Fairwood, WA
Fairwood is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in King County, Washington, located 16 miles southeast of downtown Seattle.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Fairwood is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in King County, Washington, United States . As an unincorporated area, it does not have its own municipal government and is administered directly by King County. It is located in the state of Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. King County is the most populous county in Washington, known for its major economic hub, Seattle, and its diverse economy driven by technology (Microsoft, Amazon) and aerospace (Boeing) .
Historical Names and Nicknames
There are no widely known historical names or official nicknames for the Fairwood CDP itself. The community is primarily known as a residential suburb. It is sometimes referred to as Cascade-Fairwood, a name that was used for the CDP in previous censuses and is still used in some contexts .
Date of Foundation and Age
Fairwood does not have a formal date of foundation. It developed as a suburban residential area in the latter half of the 20th century. It was first recognized as a CDP by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1980, which marks its emergence as a distinct, populated place for statistical purposes .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Fairwood is located at the exact geographic coordinates 47.4467° N, -122.143° W . It is situated about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of downtown Seattle . The community occupies a plateau that extends from the bluffs of the Cedar River valley on the north down towards the Kent Valley on the west . The elevation of the area is approximately 500 feet (200 m) above sea level .
Type of City and Economic Specialization
Fairwood is primarily a residential suburban community and a commuter town . Its economy is not based on local industry but on its proximity to major employment centers. A significant number of residents work in professional, management, and sales jobs in south King County, including at the Boeing Renton Factory, with many having a commute of less than 30 minutes . Local commerce is focused on retail and services catering to residents, such as those found in the Fairwood Shopping Center .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of the Fairwood CDP was 19,396 . With a total area of 4.86 square miles, it has a population density of about 4,000 people per square mile. It is a medium-sized, established suburban community. The area is notably diverse, with a significant Asian population (over 21% in 2020) and a growing multi-racial demographic .
City's "Visiting Card" (In Brief)
Fairwood is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community on a plateau southeast of Seattle, known for its excellent schools, access to green spaces and trails, and its central recreational hub, the Fairwood Golf & Country Club . It offers a peaceful residential base with convenient access to the employment and entertainment centers of the greater Seattle area .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
While there are no mountains within Fairwood itself, the community offers views of the regional landscape. From the summit of Cedar Mountain (also known as Echo Mountain) in nearby McGarvey Park, there are scenic views of Mount Rainier, the iconic 14,411-foot active volcano and the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
The Fairwood area is defined by several key water features:
- Cedar River: This river flows along the northern edge of the Fairwood plateau. The Cedar River Trail follows the river, providing opportunities for walking and cycling .
- Spring Lake / Lake Desire: These two small lakes are located just east of the Fairwood CDP in the Maple Heights-Lake Desire area. Spring Lake / Lake Desire Park offers backcountry trails for hiking and horseback riding .
- Soos Creek: A small stream in western Fairwood, surrounded by the Soos Creek Park, which features a 12-mile trail and a large riparian habitat .
- Peterson Creek: This creek is passed by the hiking trail in McGarvey Park .
National and Natural Parks
There are no national parks within Fairwood, but several important local parks and natural areas are located within or directly adjacent to the community:
- Soos Creek Park: A large park in western Fairwood featuring a 12-mile trail along Soos Creek, ideal for birdwatching .
- Spring Lake / Lake Desire Park: Located east of Fairwood, this park offers an 11-mile backcountry trail network .
- McGarvey Park: Features a 1.2-mile hiking trail up Cedar Mountain through evergreen forest .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Fairwood has a marine west coast climate (Köppen: Csb), characteristic of the Pacific Northwest . It is characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The weather is heavily influenced by its location, with a dramatic seasonal shift from mostly cloudy skies in winter to mostly clear skies in summer .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Temperatures in Fairwood vary significantly by season. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 86°F (30°C) and an average low of 56°F (14°C). The coldest month is December, with an average high of 35°F (2°C) and an average low of 26°F (-3°C) .
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 36 | 42 | 51 | 60 | 69 | 77 | 86 | 86 | 75 | 60 | 44 | 35 |
| Low (°F) | 26 | 29 | 33 | 38 | 45 | 51 | 56 | 55 | 48 | 39 | 32 | 26 |
Precipitation and Humidity
Fairwood receives a moderate amount of precipitation, with a distinct dry season in the summer.
- Annual Rainfall: Approximately 40-44 inches (1,016-1,118 mm) .
