Lake Stevens, Washington

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Lake Stevens is a city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. The population was 6,361 at the 2000 census.

Contents

[edit] History

Lake Stevens was officially incorporated on November 29, 1960.

Believed to be named after Governor Isaac I. Stevens, Lake Stevens was first settled in 1886 on a 160-acre homestead along the east shore. By 1890 the first town in the area, "Ferry," was established. Its name was later changed to "Hartford," and it served as the main link from the famed Monte Cristo timber and mining resources to the world.

In 1905 a railroad spur was built by the Rucker Brothers Timber Company, linking Hartford with Lake Stevens. Two years later Rucker Mill was opened, located along and in the north cove of the lake (original pilings can still be seen in the old lake outflow area just south of the boat launch). In 1919, the mill, which became known as the "world's largest sawmill," burned and was partially rebuilt. When it burned a second time in 1925 the mill was dismantled and Lake Stevens lost the very industry which caused its founding. However, by then a flourishing town was established and continued under its own momentum.

From the 1920's to the 50's Lake Stevens was primarily a resort community, with many public and private resort beaches scattered around the shore. In 1960 Lake Stevens incorporated as a City with a population of 900. Soon, its popularity and natural beauty, combined with changing commuter habits, attracted more and more residents, changing its character to that of a suburban community. By 2000 the City had grown to a population of 6,361 in approximately 1.8 square miles. The lake remains the focal point of the greater Lake Stevens community for recreation and as a symbol of our need to provide for a sustainable existence that will protect our natural environment.

[edit] Geography

Location of Lake Stevens, Washington

Lake Stevens is located at 48°1′11″N, 122°3′58″W (48.019782, -122.066089)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.6 km² (2.2 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 6,361 people, 2,139 households, and 1,683 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,142.3/km² (2,951.8/mi²). There were 2,234 housing units at an average density of 401.2/km² (1,036.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.31% White, 0.60% African American, 0.91% Native American, 1.10% Asian, 0.31% Pacific Islander, 0.90% from other races, and 3.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.55% of the population.

There were 2,139 households out of which 49.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 15.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the city the population was spread out with 33.9% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 36.3% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 5.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $65,231, and the median income for a family was $68,250. Males had a median income of $51,536 versus $30,239 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,943. About 3.8% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Annexation and the Unincorporated “Urban Growth Area"

In 2005 the population of the City of Lake Stevens was around 7,350 residents. With the 855-acre North Lake Annexation in January 2006, the population rose to 9,650 residents. On December 20, 2006, the 708-acre Frontier Village area will officially become part of the city, with an estimated population of 3,600 residents, bringing the city population to around 13,250. It is estimated that over 20,000 people live in the remaining surrounding Urban Growth Area. Two other major areas are also currently working on annexation: the 438-acre Eastlake and 292-acre Soper Hill areas.

[edit] School District

Lake Stevens consists of two high schools (Lake Stevens High School and PROVE alternative school), two middle schools (Lake Stevens and North Lake) and six elementary schools (Mt. Pilchuck, Sunnycrest, Hillcrest, Glenwood, Skyline, and Highland).

[edit] Community Newspaper

Lake Stevens Journal is the community newspaper and is circulated weekly.

[edit] Parks

Highlighted by the lake itself, Lake Stevens is home to numerous parks, including:

  • City Beach
  • City Boat Launch
  • Kid’s Oasis Playground
  • North Cove Park
  • Catherine Creek Park
  • Sunset Park
  • Lundeen Park
  • Wyatt Park (Davies Beach)
  • Eagle Ridge Park

[edit] Primary Athletic Fields

  • Bond Field
  • Bonneville Field
  • Hartford Field
  • Lochsloy Fields

[edit] External links

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