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Issaquah, Washington
Issaquah, Washington
Issaquah, Washington
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Issaquah (/ˈɪsəkwɑː/ ISS-ə-kwah) is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 40,051 at the 2020 census.[5] Located in a valley and bisected by Interstate 90, the city is bordered by the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the "Issaquah Alps" to the south. It is home to the headquarters of the multinational retail company Costco Wholesale Corporation. Issaquah is included in the Seattle metropolitan area.

Key Information

Sunset Way in downtown Issaquah

History

[edit]
Coal miners' homes in Issaquah, 1913

"Issaquah" is an anglicization of the Southern Lushootseed placename /sqʷáxʷ/, meaning either "the sound of birds", "snake", or "little stream". "Squak Valley", an older name for the area, also derives from this same Native American name.[8][9][10]

In September 1885, the then-unincorporated area was the scene of an attack on Chinese laborers who had come to pick hops from local fields.[11] Three of the laborers died from gunshot wounds; seven attackers were indicted, but they were later acquitted or charges were dropped.[11][dubious – discuss]

Shortly after becoming known as Squak, the town was briefly renamed to Gilman, an homage to Daniel Hunt Gilman, who brought railways to the town.[12][13]

The city was officially incorporated by the Washington State legislature on April 29, 1892.[12] Initially a small mining town, the city has changed noticeably both in its appearance and economic focus. Issaquah was originally developed to service the mining industry (on the two nearby mountains that now lend their names to the Cougar/Squak Corridor Park). As the mining deposits neared depletion in the late 1890s, other companies started to realize Issaquah's potential to support a lucrative lumber business. These companies exported timber from Issaquah and other small, local towns to Seattle and larger, rapidly growing communities throughout western Washington. These early boom industries, however, faded into a period of relative quiet by the time of the Great Depression.

The town's industries remained similar through most of the twentieth century, with Boeing providing the majority of employment in the area. Microsoft and other technological industries moved into Redmond and other cities in the area, and later established operations in Issaquah itself.[citation needed] In June 1996, Costco moved its global headquarters to Issaquah from nearby Kirkland.[14]

Geography

[edit]

Issaquah is located 15 miles (24 km) east-southeast of Seattle at the south end of Lake Sammamish. Its neighboring cities are Bellevue to the west and Sammamish to the north. Issaquah resides within the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.40 square miles (29.53 km2), of which 11.38 square miles (29.47 km2) are land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) are water.[15]

Issaquah is surrounded on three sides by what are known locally as the Issaquah Alps: Cougar Mountain on the west, Squak Mountain to the south, and Tiger Mountain to the southeast. To the north of Issaquah is Lake Sammamish. Cougar and Squak Mountains are home to sizable neighborhoods on their lower slopes, though the bulk of all three mountains are preserved in public ownership as Squak Mountain State Park,[16] Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park,[17] West Tiger Mountain NRCA,[18] and Tiger Mountain State Forest.[19] Geologists have noted the chemical and geological content of these three mountains to be much different from that of the Cascade Range, because they are not volcanic in origin, while the entire Cascade Range is postulated to have formed from volcanic action. They[who?] believe that these three mountains are the remains of a much older mountain range long since eroded by earthquakes, volcanic action, and shifting plates.[citation needed]

Climate

[edit]

Issaquah has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb) with chilly, extremely wet winters and warm, moderately humid summers. Although there is no dry season in Issaquah, winters are many times wetter than the summers. Rainfall amounts are extremely similar to the neighboring city of Sammamish, which is 0.06 inches wetter overall, with the same summer rain amounts.

Climate data for Issaquah, Washington
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 67
(19) 		75
(24) 		79
(26) 		90
(32) 		97
(36) 		108
(42) 		100
(38) 		102
(39) 		98
(37) 		95
(35) 		75
(24) 		67
(19) 		108
(42)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 47
(8) 		50
(10) 		54
(12) 		58
(14) 		64
(18) 		69
(21) 		75
(24) 		76
(24) 		70
(21) 		60
(16) 		51
(11) 		45
(7) 		60
(16)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 36
(2) 		35
(2) 		37
(3) 		40
(4) 		46
(8) 		51
(11) 		54
(12) 		53
(12) 		48
(9) 		43
(6) 		38
(3) 		34
(1) 		43
(6)
Record low °F (°C) −1
(−18) 		−3
(−19) 		8
(−13) 		24
(−4) 		26
(−3) 		31
(−1) 		36
(2) 		35
(2) 		30
(−1) 		23
(−5) 		2
(−17) 		3
(−16) 		−3
(−19)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 8.85
(225) 		5.61
(142) 		6.26
(159) 		4.81
(122) 		4.01
(102) 		2.94
(75) 		1.37
(35) 		1.29
(33) 		2.85
(72) 		5.69
(145) 		10.12
(257) 		8.45
(215) 		62.19
(1,580)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 2.9
(7.4) 		3.1
(7.9) 		1.2
(3.0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		1.6
(4.1) 		2.8
(7.1) 		11.6
(29)
Source: Weather.com[20]

Economy

[edit]

Warehouse retailer Costco has been headquartered in Issaquah since 1996.[21] Other major Issaquah employers include Microsoft, Siemens Medical Solutions' Ultrasound Group, Overtime Technologies, Boehm's Candies, and Darigold.[22] Apparel wholesaler SanMar is also headquartered in the city.[23] A large gravel quarry, operated by Lakeside Industries, is located on 120 acres (49 ha) immediately north of downtown Issaquah. It is planned to be redeveloped into a residential and commercial neighborhood over a 30-year period as quarry operations are phased out.[24]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1900700—
1910628−10.3%
192079126.0%
1930763−3.5%
19408126.4%
195095517.6%
19601,87095.8%
19704,313130.6%
19805,53628.4%
19907,78640.6%
200011,21244.0%
201030,434171.4%
202040,05131.6%
2024 (est.)39,664[6]−1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[25]
2020 Census[5]

According to a 2021 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $132,984, and the median income for a family was $115,814. The per capita income for the city was $78,581.

