Lakewood, Washington
Encyclopedia : L : LA : LAK : Lakewood, Washington
Lakewood is a city in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 58,211 at the 2000 census.
History
Lakewood was officially incorporated on February 28, 1996. Historical names include Lakewood Center and Lakes District (this name was used by the U.S. Census in the 1970 and 1980 Census).Population History
(1): Figures were taken prior to incorporation.
(2): Area known as Lakes District during the 1970 and 1980 census.
Geography
Lakewood is located at (47.163920, -122.526008)[Geographic references#1GR1].According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.1 km² (19.0 mi²). 44.3 km² (17.1 mi²) of it is land and 4.8 km² (1.9 mi²) of it (9.81%) is water.
There are several lakes within the city limits; the largest in area are American Lake, Lake Steilacoom, Gravelly Lake, Lake Louise and Waughop Lake. A number of small creeks flow through Lakewood, some of which drain into nearby Puget Sound. The largest of these, Chambers Creek, flows from Lake Steilacoom to Chambers Bay between nearby University Place and Steilacoom.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 58,211 people, 23,792 households, and 15,084 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,313.6/km² (3,401.3/mi²). There were 25,396 housing units at an average density of 573.1/km² (1,483.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 64.82% White, 12.25% African American, 1.55% Native American, 8.95% Asian, 1.84% Pacific Islander, 3.55% from other races, and 7.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.49% of the population.There were 23,792 households out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.
The population is spread out with 24.4% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,422, and the median income for a family was $42,551. Males had a median income of $31,434 versus $26,653 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,569. About 12.5% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.5% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.
Trivia
The FOX Network series COPS has filmed many segments with the Lakewood precinct of the Pierce County Sherriff's department. The Lakewood precinct has appeared on the show more times than any other police department.A recent informal survey by The News Tribune found that 36% of respondents, more than for any other single area of the 21 listed, believed Lakewood to be the most difficult area of Pierce County to navigate.[Informal News Tribune Poll - Most Difficult Areas of Pierce County to Navigate]. The News Tribune. Accessed February 24, 2006.
Lakewood is home to the Armadda Regime, a young street movement/Hip-Hop group made up of artists from the area.
Points of interest
Sister City
Lakewood has the following sister cities, according to [link]:
Notes
External links
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