Pierce County Public RecordsWashington

Pierce County, WA has over 538,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, including nonpartisan and partisan races, by mail-in voting with 49 ballot drop boxes and limited in-person centers. In the 2020 presidential election, 54% voted Democratic and 43% Republican. Key issues include housing, public safety, and transportation. The Pierce County Auditor’s Office oversees administration, with the Democratic and Republican parties as main local organizations. Voter turnout in recent general elections averaged 78%.

Pierce County, WA, saw a crime rate of 42.2 per 1,000 residents in 2023, higher than the national average. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for 28% of reported cases. Property crime, mainly theft and burglary, remained significant, with over 14,000 incidents reported. The Tacoma area had the highest crime concentrations. Despite a 5% decrease from 2022, only about 45% of crimes are resolved or result in arrests. Residents are encouraged to use the county’s online crime reporting system for non-emergencies to support community safety and accountability.

Pierce County, WA has over 70 high schools and is served by multiple districts, including Tacoma and Puyallup. About 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 26% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools. The county offers diverse educational programs, including Running Start and STEM tracks. Pierce County has invested in school safety, maintaining security staff and comprehensive emergency plans. Post-secondary options include Pierce College and UW Tacoma, supporting adult education and workforce training.

As of 2023, Pierce County, WA had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.3%. The largest industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Retail Trade (12%), and Educational Services (10%). Leading occupational groups are Office & Administrative Support (13%) and Sales (10%). Around 83% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 32 minutes. Major employment locations include Tacoma, Puyallup, and Lakewood, with many residents commuting to King County, particularly Seattle, for work.

Pierce County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with a median home price near $500,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is around $1,700. Property values have risen by roughly 4% year-over-year. Housing includes single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with popular neighborhoods such as Tacoma’s North End and Puyallup. Property taxes average 1.04% of assessed value. The county features diverse communities, ranging from urban to suburban and rural, accommodating a range of lifestyles and budgets.

As of 2022, Pierce County, WA has an estimated population of about 921,000. The median age is roughly 37 years. Females make up 50.1% and males 49.9% of the population. Racially, the county is 65% White, 11% Hispanic or Latino, 8% Asian, 7% Black or African American, 7% two or more races, and about 2% Native American or Pacific Islander. These diverse demographics make Pierce County one of Washington’s most vibrant regions.