Renton, Washington
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Renton is a city located in King County, Washington, immediately southeast of Seattle. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 50,052.
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History
Renton was incorporated as a city in 1901 (September 6) when coal mining and lumber harvesting were the most important economic activities in the area. The town's population boomed during World War II when Boeing built a factory in Renton to produce the B-29 Superfortress. The factory has continued to operate since then, and still produces 737 aircraft. In 2001, 40% of all commercial aircraft were assembled in Renton. Boeing remains the largest employer in Renton. Jimi Hendrix was buried in the Greenwood cemetery in Renton in 1970.
Recently, owing to its location at the confluence of three major freeways (I-5, I-405, and SR-167), Renton has become home to a number of "big box" retailers that draw customers from around the Puget Sound region, including Fry's Electronics and IKEA.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 44.8 km² (17.3 mi²). 44.1 km² (17.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.62% water, most of which is the Cedar River and Panther Lake.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 50,052 people, 21,708 households, and 12,243 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,134.8/km² (2,939.7/mi²). There are 22,676 housing units at an average density of 514.1/km² (1,331.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 68.14% White, 8.47% African American, 0.72% Native American, 13.37% Asian, 0.50% Pacific Islander, 4.24% from other races, and 4.57% from two or more races. 7.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 21,708 households out of which 26.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% are married couples living together, 10.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 43.6% are non-families. 34.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.29 and the average family size is 2.96.
In the city the population is spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 36.9% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $45,820, and the median income for a family is $55,747. Males have a median income of $40,765 versus $31,543 for females. The per capita income for the city is $24,346. 9.7% of the population and 7.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.5% of those under the age of 18 and 8.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
External links
- Renton city government webpage (http://www.ci.renton.wa.us/)