According to the Washington State Office of Financial Management, Issaquah ranked 6th of 279 eligible incorporated communities in population growth between 2000 and 2005.[26] Forbes.com ranked Issaquah the 2nd fastest-growing suburb in the state and the 89th in the nation.[27]

2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 30,434 people, 12,841 households, and 8,018 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,674.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,032.6/km2). There were 13,914 housing units at an average density of 1,222.7 per square mile (472.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 74.7% White, 1.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 17.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races, and 4.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 5.8% of the population.

For the same census period, there were 12,841 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.6% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34, and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. 23.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 35.5% were from 25 to 44; 22.6% were from 45 to 64; and 12.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

The population has increased by 40,058 people as of the 2020 census.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census, there were 11,212 people, 4,840 households, and 2,908 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,330.9 people per square mile (514.1/km2). There were 5,195 housing units at an average density of 616.7 per square mile (238.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.95% White, 0.88% African American, 0.63% Native American, 6.04% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.46% from other races, and 2.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 4.95% of the population.

There were 4,840 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 36.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,892, and the median income for a family was $77,274. Males had a median income of $55,049 versus $36,670 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,222. About 3.4% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

[edit]

Highways and roads

[edit]

Issaquah is bisected by Interstate 90, which runs from Seattle to Boston, and Washington State Route 900, which connects the city to neighboring Renton. There is a chronic traffic congestion problem on Front Street, which traverses the historic downtown. Proposals have been made to create a bypass, but opponents have argued that this will only result in more sprawl in the area beyond downtown and thus bring in more traffic and pollution. In 2008, the Issaquah City Council voted to cancel the 15-year-running SE Bypass project. In addition, King County has no funding in its seven-year capital plan to improve Issaquah-Hobart Road, the southern terminus of the proposed bypass.

Public transportation

[edit]

Bus service in Issaquah is provided by King County Metro as well as regional Sound Transit routes to Seattle and Bellevue. There are two primary park-and-rides in the city, at Issaquah Transit Center and Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride, which have a total of 1,999 parking spaces.[28][29] Since August 1995, the city and King County Metro provided a free circulator bus (route 200) between business districts and community centers in Issaquah as a form of traffic congestion relief.[30]

As part of the expansion of Sound Transit services, a Link light rail line to Issaquah from Bellevue is proposed to begin service by 2044. The 4 Line will terminate in Issaquah and was funded by the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure, which was passed by voters in 2016.[31][32]

Local attractions

[edit]
Village Theatre's First Stage, Issaquah

Issaquah Alps

[edit]

The Issaquah Alps are a range of highlands situated around the city of Issaquah that include hiking trails and other outdoor activities. It is primarily composed of three distinct peaks: Tiger Mountain, Cougar Mountain, and Squak Mountain.[33][34] Paragliders and hang gliders launch from Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain in the Issaquah Alps.[35] Several popular trailheads in the area are served by Trailhead Direct, a shuttle bus service managed by King County Metro.[36]

Issaquah Valley Trolley

[edit]
Main article: Issaquah Valley Trolley
Issaquah Valley Trolley car crossing Front Street. Operation ceased in fall 2020.

The Issaquah Valley Trolley was a heritage trolley service operated by the Issaquah Historical Society on a section of the city's remaining railroad tracks from the Issaquah Depot to Gilman Village. A pilot was organized from 2001 to 2002 with cars borrowed from Yakima Valley Trolleys and followed by the Issaquah Historical Society's acquisition of their own three cars in 2010.[37][38] Regular public rides started in October 2012[39] and operated seasonally on weekends until November 2020, when it was discontinued permanently because of increased costs and insufficient funding.[40][41]

Village Theatre

[edit]

The Village Theatre has presented live stage plays on its main stage in downtown Issaquah since 1979. It was originally located in a converted movie theater and later built its main stage at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre in 1993. Village Theatre is an Equity theater and has an affiliated theater in Everett.[42]

Salmon hatchery and festival

[edit]

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery on Issaquah Creek is a state-owned fish hatchery that was built in 1936 by the federal Works Project Administration. It annually raises about Chinook and Coho salmon and is the most visited hatchery in Washington with an estimated 350,000 visitors annually.[43][better source needed]

Issaquah Salmon Days is an annual two-day festival held in Issaquah during early October to celebrate the return of spawning salmon to the area. It includes a parade, arts and crafts conventions, live entertainment and music, and sporting events.[44] In 2005, the register revealed over 400,000 people attended the Salmon Days Festival.[citation needed]

Cougar Mountain Zoo

[edit]
View of Lake Sammamish from the zoo

The Cougar Mountain Zoo is located on 8 acres (3.2 ha) west of Issaquah on the north slope of Cougar Mountain. The zoo was founded in 1972 and is home to many endangered birds and animals, as well as cougars, lemurs, reindeer, and wallabies.[45] In 2007, the zoo added two Bengal tiger cubs who had been raised in a Florida preserve.[46]

Gilman Village

[edit]

Gilman Village is a shopping center created in 1972 from historic residential and commercial buildings that were moved and renovated for use as independent shops and restaurants. The complex has 27 buildings with various businesses, including specialty shops.[47] The shopping center was designed by Baylis Architects, Richard Haag Associates, and landscape architect Stephen G. Ray.[48]

High Alpine Chapel

[edit]

The High Alpine Chapel opened in 1981 on the grounds of the Boehm's candy shop near downtown Issaquah. It was designed to resemble a 12th-century Swiss church and can hold 57 people. The chapel includes a memorial to deceased mountaineers.[49]

Government

[edit]
Issaquah City Hall

The City of Issaquah uses the mayor-council form of government. The City Council acts as the legislative body. The City Council consists of seven councilmembers, who each have four-year terms in staggered tranches.

