If you are interested in moving to King County, WA, you’ll find a number of great places to choose from. But which one is best for you and your family? You likely have a lot of questions, like what cities are in King County WA? What are the safest cities in King County WA? How many cities in King County are there? King County has 36 cities, and each one offers its unique style.
You can find family-friendly communities, safe cities, a wide variety of amenities, great neighborhoods, and lots of outdoor opportunities, regardless of which city you decide on. This guide answers all of your questions, which allows you to easily compare King County major cities, so you can find the perfect place for you in King County.
This guide can help you narrow down your choices. King County also has four towns and 23 unincorporated communities, called census-designated places or CDPs. In this guide, we will only be talking about incorporated places that have legally defined boundaries and an active, functioning governmental structure. Incorporated places include cities, towns, and villages.
CDPs are not incorporated in places and won’t be included in this guide. They are geographic entities designated for census-gathering purposes. For visitors or potential movers traveling with pets, Petfriendly makes it easier to explore King County by offering vacation rental options that welcome four-legged companions across a wide range of locations.
Let’s see which city in King County is right for you!
What Is King County Like?
With over 2 million residents, King County is the most populous county in Washington and the 12th-most populous in the United States. The state’s most populated city, Seattle, is the county seat. The county is one of three counties comprising the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue metropolitan area. King County was named after William R. King, vice president under Franklin Pierce.
The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Snoqualmie and the Muckleshoot. Europeans arrived in the early 1800s, and King County was founded in 1852. The county is nearly twice the size of Rhode Island and borders Snohomish County to the north, Kitsap County to the west, Kittitas County to the east, and Pierce County to the south. It also shares a small border with Chelan County to the northeast.
King County includes Vashon Island and Maury Island in Puget Sound. The diverse geographical makeup in King County includes the Puget Sound, the Cascade Range, and many lakes and rivers. The elevation ranges from sea level to almost 8,000 feet. King County is home to Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing and is well-known for its tech industry.
Companies opening, expanding, or relocating offices can work with office movers for King County businesses to coordinate furniture, technology, records, and other workplace assets.
King County has a diverse population, breathtaking views, including Mount Rainier, great parks and trails that offer a myriad of outdoor activities, excellent shopping options, a wide range of dining choices, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, award-winning school districts, and many cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
The county is governed by the King County Council, which has nine members that are elected by the county and serve at the King County Executive Office. Snohomish County is the adjacent county to the north, Kitsap County is the adjacent county to the west, Kittitas County to the east, and Pierce County to the south. Of all the Washington counties, King County has some of the largest cities based in the state of Washington.
The Ethnic and Racial Makeup of King County
- White alone, 62.7%
- Black alone, 7.4%
- American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 1.1%
- Asian alone, 22.2%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, 0.9%
- Two or more races, 5.7%
- Hispanic or Latino, 11.1%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 53.7%
King County Demographics
- Population: 2,269,675
- Median age: 37.2 years
- Median household income: $122,148
- Median price of housing: $815,000
- Area of county: 2,307 square miles
- Population density: 980 per square mile
- Educational attainment: high school diploma or higher, 93.8%, bachelor’s degree or higher, 55.9%
Largest Cities in King County WA
Here are the largest cities in King County by population.
Seattle, WA
Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and the 15th-largest city in the United States. Seattle is a seaport city situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. With beautiful scenery everywhere you look, Seattle has over 500 parks and is known as the Emerald City because it’s so green. Seattle offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, arts and culture, professional sporting events, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Some top neighborhoods in Seattle include Capitol Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, and Queen Anne. Major industries in Seattle include mining and logging, manufacturing, and trade. Seattle is home to Boeing, Amazon, Google, Oracle, and Costco. Higher institutions in Seattle include the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Pacific University. Notable people from Seattle include Bill Gates, Jimi Hendrix, and Chris Cornell.
- Seattle population: 737,015
- Seattle area: 142.07 square miles
- Seattle median age: 35.4 years
- Seattle median household income: $121,984
- Seattle median house price: $835,000
- Seattle population density: 8,775.03 people per square mile
- Seattle city map
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. With a booming economy, thriving tech industry, great schools, and excellent quality of life, Bellevue is a much sought-after city in King County. World-class tech companies in Bellevue include Microsoft, T-Mobile, Amazon, and Expedia.
