Eatonville, Washington

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Eatonville is a town in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,012 at the 2000 census.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 External links

[edit] History

For centuries, Indian people roamed the rivers and streams of the Eatonville area. Indian Henry was one of those, who in 1889, guided the town's founder, Thomas C. Van Eaton, from Mashell Prairie to the present site of Eatonville. It is said that upon arrival, Henry declared, "This good place. Not much snow."

Area settlers and Indians were in need of goods, which "T.C." provided at his trading post. Supplies were carried by his stage from Spanaway over a rough trail through dense forest. In 1891, the settlers built the town's first school, which is still in use.

For years Eatonville was a waypoint for visitors to Mt. Rainier. In 1902, the Tacoma Eastern Rainlroad arrived, providing freight and passenger service and a vital link to Tacoma. Soon after the railroad's arrival, several small mills sprang up in the vicinity.

Eatonville was officially incorporated on October 28, 1909, after the Eatonville Lumber Company brought in more people to work in its mill. The mill's closure in 1954 was a blow to the town, but community spirit and good schools have kept Eatonville alive and growing.

History found at EatonvilleChamber.com, and comes directly from a Pierce County Landmark marker found at the intersection of Mashell Ave and Center St. in Eatonville, Washington.

[edit] Geography

Eatonville is located at 46°52′6″N, 122°16′12″W (46.868253, -122.270065)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.4 km² (1.7 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,012 people, 748 households, and 542 families residing in the town. The population density was 454.3/km² (1,176.4/mi²). There were 805 housing units at an average density of 181.8/km² (470.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 91.35% White, 0.25% African American, 0.75% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.65% Pacific Islander, 2.24% from other races, and 3.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.62% of the population.

There were 748 households out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the town the population was spread out with 31.4% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,681, and the median income for a family was $50,733. Males had a median income of $41,950 versus $25,380 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,513. About 11.0% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.