Mary Lou Pauly was elected mayor of Issaquah in 2017 with 64.19% of the vote.[50] She was re-elected in 2021 to another term.[51]

In 2023, Issaquah became the first Washington city to be awarded LEED Gold certification for its environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.[52]

Education

[edit]

Public education for 21,358 students within the city and surrounding area is provided by the Issaquah School District,[53] which operates 28 schools in and around Issaquah.[54] This school district includes the southern part of Sammamish with the zip code 98075. This area also includes the northern part of Renton.

Healthcare

[edit]

Swedish Medical Center opened a full-service hospital and healthcare facility in the Issaquah Highlands with a capacity of 175 inpatient beds and a 24-hour emergency room in November 2011.[55] The campus also includes medical offices and specialty care facilities.[56] Bellevue-based Overlake Hospital Medical Center also petitioned the state government to open a hospital in Issaquah, but lost to Swedish's bid.[57]

Notable people

[edit]

Sister cities

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Issaquah, Washington

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Issaquah is a city in , , located about 17 miles east of in a valley bisected by Interstate 90 and bordered by the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the Issaquah Alps to the south. Incorporated as Gilman in 1892 to support railroad and operations on nearby Tiger Mountain, the city was renamed Issaquah in , deriving from the Native American term "Squak," referring to the calls of water birds in the area's wetlands. As of 2023, Issaquah had an estimated population of 39,472, reflecting a diverse suburban community with a median household income of $153,786 and significant growth in professional services, retail, and technology sectors driven by major employers like Wholesale's global headquarters. The city's economy has transitioned from its historical reliance on mining and logging to modern industries including , healthcare, and corporate management, with key companies such as and maintaining substantial presences nearby. Issaquah is noted for its opportunities, including extensive trails in the surrounding mountains and annual events like the Salmon Days Festival, which celebrates the return of to local creeks, alongside cultural attractions such as the Village Theatre and Cougar Mountain Zoo. Its moderate climate, with summer highs in the 70s°F and winter averages in the 40s°F, supports year-round access to and regional parks, positioning it as a desirable residential area for commuters to the metropolitan region.

History

Indigenous Presence and Early European Settlement

The Issaquah Valley, situated at the southern end of , was historically occupied by Southern Coast Salish peoples, primarily the Snoqualmie and Sammamish tribes, with influence from the neighboring Duwamish. These groups, speaking dialects, maintained seasonal encampments in the area for resource gathering, including salmon fishing in local creeks and the lake, as evidenced by oral traditions and proximity to anadromous fish runs in the Snoqualmie River watershed. Archaeological records from the broader confirm long-term habitation patterns focused on salmonid exploitation, though site-specific artifacts in the immediate valley remain limited due to later development. The indigenous name for the area, rendered variably as "Is-saq-uah," "Is-qu-ah," or "Squak" by early recorders, derives from terms evoking either the sound of water birds in the wetlands or a reference to snakes and streams, reflecting the boggy terrain and avian abundance. These subsisted through , gathering, and fishing, with no evidence of permanent large-scale villages in the valley itself, consistent with mobile seasonal use amid denser settlements upstream along the Snoqualmie River. European-American settlement commenced in the early 1860s amid post-Treaty of Point Elliott (1855) tensions in the , where native populations had declined sharply from diseases like introduced via maritime contact. Initial arrivals included loggers targeting old-growth forests and farmers establishing homesteads for hops cultivation and subsistence, drawn by fertile soils and access to markets. Relations were initially peaceable but strained by broader unrest, exemplified by the November 7, 1864, killings of settlers William Casto, Abigail Casto, and boarder John Halstead in their Squak Valley cabin by two Snohomish individuals, who were subsequently slain by a native ally of the settlers. This incident, occurring during a period of sporadic violence tied to treaty grievances and resource competition, heightened settler vigilance but did not derail incremental logging and clearing activities that laid groundwork for later growth.

Incorporation and Resource Extraction Era

The town of Gilman, later renamed Issaquah, was incorporated on April 29, 1892, amid growing settlement driven by proximity to natural resources. The name Gilman honored Gilman, founder of the Seattle Coal and Iron Company, which operated key local mines. In 1899, the officially changed the town's name to Issaquah, reflecting the area's indigenous roots. This formal establishment coincided with infrastructure developments that amplified resource extraction, particularly the arrival of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway in , which connected Issaquah to and facilitated efficient transport of and timber. Coal mining dominated the local economy during the 1890s through the 1920s, with operations like the Gilman mines featuring large wooden storage bunkers for coal awaiting rail shipment. The Coal and Iron Company's ventures employed a significant portion of the workforce; by 1900, over 60 percent of Issaquah's laborers worked in the , underscoring the industry's centrality to the town's viability. Rail access transformed extraction into a profitable enterprise, as coal was shipped to markets, while complemented , with local mills processing valley forests for railroad ties and lumber. These activities capitalized on the region's and dense woodlands, drawing hundreds of workers and spurring population growth tied directly to resource output. By the late 1920s, seams began depleting, compounded by shifts in energy markets favoring alternative fuels and the economic downturn of the , which severely impacted operations. Mine closures and reduced timber yields marked the end of the extractive boom, as exhausted resources curtailed large-scale operations and prompted gradual economic pivots away from heavy reliance on mining and forestry. This transition, rooted in finite geological and arboreal assets, laid groundwork for later diversification, though the era's prosperity had been predicated on the railroads' ability to link local abundance to broader demand.

