suite B3005
Tacoma, WA 98405
Categories: Tacoma WA

1901 S UNION AVE STE A-203 1.9 miles

1901 S UNION AVE STE A-203
TACOMA, WA 98405
Categories: TACOMA WA

S 19th St And W Union Ave 2.0 miles

S 19th St And W Union Ave
TACOMA, WA 98405
Categories: TACOMA WA

1930 PORT OF TACOMA RD 2.3 miles

1930 PORT OF TACOMA RD
TACOMA, WA 98421
Categories: TACOMA WA

2624 S 38TH ST 3.0 miles

2624 S 38TH ST
TACOMA, WA 98409
Categories: TACOMA WA

4703 PACIFIC HWY E 3.8 miles

4703 PACIFIC HWY E
FIFE, WA 98424
Categories: FIFE WA

1812 S MILDRED ST STE F 3.9 miles

1812 S MILDRED ST STE F
TACOMA, WA 98465
Categories: TACOMA WA

502 54TH AVE E 4.1 miles

502 54TH AVE E
FIFE, WA 98424
Categories: FIFE WA

2818 SW 327TH ST 5.2 miles

2818 SW 327TH ST
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98023
Categories: FEDERAL WAY WA

33440 1ST WAY S STE 103 6.3 miles

33440 1ST WAY S STE 103
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98003
Categories: FEDERAL WAY WA

