Cluster Profiles

Analysis about the fiscal conditions of Washington's 281 cities was done by dividing cities into clusters based on similar economic characteristics. After separating cities into two groups based on 2000 U.S. Census defined metro areas and non-metro areas, cities were initially divided based on the results of a statistical analysis.

Fourteen different city clusters were identified, each with their own name and number. Clusters one through six contain cities located in non-metro areas as defined by the 2000 U.S. Census. Clusters seven through 14 include cities located in metro areas. Characteristics of the 14 clusters are explained below.

Read more about the cluster methodology here.

Non-Metro Area Cities
Regional Centers - Cluster 1 Size – Largest in non-metro areas Property value – Moderate Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – Moderate Geography – East and west For example: Pullman, Centralia	Natural Resources/Light Industrial Hubs - Cluster 4 Size – Small Property value – Moderate Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – Low Geography – East and west For example: Pateros, Forks
Rural Commercial Centers - Cluster 2 Size – Small Property value – Moderate Commercial activity – High Growth – Moderate Geography – Mostly east For example: Omak, Shelton	Small Residential - Cluster 5 Size – Small Property value – Low Commercial activity – Low Growth – Moderate Geography – Mostly east For example: Entiat, White Salmon
Tourism Hubs - Cluster 3 Size – Small Property value – High Commercial activity – High Growth – Moderate Geography – East and west For example: Ocean Shores, Winthrop	Rural Communities - Cluster 6 Size – Small Property value – Low Commercial activity – Low Growth – Low Geography – East and west For example: Bridgeport, Pe Ell

Metro Area Cities
Largest Cities - Cluster 14 Size – Largest Property value – Moderate Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – Low to moderate Geography – Mostly west For example: Tacoma, Spokane	Mixed Resources - Cluster 10 Size – Medium Property value – High Commercial activity – High Growth – High Geography – All west For example: Arlington, Issaquah
Major Commercial Centers - Cluster 13 Size – Large Property value – High Commercial activity – High Growth – Low to moderate Geography – All west For example: Tukwila, Lynnwood	High Income Residential - Cluster 9 Size – Small Property value – Highest Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – Low Geography – All west For example: Hunts Point, Medina
Medium Commercial Centers - Cluster 12 Size – Large Property value – Moderate Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – Low to moderate Geography – East and west For example: Pasco, Lacey	Residential - Cluster 8 Size – Medium Property value – High Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – High Geography – Mostly west For example: Normandy Park, Camas
Small Commercial Centers - Cluster 11 Size – Small Property value – Moderate to high Commercial activity – High Growth – High Geography – Mostly west For example: Yelm, Union Gap	Urban Outskirts - Cluster 7 Size – Small Property value – Moderate Commercial activity – Moderate Growth – Moderate Geography – East and west For example: Eatonville, Zillah

For an alphabetical list of all cities and respective cluster membership click here.

Cluster Profiles

Non-Metro Area Cities

Metro Area Cities

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