Suburban Expansion and Modern Growth

Following , Issaquah underwent a marked suburban expansion as Seattle-area residents sought housing proximate to burgeoning employment opportunities in aerospace manufacturing, particularly at facilities in the . The city's population, stagnant at around 900 for decades prior, began surging with the postwar economic boom, reaching approximately 2,000 by 1960 and continuing to climb through the 1970s amid improved highway access like Interstate 90. This growth reflected market preferences for affordable single-family homes and lower-density living compared to urban , facilitated by private rather than centralized planning. The 1990s and subsequent decades accelerated this trajectory with the rise of the technology sector, drawing commuters to in adjacent Redmond and supporting Wholesale's headquarters expansions in Issaquah itself, which added millions of square feet of office space to accommodate corporate growth. increased from about 11,000 in 2000 to over 30,000 by 2010, then by an additional 32% to roughly 40,000 between 2010 and 2023, underscoring the appeal of short commutes to high-wage tech and retail jobs without the regulatory density of core urban areas. Washington's absence of a , combined with relatively lighter local regulations on development, further incentivized this private-sector-led influx over policy-driven initiatives. Recent years have seen infrastructure strains from sustained inbound migration, prompting responses like the Issaquah School District's proposed $642.3 million bond measure in November 2024—later adjusted and rescheduled for February 2025—to address school capacity, safety upgrades, and modernization amid enrollment pressures from families relocating for economic opportunities and suburban quality of life. These adaptations highlight how proximity to Seattle's job markets, paired with Issaquah's market advantages in housing availability and fiscal restraint relative to urban regulatory environments, have sustained prosperity without relying on expansive public subsidies.

Geography

Topography and Location

Issaquah lies in eastern King County, Washington, approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown Seattle via Interstate 90. The city occupies a north-south trending valley flanked by the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the Issaquah Alps—a cluster of low mountains including Cougar Mountain (elevation 1,043 feet or 318 m), Squak Mountain (2,024 feet or 617 m), and Tiger Mountain (up to 3,000 feet or 914 m)—to the south. Lake Sammamish borders the city to the northwest, while the Cascade Range foothills rise to the east, defining a compact geographic footprint of about 11 square miles (28 km²) that constrains lateral expansion. Elevations within municipal limits vary significantly, from roughly 50 feet (15 m) in low-lying northern sections near Issaquah Creek to over 1,000 feet (305 m) along southern ridgelines, creating a rugged terrain of steep slopes and narrow drainages. The primary hydrological feature is Issaquah Creek, which drains a basin exceeding 70 square miles (181 km²) from Cascade headwaters through the urban core to , with over 75% of the watershed remaining forested. This topography positions Issaquah at the edge of County's , where regulations emphasize compatibility with natural contours, such as limiting development on slopes exceeding 30% grade to mitigate and preserve viewsheds. Such constraints fuel local debates on sprawl versus intensification in flatter zones, as the surrounding elevations limit available buildable land without hillside alteration.

Climate and Natural Features

Issaquah features a marine west coast climate, classified under the Köppen system as Cfb, with mild temperatures year-round and precipitation concentrated in winter months. Average high temperatures range from 44°F in December to 79°F in August, while lows vary from 36°F in December to 53°F in August. Annual precipitation totals approximately 46 inches, with over 70% falling between October and March, often exceeding 5 inches per month during the wet season, while summers remain relatively dry with less than 1 inch monthly. Extreme weather events occur infrequently but can impact the area, as seen in the June 2021 heat dome, when temperatures in nearby regions exceeded 100°F for several days, straining local infrastructure. Snowfall averages around 5-10 inches annually, primarily in winter, with rare accumulations disrupting daily activities. These patterns contribute to high livability, supporting without prolonged harsh conditions. Natural hazards include flooding from creeks like Issaquah Creek, affecting about 15% of properties with a moderate risk over 30 years, and from surrounding forests, though Issaquah's urban proximity and moist yield lower wildfire susceptibility compared to . Landslides and earthquakes pose additional risks due to the region's geology, but no major events have devastated the city in recent decades. The landscape includes the Issaquah Alps, a series of forested hills with dense coniferous stands dominated by species like subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and , hosting such as cougars, bobcats, , and pygmy . These areas, encompassing over 100 miles of trails in parks like Cougar Mountain and Squak Mountain, foster that underpins a recreation-based through and viewing. Issaquah Creek, a key salmon-bearing stream, underwent restoration in 2025 at State Park, reconnecting 6,600 feet of channel with woody debris to enhance instream habitat and reduce erosion, benefiting populations without altering flood control structures.

Demographics

Issaquah's population reached 40,051 according to the , reflecting a 31.6% increase from the 30,434 residents recorded in 2010. This expansion positioned Issaquah as Washington's second-fastest-growing during the early 2000s, driven by its proximity to Seattle's employment centers and appeal to families seeking space amid . By 2023, state estimates placed the at 41,290, with projections indicating further growth to approximately 41,560 by April 2025, sustained by annual rates averaging around 1% in recent years.
YearPopulation EstimateAnnual Growth Rate (Approx.)
201030,434-
202040,0512.8% (decade average)
202140,6401.5%
202240,9500.8%
202341,2900.8%
2025 (proj.)41,5600.3% (from 2024 est.)
Data compiled from Washington Office of Financial Management estimates; growth rates calculated between consecutive years. The influx stems primarily from economic incentives, including high median household incomes in the metro area that enable relocation from costlier, higher-tax urban cores to Issaquah's suburban setting with comparable job access via Interstate 90. This pattern mirrors broader trends where families prioritize lower-density living while commuting to tech and professional sectors, contributing to Issaquah's ranking among the fastest-growing affluent U.S. suburbs with a recent 7% population uptick. Rising density has intensified infrastructure demands, exemplified by 2025 Washington State Department of Transportation repairs on I-90 bridges in Issaquah, which involved repeated lane reductions to address wear from elevated traffic volumes.

Ethnic, Racial, and Age Composition

According to the , Issaquah's population of 38,061 residents exhibited a racial and ethnic composition dominated by at 56.1% and Asians at 27.6%, followed by individuals identifying with two or more races at 6.3%, Hispanics of any race at 5.4%, and smaller shares for (1.7%), other races (1.3%), and Native Americans or Pacific Islanders (each under 1%).
Racial/Ethnic GroupPercentage (2020)
White (Non-Hispanic)56.1%
Asian (Non-Hispanic)27.6%
Two or More Races6.3%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.4%
Black or African American1.7%
Other Race1.3%
American Indian/Alaska Native0.5%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.3%
The median age in Issaquah was 37.2 years in 2020, with approximately 23.7% of residents under 18 years old, indicating a family-oriented demographic skew toward younger households compared to the national median of 38.8 years. Between 2000 and 2020, the Asian population share more than doubled from around 13% to 27.6%, driven by migration of skilled professionals to the nearby technology sector, while the Non-Hispanic White share declined from approximately 80% to 56.1%. Foreign-born residents comprised 28.9% of the population by 2023, predominantly from , though integration appears high given elevated rates exceeding regional averages. Racial tensions remain limited, with isolated incidents such as antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ in 2023 and hate-motivated leading to a 2025 , but these do not indicate systemic issues amid Washington's statewide uptick, as Issaquah reports no disproportionate local rates per available data.