34616 South 347th Place, Suite 2 6.7 miles

34616 South 347th Place, Suite 2
Federal Way, WA 98003
Categories: Federal Way WA

5700 100TH ST SW STE 510 6.8 miles

5700 100TH ST SW STE 510
LAKEWOOD, WA 98499
Categories: LAKEWOOD WA

5920 100th Street SW, Suite 29 6.9 miles

5920 100th Street SW, Suite 29
Lakewood, WA 98499
Categories: Lakewood WA

720 S 320th Street, Suite B 7.1 miles

720 S 320th Street, Suite B
Federal Way, WA 98003
Categories: Federal Way WA

4700 POINT FOSDICK DR NW STE 210 7.2 miles

4700 POINT FOSDICK DR NW STE 210
GIG HARBOR, WA 98335
Categories: GIG HARBOR WA

11315 BRIDGEPORT WAY SW 7.4 miles

11315 BRIDGEPORT WAY SW
LAKEWOOD, WA 98499
Categories: LAKEWOOD WA

1300 S 320TH ST 7.4 miles

1300 S 320TH ST
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98003
Categories: FEDERAL WAY WA

800 S Meridian, Suite B 8.5 miles

800 S Meridian, Suite B
Puyallup, WA 98371
Categories: Puyallup WA

1011 E Main, Suite 301 8.7 miles

1011 E Main, Suite 301
Puyallup, WA 98372
Categories: Puyallup WA

407 14TH AVE SE 8.9 miles

407 14TH AVE SE
PUYALLUP, WA 98372
Categories: PUYALLUP WA

1450 5TH ST SE STE 1500 9.0 miles

1450 5TH ST SE STE 1500
PUYALLUP, WA 98372
Categories: PUYALLUP WA

3850 S MERIDIAN 9.4 miles

3850 S MERIDIAN
PUYALLUP, WA 98373
Categories: PUYALLUP WA

818 39TH AVE SW ste A2 9.5 miles

818 39TH AVE SW ste A2
PUYALLUP, WA 98373
Categories: PUYALLUP WA

3908 10TH ST SE 10.2 miles

3908 10TH ST SE
PUYALLUP, WA 98374
Categories: PUYALLUP WA

202 CROSS ST SE 10.8 miles

202 CROSS ST SE
AUBURN, WA 98002
Categories: AUBURN WA

1 E MAIN ST STE 130 10.8 miles

1 E MAIN ST STE 130
AUBURN, WA 98002
Categories: AUBURN WA

202 N DIVISION ST 10.8 miles

202 N DIVISION ST
AUBURN, WA 98001
Categories: AUBURN WA

230 AUBURN WAY S STE B 10.9 miles

230 AUBURN WAY S STE B
AUBURN, WA 98002
Categories: AUBURN WA

10209 136TH ST E 10.9 miles

10209 136TH ST E
PUYALLUP, WA 98374
Categories: PUYALLUP WA

11567 CANTERWOOD BLVD NW 11.1 miles

11567 CANTERWOOD BLVD NW
GIG HARBOR, WA 98332
Categories: GIG HARBOR WA

1005 185TH STREET CT E 11.4 miles

1005 185TH STREET CT E
SPANAWAY, WA 98387
Categories: SPANAWAY WA

128 WASHINGTON AVE N 12.7 miles

128 WASHINGTON AVE N
KENT, WA 98032
Categories: KENT WA

18012 W VALLEY HWY STE 101 13.1 miles

18012 W VALLEY HWY STE 101
KENT, WA 98032
Categories: KENT WA

250 SW 193RD PL 13.2 miles

250 SW 193RD PL
NORMANDY PARK, WA 98166
Categories: NORMANDY PARK WA

11102 Sunrise Boulevard E, Suite 105 13.2 miles

11102 Sunrise Boulevard E, Suite 105
Puyallup, WA 98374
Categories: Puyallup WA

222 STATE AVE N 13.5 miles

222 STATE AVE N
KENT, WA 98032
Categories: KENT WA

2529 S 194TH ST 13.9 miles

2529 S 194TH ST
SEATAC, WA 98188
Categories: SEATAC WA

14473 CLAYTON RD SE 14.2 miles

14473 CLAYTON RD SE
PORT ORCHARD, WA 98367
Categories: PORT ORCHARD WA

24031 104TH AVE SE 14.6 miles

24031 104TH AVE SE
KENT, WA 98030
Categories: KENT WA

6642 S 193RD PL STE N107 15.1 miles

6642 S 193RD PL STE N107
KENT, WA 98032
Categories: KENT WA

19032 62ND AVE S 15.1 miles

19032 62ND AVE S
KENT, WA 98032
Categories: KENT WA

15870 1ST AVE S Ste 101 15.3 miles

15870 1ST AVE S Ste 101
BURIEN, WA 98148
Categories: BURIEN WA

15500 1ST AVE S STE 106A 15.5 miles

15500 1ST AVE S STE 106A
BURIEN, WA 98148
Categories: BURIEN WA

1412 SW 43rd Street, Suite 101 16.3 miles

1412 SW 43rd Street, Suite 101
Renton, WA 98057
Categories: Renton WA

200 ANDOVER PARK E STE 8 16.8 miles

200 ANDOVER PARK E STE 8
TUKWILA, WA 98188
Categories: TUKWILA WA

400 S 43RD ST 16.9 miles

400 S 43RD ST
RENTON, WA 98055
Categories: RENTON WA

3600 LIND AVE SW STE 170 17.0 miles

3600 LIND AVE SW STE 170
RENTON, WA 98057
Categories: RENTON WA

6720 FORT DENT WAY STE 110 17.3 miles

6720 FORT DENT WAY STE 110
TUKWILA, WA 98188
Categories: TUKWILA WA

13030 MILITARY RD S STE 100 17.6 miles

13030 MILITARY RD S STE 100
TUKWILA, WA 98168
Categories: TUKWILA WA

17709 108TH AVE SE 17.6 miles

17709 108TH AVE SE
RENTON, WA 98055
Categories: RENTON WA

12844 MILITARY RD S 17.7 miles

12844 MILITARY RD S
TUKWILA, WA 98168
Categories: TUKWILA WA

304 MAIN AVE S STE 202 19.3 miles

304 MAIN AVE S STE 202
RENTON, WA 98057
Categories: RENTON WA

10 E WESTLAKE PL 20.7 miles

10 E WESTLAKE PL
ALLYN, WA 98524
Categories: ALLYN WA

450 S KITSAP BLVD STE 144 21.1 miles

450 S KITSAP BLVD STE 144
PORT ORCHARD, WA 98366
Categories: PORT ORCHARD WA

650 S ORCAS ST STE 125 21.4 miles

650 S ORCAS ST STE 125
SEATTLE, WA 98108
Categories: SEATTLE WA

1455 BATTERSBY AVE 21.6 miles

1455 BATTERSBY AVE
ENUMCLAW, WA 98022
Categories: ENUMCLAW WA

2414 SW ANDOVER ST STE E130 22.1 miles

2414 SW ANDOVER ST STE E130
SEATTLE, WA 98106
Categories: SEATTLE WA

4515 Martin Luther King Jr Way S #200 22.5 miles

4515 Martin Luther King Jr Way S #200
Seattle, WA 98108
Categories: Seattle WA

3223 1ST AVE S STE C 22.9 miles

3223 1ST AVE S STE C
SEATTLE, WA 98134
Categories: SEATTLE WA

532 5TH ST STE 19 23.3 miles

532 5TH ST STE 19
BREMERTON, WA 98337
Categories: BREMERTON WA

420 Lilly Road NE, Suite 101 23.3 miles

420 Lilly Road NE, Suite 101
Olympia, WA 98506
Categories: Olympia WA

3928 PACIFIC AVE SE 23.6 miles

3928 PACIFIC AVE SE
LACEY, WA 98503
Categories: LACEY WA

1737 AIRPORT WAY S STE 200 23.8 miles

1737 AIRPORT WAY S STE 200
SEATTLE, WA 98134
Categories: SEATTLE WA

2528 WHEATON WAY STE 202 24.3 miles

2528 WHEATON WAY STE 202
BREMERTON, WA 98310
Categories: BREMERTON WA

2601 Cherry Avenue, Suite 206 24.4 miles

2601 Cherry Avenue, Suite 206
Bremerton, WA 98310
Categories: Bremerton WA

1400 S JACKSON ST STE 24 24.7 miles

1400 S JACKSON ST STE 24
SEATTLE, WA 98144
Categories: SEATTLE WA

5130 CORPORATE CENTER CT SE 24.9 miles

5130 CORPORATE CENTER CT SE
LACEY, WA 98503
Categories: LACEY WA

"When you need a test, choose the best"

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

How to schedule a DOT drug test in Tacoma, WA

To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Tacoma, WA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.