Bellevue offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and many employment opportunities. The thriving downtown area offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Parks, trails, and outdoor spaces abound in the city, including Bellevue Botanical Garden and Bellevue Downtown Park.
As one of the most popular cities in King County WA, this is a common place to move. Popular neighborhoods in Bellevue include Downtown Bellevue, West Bellevue, and Bridle Trails. Bellevue College, located in the city, is a highly regarded school. The Bellevue Arts Museum is a top-rated contemporary art and craft facility.
Bellevue has several top-rated hospitals and medical centers, including Overlake Medical Center and Evergreen Health Medical Center. Notable people from Bellevue include Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Jeff Probst, Davey Detail, and Jane Adams. There’s so much to love about living in Bellevue.
- Bellevue population: 151,854
- Bellevue area: 37.505 square miles
- Bellevue median age: 38.3 years
- Bellevue median household income: $161,300
- Bellevue median house price: $1,420,000
- Bellevue population density: 4,530 people per square mile
- Bellevue city map
Kent, WA
Kent is known for its diverse culture and rich history. Kent offers a high quality of life, picturesque parks, lakes, coastline, and forests, excellent shopping and dining, and many fun local attractions. The parks and trails, including the Green River Trail, offer tons of opportunities for walking, running, hiking, and biking. Kent has many things to do, such as playing golf at Riverbend Golf Complex, ice skating at Kent Valley Ice Centre, and bowling at Kent Bowl.
Kent has great schools, universities, and medical centers, making it a perfect place for families, professionals, and retirees. Top industries in Kent include technology and aerospace. If you’re moving to Kent, you’ll love it!
- Kent population: 136,588
- Kent area: 34.41 square miles
- Kent median age: 34.7 years
- Kent median household income: $90,416
- Kent median house price: $686,000
- Kent population density: 3,970.00 people per square mile
- Kent city map
Renton, WA
There’s much to enjoy about living in Renton. Renton has a diverse population and abundant recreational opportunities. Located near the shores of Lake Washington, activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing are popular in the city. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is a 57-acre park featuring a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. The Renton History Museum showcases the city’s rich history and culture.
Major industries in Renton include aerospace and manufacturing. Companies like Boeing and Paccar have major offices in Renton. The city has a thriving economy with tons of shopping, restaurants, and other businesses. Renton features a diverse mix of housing to fit a wide range of tastes, needs, and budgets, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments. Renton offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, abundant parks and outdoor spaces, and a thriving cultural scene.
- Renton population: 106,785
- Renton area: 25.27 square miles
- Renton median age: 36.1 years
- Renton median household income: $96,626
- Renton median house price: $680,000
- Renton population density: 4,439.24 people per square mile
- Renton city map
Federal Way, WA
Looking for top cities in King County WA? Add this to your list! Federal Way is situated among forests with a beautiful coastline. The city boasts stunning views of Puget Sound, a diverse culture, and a vibrant nightlife. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many outdoor activity options, including exploring Dash Point State Park or strolling through Celebration Park.
The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center and Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club are popular destinations in the city. Federal Way has great shopping and dining options. Primary industries in Federal Way include technology and aerospace. There’s so much to love about living in Federal Way!
- Federal Way population: 101,030
- Federal Way area: 23.72 square miles
- Federal Way median age: 37.4 years
- Federal Way median household income: $82,144
- Federal Way median house price $600,000
- Federal Way population density: 4,374.49 people per square mile
- Federal Way map
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland was the original home of the Seattle Seahawks and the headquarters of Costco. It’s one of the best cities in King County. Kirkland features an idyllic waterfront downtown area that offers a host of amenities, including restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, museums, public parks, and a performing arts center. Kirkland is a welcoming city with close-knit communities and big-city amenities.