Socioeconomic Metrics

Issaquah residents enjoy a median income of $153,786 as of 2023, marking an approximate 7.6% year-over-year increase from $143,006 in the prior year. reached $102,043 in the same period, underscoring robust individual earnings driven by high-value in proximate and sectors. The city's rate remains low at 5.9%, well below the national average of around 11.5% and indicative of widespread economic participation rather than dependence on public assistance programs. Educational attainment significantly exceeds state norms, with 70.5% of adults aged 25 and older possessing a or higher in recent estimates, compared to Washington's statewide figure of approximately 40%. This disparity stems from selective migration of skilled workers to the area, facilitated by unrestricted labor markets and access to Seattle's innovation hubs, which reward accumulation over subsidized outcomes. Homeownership stands at 60.2%, marginally under the state average of 64.2%, amid home values exceeding $1 million due to organic from affluent buyers and constrained developable , not regulatory impediments to supply expansion. These metrics collectively reflect rooted in voluntary economic exchanges and private-sector incentives, yielding tangible gains in and stability without evident distortion from expansive welfare mechanisms.

Economy

Major Industries and Employers

Issaquah's economy centers on professional, scientific, and technical services, which employed 5,061 residents in 2023, followed by retail trade with 3,496 workers and health care and social assistance with 2,652. Corporate headquarters and management services form a key pillar, exemplified by Costco Wholesale's global headquarters, which has operated in the city since 1996 and supports thousands of corporate positions amid ongoing campus expansions, including a 2023 office addition and a 2025 acquisition of adjacent property for further growth. Information technology contributes through software, gaming, and hardware firms, with proximity to larger tech hubs drawing personnel and operations, though the city hosts smaller-scale IT employers rather than major headquarters. Healthcare stands out with providers like Proliance Surgeons and ' diagnostic imaging facility, employing specialists in medical solutions. Retail and logistics bolster the sector via Costco's warehousing influence and local chains like , while and leverage natural assets for seasonal employment in and guiding services. The local workforce totaled approximately 22,100 in 2023, reflecting a shift from historical and resource extraction to service-oriented roles, with total dipping 2.2% from 2022 amid broader economic adjustments. hovered at 3.9% in late 2023, lower than the long-term local average of 3.98% and indicative of a tight labor market sustained by private sector demand.

Economic Expansion and Fiscal Policies

Issaquah's economic expansion benefits from frameworks that encourage , integrating office, retail, residential, and commercial activities to support urban vitality while complying with Washington state's growth management mandates. These policies aim to create livable communities but face constraints from a finite supply of large undeveloped parcels, which could amplify overregulation risks if rigidity limits adaptive business growth; data from indicates such limitations have historically slowed site availability in similar Eastside suburbs. The city's Dashboard reveals robust retail sales trends and at 3.90% in late 2024, below the long-term average of 3.98%, signaling resilience amid national fluctuations. 2024 reports document new openings offsetting closures, with revenues from development funding without excessive borrowing, though a $3.5 million general fund shortfall emerged from dips, underscoring the need for vigilant revenue diversification over reliance on expansion alone. Efficiency-driven fiscal conservatism is evident in the 2023 LEED Gold certification for Cities—the state's first—achieved through 73 points across sustainability metrics like energy and , prioritizing cost-effective operations rather than regulatory overreach. Low debt service obligations, covered by growth revenues, contrast with urban peers facing stagnation; Issaquah's pro-development stance sustains high median household incomes, mitigating traffic strains from expansion while contends with 9% congestion rises tied to denser, less agile policies.

Government and Politics

City Governance Structure

Issaquah operates under a mayor-council form of , with an elected seven-member City serving as the legislative body responsible for policy-making and ordinance adoption. Council members are elected in non-partisan elections to staggered four-year terms, ensuring continuity in . The mayor, also elected to a four-year term, functions as the , directing administrative operations and implementing council directives. The City Council oversees the biennial , adopting for two-year periods with adjustments as required. For the 2025-2026 cycle, the council conducted public hearings and adopted the budget on December 2, 2024, totaling $193.8 million in expenditures for 2025 and $202.6 million for 2026 across all funds. This process emphasizes fiscal planning aligned with municipal priorities such as infrastructure maintenance and service delivery. Key municipal departments support operational efficiency, including , which handles , , design, and construction of systems like sanitary sewers, stormwater management, streets, and bridges. The Services Department processes permits, building applications, and coordinates growth-related reviews. These departments report to the and , focusing on verifiable metrics such as project completion timelines and infrastructure upkeep standards. Advisory boards and commissions augment decision-making, particularly in land use and growth management. The Development Commission, established in 1983, reviews Level 4 land use actions, certifies final plats, and provides recommendations on planning policies under the Growth Management Act. Additional commissions, recruited annually in February, address areas like parks, human services, and environmental review to handle expansion approvals and community input. This structure facilitates coordinated oversight of development while aligning with state-mandated growth targets.

