Lakewood, Washington

Lakewood Regional Center

Lakewood is the second largest city in Pierce County and the fifteenth largest in Washington and was incorporated in February 1996. Economic development is a priority in Lakewood's continuing efforts to redefine its south Puget Sound community of 60,000 residents and nearly 1,100 businesses.

Geography

Lakewood is the primary host community serving major military installations. Joint Base Lewis McChord and Camp Murray are strategically located between Sea-Tac International Airport and the state's capital in Olympia. This major transportation hub for the lower Puget Sound region is also located at the junction of I-5, SR-512, and U.S. Route 99 and will welcome future light rail access in 2011.

Demographics

As of 2010, Lakewood's population is 57,529 people. Since 2000, its population has grown annually at -1.08 percent. The median home cost in Lakewood is $190,080. Home appreciation in the last year has been -14.72 percent. Compared to the rest of the country, Lakewood's cost of living is 3.70% higher than the U.S. average.

Economy

The unemployment rate in Lakewood, WA, is 8.10%, with job growth of -2.18%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 27.54%.

Education

The Clover Park School District operates all public schools within Lakewood. Lakewood public schools spend $4,807 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $5,678. There are about 18.2 students per teacher in Lakewood.

Regional Center Map