Economic development

Community Profile

When it comes to economic growth, Auburn has been leading the region!

The Auburn area has more available land at reasonable prices than any other urbanized area in King County. The community boasts a large, capable labor force, cooperative City government, a city Economic Development Manager, a Small Business Assistance Center and a Chamber of Commerce committed to working closely with area businesses. More than a third of Auburn's land is developed, providing a solid industrial and business base. The remaining raw land is still very affordable. In fact, no other easily accessible area in King County has land so reasonably priced. In regard to workforce readiness, the Auburn area draws from a skilled and mobile labor force of well over one million people who live within 20 easily traveled miles. Auburn's economic indicators remain very impressive. Auburn is a great place to invest and do business. In the last ten years, we have seen the development of a new YMCA, a new Justice Center and downtown revitalization. The SuperMall of the Great Northwest, Emerald Downs Race Track, Muckleshoot Casino, Auburn Performing Arts Center, White River Valley Museum, White River Amphitheatre, Washington National Golf Course, the commuter rail station and the new Safeway distribution center.

Auburn Businesses Video 

Major Employers

• Auburn New Car Franchise Dealerships
• Auburn Regional Medical Center
• Auburn School District
• Boeing
• Certainteed Corporation
• City of Auburn
• Emerald Downs Race Track
• Federal Aviation Administration
• General Services Administration
• Green River Community College
• Key Bank Call Center
• LiveBridge, Inc.
• Muckleshoot Casino/Enterprises
• Oak Harbor Freight Lines
• Safeway Distribution Center
• Social Security Administration
• SuperMall of the Great Northwest
• Toysmith
• Zones, Inc.

Population Growth

Auburn straddles the county lines of South King and North Pierce counties. The area is one of the fastest growing in the Puget Sound region. The South Sound area now boasts of having over a million residents. During the last five years, within a five-mile radius of downtown Auburn, over 10,000 people chose Auburn as their new home. If projections prove correct, by 2010 another 9,655 people will have chosen the Auburn area as their new address.

Household Income

During the last five years, the average median household income grew 14 percent, from $46,788 in 2000 to $53,136 in 2005 and is expected to grow another 14 percent in the next five years.

Housing

From 2000 to 2003, the number of housing units in the 5-mile radius of downtown Auburn grew from 59,296 to 63,475. Forecasts show that another 3,837 homes will be built here by 2010. Local home values are ramping up quickly. In just five years the median value of a home in Auburn increased by 42% from $155,689 in 2000 to $219,632 by the end of 2005. However, even at current values, homes in the Auburn area cost 70 percent less than the median price of a single-family home in King County, which was $374,000.

Average Age and Education

The average age within a five-mile radius is 34.2, with the greatest percentage (44.9 percent) falling within the ages of 15-54. More than half, 56.8 percent, graduated from college or have some college education.

A Strategic Transportation Hub

Located between Seattle and Tacoma in the Green River Valley, Auburn has ready access to regional, national and international markets using a modern network of air, sea, rail, and highway transportation facilities.

The city is bi-sected by State Highways 18 and 167, major arterials that connect within three miles downtown to Interstate 5, the state’s major north-south freeway system. This puts Auburn just 15 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Port of Tacoma, and just 20 miles from the Port of Seattle, the closest deep-water port to Alaska and the Far East. Two major railroads, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, and Union Pacific, serve the area. Auburn has many supply chain businesses to move products to market.

A beautiful new commuter rail station opened in Auburn in the fall of 2001. Five trains each way now carry commuters from Tacoma through Auburn to Seattle with plans to add more trips and extend the service north to Everett and south to Lakewood. Nearly 500 people board the Sounder trains from Auburn each workday morning. Bus routes are synchronized to connect with train arrivals. The adjacent six-story commuter-station parking-garage can house nearly 550 vehicles. The transit center and garage are catalysts for new development and investments in downtown Auburn. (Download Economic Development brochure for full statistics)

The City of Auburn Economic Development department would be happy to send you a copy of the recent ESRI demographic study or any other materials. Please contact:

Dave Baron
Economic Development Manager
City of Auburn
253-804-3101
dbaron@auburnwa.gov

More Economic Development Opportunities

• NWProperty.net - NWProperty is your portal to a comprehensive listing of commercial property for sale and lease, demographic reports, and public data
• Local Businesses and Organizations Can Team Up with the City to Promote Auburn
• Economic Development Strategies

Check out a video of our Economic Development Opportunities

• Economic Development Presentation (dial-up connection) 
• Economic Development Presentation (high-speed connection) 

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