Political Landscape and Voter Behavior

Issaquah's political landscape contrasts with the broader Democratic dominance in King County, where received 75.0% of the vote in the 2020 . Local voting patterns in Issaquah demonstrate greater balance, with the city often functioning as a for state-level races including presidential, gubernatorial, and senatorial contests, unlike the more uniformly liberal urban core of . This moderation manifests in higher relative Republican turnout and support compared to Seattle's precincts, where Democratic margins exceed 80% in many areas, reflecting Issaquah voters' responsiveness to issues like fiscal restraint and business-friendly policies amid suburban growth pressures. The city's portion of Washington's 5th Legislative District (LD-5), encompassing Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and nearby areas, features competitive races that highlight this dynamic. LD-5 has seen narrow victories and party flips, with Democrats holding the state Senate seat and one House position as of 2025, but Republicans mounting strong challenges in recent cycles, including targeted efforts in 2025 primaries to capitalize on voter concerns over taxes and . Such contests underscore Issaquah's deviation from countywide trends, where Democratic supermajorities prevail, and instead reward candidates emphasizing economic pragmatism over expansive spending. Voter behavior in recent local elections further evidences , particularly on fiscal matters. In the November 2024 , Issaquah Proposition No. 1—a $642.3 million bond for modernization and construction—received 50.08% approval but failed to meet Washington's 60% threshold for bonds, signaling scrutiny of tax hikes despite acknowledged needs driven by . A follow-up $231.6 million bond in February 2025 also failed, reinforcing patterns of voter caution toward debt-financed projects in a high-cost . These outcomes align with support for policies retaining major employers like headquarters, prioritizing economic stability over unchecked public expenditure.

Education

Public School System

The Issaquah School District #411 operates 27 schools serving approximately 19,500 students across 110 square miles in eastern King County. The district consistently ranks among Washington's top performers on state assessments, with students exceeding statewide averages in English language arts and mathematics on the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). In the 2025 SBA results, Issaquah students achieved proficiency rates surpassing pre-2019 levels in both subjects, positioning the district competitively against high-performing systems nationwide. Student demographics reflect a relatively affluent population, with free and reduced-price lunch eligibility rates as low as 3.9% in sampled middle schools, contributing to overall high achievement outcomes. While the district reports efforts to address subgroup disparities, such as English learner progress, persistent gaps remain in certain demographics despite statewide recognition for some schools in closing them. Elementary proficiency reaches 72% in reading and 70% in math, underscoring empirical strengths tied to socioeconomic factors rather than uniform equity interventions. Rapid has strained high school capacity, with Issaquah and High Schools operating at elevated enrollment levels, prompting modular expansions and bond proposals for relief. A $642 million bond in 2024 and a subsequent February 2025 measure aimed at safety upgrades and overcrowding mitigation both failed at the , reflecting voter concerns over costs amid recent enrollment stabilization or slight declines at lower grades. Parental choice manifests in local private school options, including top-rated institutions like Lakeside Montessori and Summit Classical Christian School, alongside statewide trends of 26% private enrollment growth post-2019. Homeschooling declarations through the district indicate additional opting out, correlating with broader dissatisfaction patterns in Washington where families seek alternatives to public systems.

Infrastructure and Recent Initiatives

The Issaquah School District is advancing construction of a new high school to address overcrowding at existing facilities, with groundbreaking planned for March 2026 and the 75,000-square-foot campus opening to 700 students in fall 2027. This project, funded through prior levies including a 2022 allocation of $44 million, will draw 600–700 students from Issaquah High School and Skyline High School attendance areas to redistribute capacity. High school enrollment pressures persist amid district-wide declines, with overall student numbers dropping by 329 full-time equivalents in 2024–2025 and projections for further losses of 351 students in 2025–2026, driven by lower birth rates and fewer elementary entrants but sustained high school attendance through grade progression and later transfers. These dynamics have necessitated targeted infrastructure responses at the secondary level, separate from broader facility modernizations. In November 2024, voters rejected Proposition 1, a $642.345 million bond for construction and upgrades including safety enhancements and technology infrastructure, which garnered 49.4% approval but failed to meet Washington's 60% threshold. A follow-up bond attempt in 2025, seeking $292 million to cover escalated costs, similarly fell short of passage. Public debate included criticisms of the 2024 voter pamphlet for lacking explicit disclosures, though district communications emphasized project-specific funding needs over general enrollment growth. District libraries, integrated across schools, provide print, digital, audio, and video resources to bolster research skills and curriculum support. Complementing these, Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives deliver vocational training aligned to regional labor demands in sectors like , and , culinary arts, and health occupations, incorporating employability skills for postsecondary transitions. Programs such as Career Kickstart offer summer job shadowing and industry visits for high schoolers to enhance workforce readiness.

Transportation

Highways and Major Roads

Interstate 90 (I-90) serves as the primary east-west artery through Issaquah, facilitating commuter access to and connections eastward toward . The highway carries high volumes of private vehicle traffic, reflecting the area's reliance on personal automobiles for daily mobility amid regional growth. In 2025, (WSDOT) crews conducted bridge repairs on westbound I-90 near Issaquah, reducing lanes to one for multiple weekends in and , which exacerbated delays on this congested corridor. State Route 900 (SR 900), intersecting I-90 in Issaquah, provides north-south connectivity from Renton through the city's urban core, functioning as a key undivided highway with signalized intersections and a center turn lane for much of its 16-mile length. This route supports local commerce and residential access but experiences routine bottlenecks tied to population influx and economic expansion, where increased vehicle miles traveled stem from job and housing development rather than transit alternatives. Gilman Boulevard, a major local north-south road, undergoes expansions including seismic retrofitting and widening of the NW Gilman Bridge to enhance capacity for Seattle-bound commuters. These improvements address surging volumes—evident in city-recorded 24-hour flows exceeding baseline capacities on principal arterials—causally linked to Issaquah's commercial growth, prioritizing auto infrastructure over less-utilized public options. Congestion metrics indicate persistent peak-hour delays on these roads, driven by the causal chain of regional employment hubs drawing drivers without proportional roadway scaling.