- Wettest Month: November, with an average of 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain .
- Driest Month: August, with an average of only 0.5 inches (12 mm) of rain .
- Snowfall: Snow is common but usually not heavy. The snowiest period is from November to March, with December seeing the most snow, averaging 4.7 inches (126 mm) .
Sunny Days and UV Index
The amount of sunshine varies drastically. From November through February, the sky is mostly cloudy over 68% of the time. In contrast, July is the sunniest month, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 75% of the time . The UV index in the summer months can reach moderate to high levels, especially during outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Fairwood for warm-weather activities is from early July to mid-August, when the weather is most favorable with warm, dry, and sunny days .
- Summer (June-September): Warm and dry, with long daylight hours—ideal for hiking, golfing, and exploring parks.
- Spring (March-May) and Fall (October-November): Milder temperatures with increased rainfall. The landscape is lush and green.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, cloudy, and wet, with occasional snow. This is the quietest time of year.
Landmarks
Fairwood Golf & Country Club
The Fairwood Golf & Country Club is the central recreational and social hub of the community . Located in the Fairwood Greens neighborhood, this private club features a large 18-hole golf course (6,316 yards, par 71). It also includes a heated, 8-lane junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness gym, and dining facilities, defining much of the area's suburban character .
Petrovitsky Park
Petrovitsky Park is the primary public park within the Fairwood CDP. Located just north of Petrovitsky Road, this 88-acre park offers extensive athletic facilities, including four baseball fields and soccer fields. It also features a playground and picnic areas, serving as a key gathering place for families and local sports leagues .
Cedar River Trail
While not within the CDP boundaries, the Cedar River Trail is a significant regional amenity for Fairwood residents. Located just north of the plateau, this paved trail follows the scenic Cedar River from the city of Renton to Maple Valley. It is heavily used for walking, running, cycling, and horseback riding, providing a direct connection to nature .
Transport
Main Highways and Roads
Fairwood is served by several major arterials that connect it to the wider region :
- Petrovitsky Road: The primary east-west route through Fairwood's commercial core, connecting downtown Renton (and the Boeing factory) to the west with Maple Valley to the east.
- 140th Avenue Southeast: A major north-south arterial running adjacent to the Fairwood Shopping Center and Soos Creek.
- State Route 169 (Maple Valley Highway): Located on the northern edge of Fairwood, this highway provides quick access to Interstate 405 (I-405) , a major freeway that connects to Renton, Bellevue, and other Eastside suburbs.
Nearest Airports
Fairwood does not have its own airport. The nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) , located approximately 15-20 miles to the west in the city of SeaTac. The drive via I-405 and SR 167 typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Fairwood is provided by King County Metro, which operates several bus routes through the area. These routes connect Fairwood to the Renton Transit Center, the Tukwila International Boulevard Link light rail station, and other parts of King County, providing access to Seattle and the greater region for commuters.
Major Rail Stations
There are no train stations within Fairwood itself. The nearest major rail hub for commuter rail and long-distance Amtrak service is King Street Station in downtown Seattle, which is accessible via a combination of bus and light rail.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
While the search for Fairwood, WA did not return information on all the requested categories, here is the information available regarding local healthcare.
Valley Medical Center's Fairwood Clinic
Residents have access to primary care services at the Valley Medical Center's Fairwood Clinic. This facility provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare for everyone in the family. Services include monitoring patients' general health and addressing many medical concerns directly at the clinic office. When necessary, the clinic will refer patients to specialists and surgeons. The clinic is located in the Fairwood Plaza at 14410 Southeast Petrovitsky Road, Suite 104, Renton, WA 98058 .
Major Hospitals Serving the Area
For more specialized medical needs, Fairwood is served by two large hospitals in the nearby area. These are Sacred Heart Medical Center and Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital. These facilities offer a range of services including cardiology, maternity, neurology, emergency medicine, and specialty care for children .
In addition to these major hospitals, Fairwood has a variety of small medical facilities that provide primary care, as well as specialty services such as physical therapy and mental health counseling .
Community Health Statistics
Fairwood has a higher number of physicians per capita than the U.S. average, with 241 physicians per 100,000 population compared to the national average of 210. The community's Health Cost Index is 82.0, which is lower (better) than the U.S. average of 100 .
Regarding environmental factors that can affect health, Fairwood has an Air Quality Index of 47, a Water Quality Index of 38, and a Superfund Index of 73. The average commute time for residents is 26.1 minutes .