Population in Snoqualmie still rising
July 9, 2008
By Ryan Piersol
Population growth in Snoqualmie has slowed some, but the rest of the state is still a long way from catching up.Estimates released recently by the state show Snoqualmie with a population of 9,360 on April 1, up from 8,600 a year previous. Since 2000, the city has grown well more than any other in the state – 473 percent, or from 1,631 to 9,360.
The next-highest city on that list is Roy, with an increase of 236 percent.
Snoqulamie Mayor Matt Larson expects the city to continue to grow over the next few years, but to slow significantly – at around 12,000 total – once development on Snoqualmie Ridge reaches an impasse.
And he said there’s no mistaking the reason for growth of Snoqualmie the last eight years.
“The Ridge is the reason,” Larson said. “For decades, the city was about 1,500 to 1,600 and at times the population even decreased. The Ridge changed all that.”
Amy Atchison, Director of the Snoqualmie Ridge Owner’s Association, said there are currently 2,669 occupied homes on the Ridge. That number is expected to increase to 4,000 at the end of development.
Unlike many of the state’s other cities that have seen significant growth, none of Snoqualmie’s is due to annexation. Issaquah, for instance, grew 134 percent the last eight years, but annexed more than 6,000 citizens.
Still, even without overnight expansion, the mass amounts of growth has posed lots of challenges for the city.
“There were some growing pains with the infrastructure and improvements. It’s unusual to have a city growing where you have the new development in the city at four times the size of what was already there,” Larson said.
“That has caused a shift in the political gravity and posed certain cultural challenges. I suppose a bit of a rift still exists between those who have lived here a long time and those who haven’t, but it’s not as strong as it was a few years back and I think many are beginning to see the benefits that can come with growth.”
North Bend’s population came in at 4,710, up just five from a year ago and down from 4,746 in 2000.
Comments
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