Kirkland has a healthy economy and many job opportunities. The main industries in Kirkland are telecommunications, healthcare, education, hospitality, and technology. Kirkland has scenic parks, many trails, and outdoor spaces. The popular Juanita Beach Park boasts a boardwalk and 1,000 feet of beachfront. Find out more about living in Kirkland in our guide.
- Kirkland population: 92,175
- Kirkland area: 22.66 square miles
- Kirkland median age: 38.0 years
- Kirkland median household income: $143,533
- Kirkland median house price: $1,373,500
- Kirkland population density: 5,176.6 people per square mile
- Kirkland city map
Auburn, WA
Auburn is a relatively affordable of the cities in King County with a strong job market. A major industry in Auburn is healthcare. Jobs for nurses and CNAs are plentiful. Auburn is a diverse, multicultural city with sizable Hispanic and Asian populations. The Auburn Farmers Market and the Auburn Days Festival are only two of the annual cultural events held in Auburn. You’ll find no shortage of outdoor activities and entertainment in Auburn.
The Green River and Flaming Geyser State Park are two popular parks in the city. The White River Amphitheatre hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year. Notable people from Auburn include Congressman Dave Reichert and NASA astronaut Francis Scobee. Moving to Auburn? Check out our guide!
- Auburn population: 87,256
- Auburn area: 29.87 square miles
- Auburn median age: 35.8 years
- Auburn median household income: $95,367
- Auburn median house price: $610,000
- Auburn population density: 2,836.04 people per square mile
- Auburn city map
Redmond, WA
Redmond is considered one of the best places to live in Washington and one of the top cities in King County. The lifestyle in Redmond is quiet and laid-back. A hub for technology, aerospace, and biomedical companies, Redmond is home to the Microsoft Corporation and Nintendo of America. Many young professionals and families there enjoy an abundance of job opportunities. The culture in Redmond is eclectic, and the city plays host to plenty of local events.
Attractions, shopping, and dining options also make Redmond a much sought-after place to live. Redmond is ranked as one of the best places to retire in Washington due to its access to top doctors and recreational activities for active seniors.
Redmond offers many outdoor recreation opportunities, with an extensive park and trail system, including 47 parks spanning 1,351 acres and 59 miles of public walking trails. Redmond hosts events all year long, including Derby Days and Redmond Lights. Find out more about living in Redmond in our guide!
- Redmond population: 73,256
- Redmond area: 17.24 square miles
- Redmond median age: 34.7 years
- Redmond median household income: $162,099
- Redmond median house price: $1,340,500
- Redmond population density: 4,630 people per square mile
- Redmond city map
Map of Cities in King County WA
Check out this map of the largest cities in King County Washington state.
What Cities Are in King County Washington?
Here is a list of cities in King County Washington and unincorporated areas in the north region, south region, east region, and west regions of King County Washington (they are also considered Health Reporting Areas or HRAs):
- Algona
- Auburn
- Beaux Arts Village
- Bellevue
- Black Diamond
- Bothell
- Burien
- Carnation
- Clyde Hill
- Cottage Lake
- Covington
- Des Moines
- Duvall
- Enumclaw
- Federal Way
- Hunts Point
- Issaquah
- Kenmore
- Kent
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Maple Valley
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Milton
- Newcastle
- Normandy Park
- North Bend
- Pacific
- Redmond
- Renton
- Sammamish
- SeaTac
- Seattle
- Shoreline
- Skykomish
- Snoqualmie
- Tukwila
- Woodinville
- Yarrow Point
King County FAQs
Q: What’s the Most Affordable City in King County?
A: Auburn is considered one of the most affordable cities, with a cost of living 14% higher than the state average.
Q: How Many Cities are there in King County?
A: There are 36 incorporated cities in King County.
Q: What’s the Most Expensive City in King County?
A: Hunts Point is the most expensive city in the county. The cost of living is 226% higher than the Washington state average.
Which of the Cities in King County Are Right for You?
There’s plenty to love about cities in King County! These amazing cities are ready for you. If you’re looking at moving to one of the Washington counties, including King County, you need professionals to help. Contact our top-rated movers serving King County today for a free quote at 360-507-2447 or through our online form!
