DEMOGRAPHICS

There are an estimated 75,400 people living in the Thornton Creek watershed today. The population is densest in multi-family housing areas just east of Northgate Mall and near NE 145th Street and Lake City Way. The residents of the watershed represent a diverse mix of people of varying incomes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. The population of Thornton Creek consists primarily of Caucasians (84.4%), followed by Asians (2.9%). The rest of the population is African American (2.9%), Native American (1.2%), and Hispanic (1.1%). Population tends to be densest in the lower income areas, notably so in the area to the East of Northgate Mall, and in a portion of the Lake City area. Likewise, higher income areas tend to be less dense, especially around Lake Washington (Matthews Beach). In general, the middle of the watershed is denser and poorer. For more details see the income map, population map and chart.

There were an estimated 33,362 households in the watershed in 1998. Of the two-thirds of households living in single family houses, about 84% are owner-occupied. These owner-occupied properties provide opportunities for utilizing creative stormwater detention strategies.