Edmonds is a vibrant, waterfront city located just 15 miles north of Seattle and 18 miles south of Everett. The community that became the City of Edmonds grew out of a homestead and logging operation started by George Brackett in 1876. Incorporated in 1890, the original townsite is now occupied primarily by the downtown and adjacent residential areas. The Great Northern Railroad reached the town in 1891 and for many years provided access for goods and passenger travel. Although fires destroyed many of the waterfront mills, shingle production continued to be the primary industry in the city into the 1940s. Ferry service to Kingston began in 1923 when a ferry terminal was built near the location of the existing ferry dock. The present ferry terminal was built in the early 1950s after acquisition of the ferry system by the State of Washington. The city continued to grow during the 1940s and 50s, resulting in a more active role of the municipality in providing water, sewer and streets for residential and commercial expansion. The Port district was formed in 1948 and began waterfront improvements. Completion of Interstate 5 and increased growth in the Puget Sound region led to a gradual change in the character of the city with more emphasis on residential development and a decline in the commercial importance of the downtown. The City provides many amenities for residents and visitors. An acclaimed arts and cultural community contributes to the strong sense of civic pride widely shared in the community. Edmonds boasts well-kept residential neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, popular annual holiday events and an active, involved citizenry. As of April 2011, the population of the City of Edmonds had grown to 39,800. The rate of population growth has been relatively stable at about 1% per year with major increases occurring primarily as a result of annexations in the 1960s and 1970s. Based on forecasted continued growth at 1% per year, the population in 2025 is projected to be 44,880. Over the last decade, employment within the city has grown somewhat faster than population, increasing about 2.7% per year. In 2000, the city had an estimated 10,154 jobs with the largest portion of those in services (39.5%). Retail trade and government accounted for 26% and 14% of employment, respectively. The remaining 20.5 percent of the jobs were in construction (7.6 percent); manufacturing (1.6 percent); wholesale trade, transportation, communication and utilities (5.5 percent); and education (5.8 percent). Edmonds continues to grow and thrive as both a popular tourist attraction with its charming downtown, celebrated restaurants and shops, beautiful beaches and parks, seasonal festivals and events, and thriving arts community - as well as a beloved community and hometown to the thousands who live and work here. In order to post any comments on this page, you are agreeing to the following terms and policies:
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