City Profile
Renton, Washington
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Renton, Washington, is a vibrant and culturally diverse city situated on the southern shore of Lake Washington. Originally established as a coal-mining hub in the late 19th century, the city has evolved into a major economic center within the Seattle metropolitan area. Today, it is widely recognized as the manufacturing home of the Boeing 737, blending its rich industrial heritage with a rapidly modernizing urban landscape. Residents are drawn to Renton for its central location, robust job market, and exceptional recreational amenities.
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 51/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 135.0 | 0.0 | 25% | 0.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $92,000 Income needed to live here: $65,000 Unemployment rate: 4.2% | 74.7 | 20% | 14.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: 2.2% | 58.3 | 15% | 8.7 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 10% | 7.2 |
| Overall score | 51.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 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 Renton is notably higher than the national average, heavily influenced by its proximity to Seattle and the broader King County economic boom. Housing costs, including both rental apartments and single-family home purchases, represent the largest expense for residents, though they are somewhat more accessible than in Seattle proper. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also trend above national benchmarks, aligning with the Pacific Northwest's elevated economic baseline.
Income
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Renton boasts a dynamic and resilient job market anchored by heavy manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and technology sectors. The presence of major employers like Boeing provides a steady stream of engineering, assembly, and administrative positions that drive the local economy. Additionally, a growing startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem has taken root, benefiting from the city's strategic access to regional talent pools and modern commercial spaces.
The average salary in Renton is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $65,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Renton is facilitated by a network of major highways, including Interstate 405 and State Route 167, making regional commuting a central part of daily life. Public transportation is served by King County Metro and Sound Transit buses, connecting residents to downtown Seattle, Bellevue, and Sea-Tac Airport. While car dependency remains moderate to high for suburban errands, ongoing investments in transit infrastructure continue to improve walkability and bike lanes.
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