Transit Systems and Active Transportation

Public transit in Issaquah primarily consists of bus services operated by Sound Transit and King County Metro, connecting the city to Seattle and regional destinations. Sound Transit's route 554 provides express service from the Issaquah Transit Center to downtown Seattle, with peak-hour frequencies supporting commuter travel. King County Metro routes supplement this with local and all-day service, including connections to the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride. These options serve as supplements to driving in this suburban area, where transit accounts for approximately 9.5% of commute modes, underscoring a preference for personal vehicles due to the city's dispersed layout and topography. Light rail expansion is planned through Sound Transit's South Kirkland-Issaquah Link, a 12-mile extension with four new stations linking South Kirkland to Issaquah via Bellevue, projected to open between 2041 and 2046. The project, estimated at nearly $2 billion, anticipates 12,000 to 15,000 daily boardings based on regional modeling, though planning for Issaquah's continues with council approval of guiding principles in April 2025. Current bus ridership remains modest, reflecting transit's role as a secondary choice amid high . The Issaquah Valley Trolley operates as a line managed by the Issaquah History Museums, offering short seasonal rides along historic tracks from the Issaquah Depot Museum to Gilman Boulevard for $5 per adult ticket. Service, which ran weekends prior to 2020, was suspended due to the but has been under consideration for resumption as of 2024. Active transportation infrastructure includes the Issaquah-Preston Trail, a 5.4-mile multi-use path blending paved and gravel surfaces along a former railway grade, suitable for hiking and biking from Issaquah eastward to Preston and connections with regional trails like the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. This trail supports recreational non-motorized travel amid the Cascade foothills, though biking and walking comprise small shares of overall commutes, aligning with the area's car-oriented development.

Healthcare

The primary healthcare facility in Issaquah is the Swedish Issaquah Campus, a full-service operated by Providence Swedish that opened its services on November 1, 2011. Located at 751 NE Blakely Drive, the campus includes an , birth center, orthopedic services through the Swedish Orthopedic Institute, and various outpatient clinics, with over 120 beds and a focus on energy-efficient design. It serves the Eastside region and has received a B grade for from Group assessments. Complementary primary and urgent care options include the Overlake Clinics in Issaquah, offering primary care at 5708 E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE and urgent care open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as UW Medicine's Neighborhood Clinic at 1740 NW Maple Street providing primary and urgent services. MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care operates at 6140 E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The local healthcare sector emphasizes preventative care, aging services, and specialties such as sports medicine, aligned with the area's active population. Issaquah residents exhibit high coverage, with 98.5% of the population insured as of recent estimates, including 71.5% through employer plans and 9.54% via Medicare. assessments identify ongoing priorities like access to care and behavioral health support, though the area's affluent demographics and proximity to contribute to relatively strong overall health outcomes compared to state averages.

Culture and Recreation

Outdoor Activities and Parks

Issaquah's centers on the Issaquah Alps, a chain of foothills offering over 100 miles of trails for , running, , and equestrian activities across public lands managed by King County and state agencies. The city's trail network exceeds 200 miles, connecting residents to nearby peaks like Cougar Mountain (3,115 acres with 38 miles of paths) and Tiger Mountain, supporting high-volume use that bolsters local without excessive restrictions on access. Lake Sammamish State Park, adjacent to Issaquah and covering more than 500 acres, provides waterfront access for , , , , and , alongside wetlands and trails that attract anglers and birdwatchers year-round. The park's day-use facilities see heavy seasonal utilization, contributing to the area's recreation-driven visitor economy. The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, operated by the nonprofit Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH), facilitates annual returns of chinook and , with empirical data from 2025 showing processing of over 155 pounds of coho for donation amid ongoing runs monitored via live feeds. This supports the Salmon Days Festival on October 4-5, 2025, which draws thousands to observe spawning and hatchery operations, emphasizing verifiable patterns over symbolic preservation. In June 2025, habitat restoration commenced along 6,600 feet of lower Issaquah Creek within , incorporating large wood placement and reconnection to enhance fisheries while improving flood storage capacity under King County Flood Control District oversight. These efforts, funded partly by watershed grants, prioritize measurable outcomes like improved chinook conditions and reduced flood risk, integrating access with targeted ecological gains. Issaquah's parks, including recent 17.66-acre acquisitions on Squak Mountain and Issaquah Creek for trail expansion, adopt low-maintenance strategies to preserve over 500 acres of open space amid growing demand, as evidenced by 87% resident satisfaction in 2025 surveys. This approach sustains economic benefits from outdoor pursuits, countering tendencies toward over-preservation that could limit public use.

Arts, Events, and Cultural Sites

The Village Theatre, located in Issaquah, serves as a primary venue for professional productions in the , hosting a five-show mainstage season spanning 34 weeks annually. Its Francis J. Boxley Theatre features just under 500 seats, providing an intimate setting for performances that emphasize family-oriented content and new works development. Operations rely heavily on private funding mechanisms, including corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and an endowment campaign targeting $14 million for long-term sustainability, with notable support such as a $3 million private donation in 2021 to aid post-pandemic recovery. Volunteer involvement further bolsters programming, reflecting community-driven efforts over substantial public subsidies. Issaquah's annual Salmon Days Festival, established in 1970 by the local as its primary fundraiser, draws significant attendance as the state's largest two-day event, with estimates reaching 150,000 to 225,000 visitors in recent decades. The event celebrates regional salmon runs through parades, runs, and exhibits, sustained by volunteer committees and private organizational support rather than extensive municipal funding. While the city offers limited arts grants for cultural projects, such as proposals for 2026 initiatives, the festival's persistence underscores reliance on community and chamber-led private initiatives amid . The High Alpine Chapel, constructed between 1978 and 1981 on the grounds of Boehm's Candies by founder Julius Boehm, functions as a private memorial to mountaineers lost in the and Cascades, replicating elements of a 12th-century Swiss . This cultural site, integrated into tours of the candy chalet, exemplifies individual preserving heritage without public oversight, contributing to Issaquah's blend of alpine-inspired landmarks and community arts vitality.

