Bellevue is the fifth largest city in Washington, with a population of more than 130,000. It is the high-tech and retail center of King County's Eastside, with more than 140,000 jobs and a skyline of gleaming high-rises. While business booms downtown, much of Bellevue retains a small-town feel, with thriving, woodsy neighborhoods and a vast network of green spaces, miles and miles of nature trails, public parks and swim beaches. The city's public schools are consistently rated among the best in the country.
Bellevue spans more than 31 square miles between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, and is a short drive from the Cascade Mountains to the east and Seattle, just 10 miles to the west.
Bellevue's population is growing and becoming more diverse. According to the census, minorities constituted 41 percent of Bellevue's population in 2010, and more than 50 different languages are now spoken by children in Bellevue public schools.
With its reputation for good schools, Bellevue continues to attract families with children. The under-18 population has kept pace with overall population growth and comprised just over one fifth of Bellevue's population in 2010.
Bellevue residents are some of the most highly educated in the state, with over 60 percent having a bachelor's degree or higher in 2009. Nearly the same proportion was employed in management, professional or related occupations. The City of Bellevue's website provides additional statistics and information about the city.
Bellevue Quick-facts:
- The city's name Bellevue is derived from a French term for "beautiful view."
- Founded in 1869 by William Meydenbauer and officially incorporated March 21, 1953.
- Population: 126,600 – the 5th largest city in the State of Washington.
- Bellevue's downtown includes 42,525 employees and over 10,000 residents.
- The population is quite diverse with 73% White, 27% Asian, 3% Black or African American and 6% Hispanic or Latino.
- 33% of residents are foreign born and over 56 languages are spoken in Bellevue's nationally recognized public schools.
- In 2012, Money Magazine ranked Bellevue #4 on its list of "Best Places to Live."
- Home to many corporate headquarters and major corporate offices including Eddie Bauer, Symetra, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Verizon, Bungie Games, Valve, Drugstore.com, Expedia, Coinstar, Paccar.
