Earning a living in Snohomish County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there were 351,535 working people in 2012 who called Snohomish County home. That’s about half the population. More than 35 percent of them earned their living in another county — no surprise given the number of folks who reside in north Seattle suburbs. So commute times are greater than the state or national averages. We also have a proportionately bigger middle class than most places, due in large part to numerous aerospace engineers and highly skilled blue-collar workers. Here’s a look at Snohomish County’s diverse working class.

Commuting in 2012

One-way travel time to work. Among Snohomish County workers, 30-34 minutes is most prevalent. Statewide, it’s 15-19 minutes.

Snohomish County Washington U.S.
PLACE OF WORK:
Worked in county of residence 64.3% 81.2% 72.5%
Worked outside county of residence 35.7% 18.8% 27.5%
TRAVEL TIME TO WORK:
Less than 10 minutes 9.1% 12.5% 13.1%
10 to 14 minutes 10.8% 13.2% 13.8%
15 to 19 minutes 12.8% 14.9% 14.9%
20 to 24 minutes 13.0% 14.0% 14.1%
25 to 29 minutes 6.0% 6.1% 5.8%
30 to 34 minutes 14.4% 12.9% 13.0%
35 to 39 minutes 3.3% 2.8% 2.6%
40 to 44 minutes 4.8% 3.7% 3.5%
45 to 59 minutes 10.4% 7.1% 7.2%
60 or more minutes 10.5% 7.4% 7.7%

Employment by industry in 2012

Snohomish County Washington
Education, health care and social assistance 18.9% 21.3%
Manufacturing 16.0% 10.5%
Retail trade 12.3% 11.6%
Professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management 10.6% 12.0%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accomodation and food 8.2% 8.8%
Construction 8.2% 6.6%
Finance and insurance; real estate 6.3% 5.8%
Other services, except public administration 4.9% 4.8%
Transportation, warehousing and utilities 4.4% 5.2%
Public administration 4.2% 5.5%
Information 2.6% 2.4%
Wholesale trade 2.6% 3.0%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; mining 0.8% 2.6%

Household incomes in 2012

Snohomish County Washington U.S.
Less than $10,000 4.5% 6.1% 7.2%
$10,000 to $14,999 3.2% 4.3% 5.4%
$15,000 to $24,999 7.2% 9.0% 10.7%
$25,000 to $34,999 7.8% 9.5% 10.4%
$35,000 to $49,999 12.8% 13.4% 13.7%
$50,000 to $74,999 19.2% 19.0% 18.2%
$75,000 to $99,999 15.8% 13.6% 12.2%
$100,000 to $149,999 18.7% 14.9% 12.8%
$150,000 to $199,999 6.6% 5.5% 4.8%
$200,000 or more 4.2% 4.7% 4.6%

SOURCES: U.S. Census, U.S. Department of Commerce via Headwaters Economics

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

Everett
Deputies arrest woman after 2-hour standoff south of Everett

Just before 9 a.m., police responded to reports of domestic violence in the 11600 block of 11th Place W.

Bruiser, photographed here in November 2021, is Whidbey Island’s lone elk. Over the years he has gained quite the following. Fans were concerned for his welfare Wednesday when a rumor circulated social media about his supposed death. A confirmed sighting of him was made Wednesday evening after the false post. (Jay Londo )
Whidbey Island’s elk-in-residence Bruiser not guilty of rumored assault

Recent rumors of the elk’s alleged aggression have been greatly exaggerated, according to state Fish and Wildlife.

Jamel Alexander stands as the jury enters the courtroom for the second time during his trial at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Second trial in Everett woman’s stomping death ends in mistrial

Jamel Alexander’s conviction in the 2019 killing of Shawna Brune was overturned on appeal in 2023. Jurors in a second trial were deadlocked.

A car drives past a speed sign along Casino Road alerting drivers they will be crossing into a school zone next to Horizon Elementary on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Traffic cameras begin dinging school zone violators in Everett

Following a one-month grace period, traffic cameras are now sending out tickets near Horizon Elementary in Everett.

(Photo provided by Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Federal Way Mirror)
Everett officer alleges sexual harassment at state police academy

In a second lawsuit since October, a former cadet alleges her instructor sexually touched her during instruction.

Michael O'Leary/The Herald
Hundreds of Boeing employees get ready to lead the second 787 for delivery to ANA in a procession to begin the employee delivery ceremony in Everett Monday morning.

photo shot Monday September 26, 2011
Boeing faces FAA probe of Dreamliner inspections, records

The probe intensifies scrutiny of the planemaker’s top-selling widebody jet after an Everett whistleblower alleged other issues.

A truck dumps sheet rock onto the floor at Airport Road Recycling & Transfer Station on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace transfer station closed for most of May

Public Works asked customers to use other county facilities, while staff repaired floors at the southwest station.

Traffic moves along Highway 526 in front of Boeing’s Everett Production Facility on Nov. 28, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / Sound Publishing)
Frank Shrontz, former CEO and chairman of Boeing, dies at 92

Shrontz, who died Friday, was also a member of the ownership group that took over the Seattle Mariners in 1992.

(Kate Erickson / The Herald)
A piece of gum helped solve a 1984 Everett cold case, charges say

Prosecutors charged Mitchell Gaff with aggravated murder Friday. The case went cold after leads went nowhere for four decades.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.