City Profile
Redmond, Washington
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Redmond, Washington, located in King County just east of Seattle, is globally recognized as a thriving technology hub and a model of planned urban-suburban community development. Originally inhabited by native tribes and later settled as a logging camp in the 1870s, the city incorporated in 1912 and earned the official moniker 'Bicycle Capital of the Northwest' in the late 20th century due to its extensive trail network. Today, it balances its rich natural heritage with cutting-edge corporate campuses, drawing professionals and families seeking a dynamic, nature-infused urban lifestyle. The city's commitment to parks, open spaces, and sustainable growth has cemented its reputation as one of the premier places to live in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington, USA, offers a diverse character, split by the Cascade Mountains into a wetter, milder western side and a drier, more extreme eastern side. The economy is robust and varied, with major industries including technology, aerospace, trade, and healthcare in Western Washington, while the eastern half is dominated by agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable production and dairy farming. Living costs are generally high, especially in the Seattle metropolitan area, though more affordable options exist in Eastern Washington. The climate west of the Cascades features cool, comparatively dry summers and mild, wet, cloudy winters, while the east experiences hotter summers and colder winters. Residents often enjoy an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, balancing urban conveniences with access to diverse natural landscapes.
How this 62/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 82 / 100 | 82.0 | 30% | 24.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 152.0 | 0.0 | 25% | 0.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $145,000 Income needed to live here: $85,000 Unemployment rate: 3.4% | 91.3 | 20% | 18.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.4% Job growth rate: 2.8% | 68.0 | 15% | 10.2 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 88 / 100 | 88.0 | 10% | 8.8 |
| Overall score | 61.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Redmond is significantly higher than the national average, driven largely by high housing demand and the affluent socioeconomic profile of the Puget Sound tech corridor. Expenses related to real estate, property taxes, and local services outpace national benchmarks significantly, reflecting the strong regional economy and high median incomes. While everyday goods and utilities are somewhat more aligned with broader metropolitan trends, residents generally allocate a substantial portion of their monthly budget to housing and transportation.
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Redmond's economy is exceptionally robust, anchored heavily by the technology sector and world-class corporate giants such as Microsoft, which maintains its sprawling global headquarters here. In addition to tech behemoths, the city fosters a diverse business ecosystem spanning aerospace, digital entertainment, biomedical research, and professional services. The local job market continues to experience steady growth, attracting top-tier engineering, product management, and creative talent from across the globe. Furthermore, a strong remote and hybrid work culture remains prevalent among the city's white-collar workforce.
The average salary in Redmond is $115,000 per year. You would need approximately $85,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Redmond combines car dependency with a growing multi-modal transit network, highlighted by the recent expansion of the Sound Transit Link light rail connecting the Eastside to Seattle. While a significant share of residents commute via personal vehicles using State Route 520, the city offers extensive bike lanes and an improving local bus network operated by King County Metro. Walkability varies by neighborhood, with downtown and upcoming light rail station areas offering the highest pedestrian convenience.
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