Unique Local Attractions

The Issaquah Valley Trolley provides a heritage rail experience on tracks originally used for freight and in the late , utilizing a 1925 streetcar originally from , , acquired by the Issaquah History Museums in 2003. Rides operate seasonally from the Issaquah Depot Museum to Gilman Boulevard, offering round-trip excursions that highlight the area's rail history, with operations noted in periods such as 2012-2013 and potential resumption in 2024. Cougar Mountain Zoo, founded in 1972 as a non-profit focused on endangered species conservation and education, spans 11 acres on Cougar Mountain's north slope, featuring exhibits of Bengal tigers, wolves, reindeer, cougars, and other animals alongside panoramic views of Lake Sammamish. The facility emphasizes interactive learning through docent-led programs and close encounters, distinguishing it as a smaller, education-oriented alternative to larger regional zoos. Gilman Village, established in 1972 by Marvin and Ruth Mohl, comprises 27 relocated historic buildings from Issaquah's farming and era, housing independent shops and restaurants that preserve the town's early 20th-century architectural character. This development countered demolition threats during urban expansion, such as the 1970 Boeing cutbacks, by repurposing structures like old homes and barns into a specialty shopping district. These attractions attract day-trippers from nearby , bolstering local revenue through visitor spending on retail, dining, and experiences, while preservation initiatives in areas like Gilman Village maintain historic integrity amid ongoing development pressures.

Public Safety and Challenges

Crime Statistics and Policing

Issaquah maintains a low rate compared to state and national averages, with incidents of aggravated , , and remaining below Washington's figures as reported through the FBI's Crime Reporting (UCR) program. In 2024, violent crimes decreased by nearly 29 percent citywide, exceeding the statewide decline of 7.6 percent, while overall crime fell 1.5 percent from the prior year. These trends reflect empirical data from local submissions to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), which aggregates UCR-compliant statistics, underscoring Issaquah's safety profile amid suburban expansion. Property crimes, such as and , constitute the majority of reported offenses, with rates influenced by and commercial hubs like the Issaquah Highlands retail district, which draw transient visitors and opportunistic incidents. Over the 2019–2024 period, property crimes averaged higher per capita than violent offenses, aligning with patterns in affluent, growing Eastside communities where economic activity correlates with larceny risks, though absolute numbers remain manageable relative to urban benchmarks. The Issaquah Police Department (IPD) prioritizes these through targeted patrols and rapid response, contributing to clearance rates that support community stability without evidence of systemic underreporting in official tallies. A notable 2025 incident involved a series of hate-motivated incidents featuring swastikas, antisemitic messages, and anti-LGBTQ symbols on public trails, tunnels, and underpasses since 2024; IPD detectives arrested a single 22-year-old local perpetrator on October 8, 2025, resolving at least 12 cases linked to him. This isolated event, while drawing attention, exemplifies IPD's investigative efficiency rather than a broader trend, as subsequent blotters show no similar patterns. The IPD, operating 24/7 with a focus on community-oriented policing, fosters trust through transparent tools like weekly blotters, interactive maps, and monthly activity reports, enabling residents to monitor and report issues promptly. Departmental commitments emphasize and equity in service delivery, yielding quick resolutions in high-profile cases and aligning with lower-than-average persistence. These practices, grounded in data-driven allocation rather than reactive measures, sustain Issaquah's reputation for effective public safety amid regional growth pressures.

Environmental and Social Disputes

In June 2025, King County filed a civil against multiple Issaquah-area homeowners, including residents near Grand Ridge Park, alleging they illegally damaged or felled 142 publicly owned —comprising 72 limbed, 45 fully cut, 18 topped, and seven otherwise harmed—to enhance views of West Tiger Mountain. The county sought over $7 million in damages, restoration costs, and penalties, citing violations of critical areas ordinances protecting forested public lands adjacent to private properties. Homeowners countered that some removals addressed safety risks from leaning or diseased , with one asserting the actions were legal and precautionary for family protection. By July 2025, the county dismissed claims against certain parties, including Mercer Island resident Julie Hsieh, narrowing the case to core alleged perpetrators and underscoring challenges in proving coordinated intent versus individual property-adjacent maintenance. This dispute exemplifies conflicts between public environmental protections and private rights, where empirical assessments could resolve ambiguities but high damage claims risk deterring legitimate risk mitigation. Social tensions in Issaquah schools have centered on isolated and reports rather than systemic patterns. In April 2019, Issaquah High School investigated a student's Tolo invitation containing a racial slur referencing picking, prompting condemnation and disciplinary action amid community outrage. By July 2023, parents at Liberty High School raised alarms over increasing racial slurs and microaggressions against African American students, urging stricter enforcement of anti- policies through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Issaquah responded with investigations, discipline under its , Intimidation, and framework, and commitments to safe environments, evidenced by low recurrence rates in subsequent reports indicating effective case-by-case resolutions over institutional failures. Rapid population growth has fueled debates over affordability and , with residents prioritizing empirical supply increases via . A 2023 community survey revealed over 50% dissatisfaction with affordability, as median home prices exceeded regional norms amid limited new . Critics of , including council discussions in 2023, argue that inclusionary mandates and density caps exacerbate shortages, advocating streamlined permitting to boost units—potentially 2,996 affordable ones by 2044 under state guidelines—while like added lanes addresses congestion without halting expansion. impacts from growth, noted in 2025 council meetings, underscore the need for data-driven mitigations, such as transit-oriented incentives near , over growth caps that empirically worsen affordability by constraining supply.

Notable People

Isaac Brock, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the indie rock band , grew up in Issaquah after being born in , on July 9, 1975. The band, formed in the Seattle area in 1993, achieved commercial success with albums like (2000) and Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004), the latter earning a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2005. Actor David Call was born in Issaquah on August 14, 1982. He studied at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and has appeared in films including Insidious: The Red Door (2023) and Depraved (2019), as well as television series such as Quantico. Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. resided in Issaquah during his tenure with the Seattle Mariners, constructing a large home in the Canter Grove development north of the city in 1992. Drafted first overall in 1987, Griffey played 22 MLB seasons, earning 10 Gold Gloves and hitting 630 home runs, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 with 99.32% of votes. Pat Monahan, lead singer of the pop rock band Train, owned a waterfront mansion on Lake Sammamish in Issaquah, listed for sale in September 2024 at $8.198 million after purchasing it in 2015. Train's hits include "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" (2001), which won two Grammys, and the band has sold over 10 million albums worldwide.

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