The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center which performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.

Our laboratories are SAMHSA certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).

In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Tacoma, WA, Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

What are the DOT drug testing requirements?

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.

49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as "part 40") explains:

  • How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
  • Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
  • What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation

Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:

  • The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
  • Who is subject to comply with these regulations
  • What type of testing is required
  • When testing is required
  • Consequences of non-compliance

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regards to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take affect on January 6, 2020.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.

For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!

The Opioid Overdose Crisis

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

  • Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
  • An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
  • Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
  • The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
  • Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)

DOT Compliance Checklist in Tacoma, WA

DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)

  • Pre-Employment Tests
  • Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
  • Substance Abuse Professional Process
  • Regulations on File
  • Random Pool Testing
  • *Supervisor Training
  • *Written Policy
  • Post-Accident Testing Situations
  • Previous Employers Checks
  • Employee Education
  • Record Keeping
  • Removal of covered Employee
  • Designated Employer Representative

* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)

If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.

The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.

To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

What is a DOT Drug Test in Tacoma, WA?

On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids**
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • ** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.

    In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group

    When is a DOT drug test required in Tacoma, WA?

    All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:

    • Pre-employment
    • Random
    • Reasonable suspicion
    • Return to Duty
    • Post-Accident
    • Follow Up

    What is DOT pre employment testing in Tacoma, WA?

    As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.

    Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.

    What is random DOT Drug Testing in Tacoma, WA?

    All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.

    Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.

    The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
    DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
    [FMCSA]
    25% 10%
    Federal Aviation Administration
    [FAA]
    25% 10%
    Federal Railroad Administration
    [FRA]
    25% - Covered Service
    50% - Maintenance of Way *
    10% - Covered Service
    25% - Maintenance of Way *
    Federal Transit Administration
    [FTA]
    50% 10%
    Federal Transit Administration
    [FTA]
    50% N/A
    United States Coast Guard
    [USCG]
    (with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
    50% N/A

    (800) 221-4291

    Enroll

    What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Tacoma, WA?

    Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use

    What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Tacoma, WA?

    If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.

    Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.

    What is DOT post accident drug testing Tacoma, WA?

    If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.

    If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.

    Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.

    What is DOT follow up drug testing Tacoma, WA?

    DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Tacoma, WA simply call us at (800)221-4291

    To schedule a DOT drug or alcohol test in Tacoma, WA Call (800) 221-4291 or select the Tacoma, WA DOT Drug Testing Location Near You

    (Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)

    Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Tacoma, WA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!

    "When You Need a Test, Choose the Best"

    Accredited Drug Testing

    (800) 221-4291

    Local Area Info: Tacoma, Washington

    Tacoma (/t??ko?m?/ t?-KOH-m?) is a mid-sized urban port city and the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. The city is on Washington's Puget Sound, 32 miles (51 km) southwest of Seattle (of which it is the largest satellite city), 31 miles (50 km) northeast of the state capital, Olympia, and 58 miles (93 km) northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. The population was 198,397, according to the 2010 census. Tacoma is the second-largest city in the Puget Sound area and the third largest in the state. Tacoma also serves as the center of business activity for the South Sound region, which has a population of around 1 million.

    Tacoma adopted its name after the nearby Mount Rainier, originally called Takhoma or Tahoma. It is locally known as the "City of Destiny" because the area was chosen to be the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century. The decision of the railroad was influenced by Tacoma's neighboring deep-water harbor, Commencement Bay. By connecting the bay with the railroad, Tacoma's motto became "When rails meet sails". Commencement Bay serves the Port of Tacoma, a center of international trade on the Pacific Coast and Washington State's largest port.

    Like most central cities, Tacoma suffered a prolonged decline in the mid-20th century as a result of suburbanization and divestment. Since the 1990s, developments in the downtown core include the University of Washington Tacoma; Tacoma Link, the first modern electric light rail service in the state; the state's highest density of art and history museums; and a restored urban waterfront, the Thea Foss Waterway. Neighborhoods such as the 6th Avenue District have been revitalized. With over $1 billion having been invested in downtown Tacoma alone, private investment has surpassed public investment by a ratio of almost 4:1.

Show Regional Data

Population (female): 105,358

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Tacoma: 113.5 (more than average, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 14.9%

Poverty (breakdown): (11.6% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 22.4% for Black residents, 23.9% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 21.0% for American Indian residents, 17.8% for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander residents, 20.1% for other race residents, 22.2% for two or more races residents)

Sex Offenders: According to our research of Washington and other state lists, there were 331 registered sex offenders living in Tacoma, Washington as of January 18, 2021. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Tacoma is 638 to 1.>

Ancestries: Ancestries: German (8.0%), American (5.4%), Irish (4.8%), English (3.5%), Norwegian (3.3%), European (2.8%).

Elevation: 380 feet

Land Area: 50.1 square miles.

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $57,164 (it was $37,879 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $30,451 (it was $19,130 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $269,800 (it was $123,400 in 2000) Tacoma:$269,800WA:$339,000

(800) 221-4291