Demographic and Economic Trends - Introduction (Official City of Bellevue Website)

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The 2006 American Community Survey estimates are now available. The estimates, along with guidance on their interpretation can be found on the ACS page.

Bellevue's Demographics

With a population of 118,100, Bellevue is the Eastside’s major urban population center. Bellevue is the fifth largest city in Washington.(WA State Office of Financial Management)
Bellevue is an increasingly diverse community. Between 1990 and 2000, Bellevue’s population identified as Hispanic or of a non-white race rose from about 15 percent to 28 percent, and Bellevue’s foreign-born population increased from about 13 percent to just under 25 percent. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Bellevue residents are highly educated and well-suited to today’s knowledge economy. In 2000, 54 percent of Bellevue residents 25 years of age and older had at least a bachelor’s degree, and 53 percent in the workforce were employed in managerial and professional occupations. These percentages increased between 1990 and 2000, remaining higher than for residents in King County as a whole. (U.S. Census Bureau)

Demographic trends and patterns in Bellevue are described in more detail in Bellevue’s Census 2000 Report. The City's analysis of the new American Community Survey estimates suggests a continuation in Bellevue of many trends seen between 1990 and 2000.

Bellevue's Economic Profile

The 2005 Bellevue Economic Profile offers an in-depth analysis of Bellevue’s economy.

An estimated 130,000 total jobs were located in Bellevue in 2006, a number that exceeds Bellevue’s population. In the last 35 years, Bellevue has been transformed from a primarily residential community with about 20,000 jobs to a major regional economic and employment center.
Bellevue has a diverse local economy. Approximately two-thirds of the firms doing business in Bellevue are in the services and retail trade. The services sector is an especially important and growing part of the employment base in the Puget Sound region, particularly in Bellevue.
Bellevue has a particularly strong employment base in new economy industries such as engineering and information technology. The percentage share of jobs in Bellevue in these growing and well-paying industries is significantly higher than in the region as a whole.
Bellevue is a prominent headquarters location. In 2005, 13 of the state’s 100 largest public companies and nine of the state’s largest private companies were headquartered in Bellevue. Some of the largest headquarters located in Bellevue include Paccar, Puget Sound Energy, Expedia and Symetra Financial. Bellevue is also home to a number of the fastest growing public and private companies.
There are several major regional employers located in Bellevue. In Bellevue, as in the region as a whole, small- and medium-sized businesses make up a large majority. However, large employers account for a substantial number of jobs locally and regionally. Entities employing 1,000 or more persons in Bellevue include Bellevue Community College, Bellevue School District, City of Bellevue, Boeing Shared Services Group, Expedia, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Puget Sound Energy, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless.

Contact Information

Demographics and Economic Trends
450 110th Ave. NE
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009
Contact: Diana Canzoneri
Phone: 425-452-2743
E-mail

Office of Economic Development
450 110th Ave. NE
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009
Contact: Robert Derrick, Director
Phone: 425-452-5256
E-mail
Contact: Tom Boydell, Manager
Phone: 425-452-5241
E-mail