Eatonville, Washington, United States of America

Eatonville is a town located in Pierce County, Washington. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,012.

Eatonville History

For centuries, Indian people roamed the rivers and streams of the Eatonville area. Indian Henry was one of those, who in 1889, guided the town's founder, Thomas C. Van Eaton, from Mashell Prairie to the present site of Eatonville. It is said that upon arrival, Henry declared, "This good place. Not much snow."

Area settlers and Indians were in need of goods, which "T.C." provided at his trading post. Supplies were carried by his stage from Spanaway over a rough trail through dense forest. In 1891, the settlers built the town's first school, which is still in use.

For years Eatonville was a waypoint for visitors to Mt. Rainier. In 1902, the Tacoma Eastern Rainlroad arrived, providing freight and passenger service and a vital link to Tacoma. Soon after the railroad's arrival, several small mills sprang up in the vicinity.

Eatonville was officially incorporated on October 28, 1909, after the Eatonville Lumber Company brought in more people to work in its mill. The mill's closure in 1954 was a blow to the town, but community spirit and good schools have kept Eatonville alive and growing.

History found at EatonvilleChamber.com, and comes directly from a Pierce County Landmark marker found at the intersection of Mashell Ave and Center St. in Eatonville, Washington.

Eatonville Geography

Eatonville is located at 46°52'6" North, 122°16'12" West (46.868253, -122.270065).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.4 km² (1.7 mi²). 4.4 km² (1.7 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Eatonville Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 2,012 people, 748 households, and 542 families residing in the town. The population density is 454.3/km² (1,176.4/mi²). There are 805 housing units at an average density of 181.8/km² (470.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 91.35% White, 0.25% African American, 0.75% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.65% Pacific Islander, 2.24% from other races, and 3.98% from two or more races. 4.62% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 748 households out of which 38.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% are married couples living together, 11.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% are non-families. 22.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.69 and the average family size is 3.16.

In the town the population is spread out with 31.4% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $43,681, and the median income for a family is $50,733. Males have a median income of $41,950 versus $25,380 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,513. 11.8% of the population and 11.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 11.6% of those under the age of 18 and 9.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• EatonvilleChamber.com: The official website of The Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce. Business listings, community information and events.
• EatonvilleCitizens.com:providing access to local government information for Eatonville Washington.
• The Dispatch Newspaper:Serving Eatonville, Ashford, Elbe, Roy and Graham.
• Eatonville.com

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Eatonville,_Washington".