:Federal Way, Washington

Originally a logging settlement, the area was first called "Federal Way" in 1929 in reference to a school district.{{cite web |url=http://www.federalwayhistory.org/Articles/FedWay_Schools2.pdf |page=2 |work=FederalWayHistory.org |title=Early Federal Way Schools and the Naming of the Federal Way Area |author=Historical Society of Federal Way |year=2004 |access-date=May 10, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720012754/http://www.federalwayhistory.org/Articles/FedWay_Schools2.pdf |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |df=mdy-all}} The name derived from U.S. Route 99 (now State Route 99 or Pacific Highway South), a federally-designated highway which ran through the state and connected Seattle to Tacoma.{{cite book |last=Phillips |first=James W. |year=1971 |title=Washington State Place Names |page=[https://archive.org/details/washingtonstatep00phil/page/49 49] |publisher=University of Washington Press |isbn=0-295-95158-3 |oclc=1052713900 |url=https://archive.org/details/washingtonstatep00phil |url-access=registration |via=The Internet Archive |access-date=November 18, 2019}} Five existing schools consolidated operations into School District No. 210 in 1929 and planned construction of Federal Way High School, which opened in 1930 and gave its name to the school district.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cityoffederalway.com/about |title=About City of Federal Way |website=City of Federal Way |access-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-date=December 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035117/http://www.cityoffederalway.com/about |url-status=live }} The local chamber of commerce adopted the name in the early 1950s.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=85 |title=City History |author=City of Federal Way |access-date=May 10, 2010 |work=CityOfFederalWay.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027170416/http://cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=85 |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |df=mdy-all}}

Attempts to incorporate the city were voted down in 1971, 1981 and 1985.{{Cite web |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/4215 |title=Federal Way - Thumbnail History |last=Stein |first=Alan |website=Historylink |access-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215204248/http://historylink.org/File/4215 |url-status=live }} The voters eventually approved incorporation as a city on February 28, 1990; the official act of incorporation was held at the Sportsworld Lanes bowling complex.

As part of the Washington State Growth Management Act of 1990 (GMA), Federal Way has identified areas of unincorporated King County as Potential Annexation Areas (PAAs) to be annexed to the city. Federal Way's current PAAs include the Star Lake and Camelot neighborhoods in Lakeland North and the neighborhoods of Parkland, Lakeland, and Jovita in Lakeland South. All of these neighborhoods are located east of the city proper. In 2004, the city annexed the Northlake, East Redondo, and Parkway neighborhoods, adding over 2,700 people and nearly {{convert|1|sqmi|sqkm|1}} of area. While Federal Way had previously considered Auburn's West Hill, Auburn annexed that along with Lea Hill in 2007.

In February 2007, the city announced formal plans to annex the majority of unincorporated land on its east border as one PAA named East Federal Way, comprising the Star Lake, Camelot, Lakeland, and Jovita neighborhoods,[http://www.cityoffederalway.com/folders/home/businesseconomicdevelopment/projectsconstruction/potentialannexationareaplanning/Large%20PAA%20map.gif PAA Community Level Subareas map] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103090714/http://www.cityoffederalway.com/folders/home/businesseconomicdevelopment/projectsconstruction/potentialannexationareaplanning/Large%20PAA%20map.gif |date=January 3, 2011 }}[http://www.cityoffederalway.com/GetFile.aspx?id=12165 Federal Way Proposed Annexation Area map]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and a strip of Peasley Canyon Road connecting the two areas. Annexation of the area would add 20,000 people and nearly {{convert|7|sqmi|1}} to the city, creating the sixth largest city in Washington by population, at over 106,000 residents and nearly {{convert|29|sqmi}}.[http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=777 Proposed East Federal Way Annexation Area] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071110100800/http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=777 |date=November 10, 2007 }}

On August 21, 2007, residents of the proposed East Federal Way annexation area rejected annexation to Federal Way by a 66% to 34% margin.[https://web.archive.org/web/20061010224300/http://www.metrokc.gov/annex//efedway.aspx East Federal Way annexation information] (King County) Opponents of the plan, favoring remaining under direct King County government, asserted fears that increased density and higher taxes would result from annexation despite proponents showing studies that taxes and fees would be, in the immediate, unchanged.{{cite web |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/auburn/story/138421.html |work=Tacoma News Tribune |first=Mike |last=Archbold |title=Two annexation areas passing |date=August 22, 2007 |access-date=August 17, 2008}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In 2011, opponents of annexation petitioned King County to designate this same area as a township, an undefined municipal structure that does not currently exist anywhere else in the state but which the state constitution provides for. Under the plan, township status would prevent the annexation of the area, which would be named Peasley Canyon Township.{{cite news |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/125898333.html |title=Committee proposes new township in unincorporated King County |last=Hobbs |first=Andy |date=July 21, 2011 |access-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727015840/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/125898333.html |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}} The King County Council declined to act on the proposal, and the county elections board denied the group a ballot item.{{cite web |url=http://peasleycanyontownship.org/?p=102 |title=Complaint filed with the courts |author=Jerry |date=August 17, 2011 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711230950/http://peasleycanyontownship.org/?p=102 |archive-date=July 11, 2014 |df=mdy-all}}

Federal Way is located in the southwest corner of King County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|23.72|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|22.32|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|1.40|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.

The city is home to several lakes, including Steel Lake and Lake Killarney.

File:Dash Point State Park.jpg in western Federal Way]]

• Steel Lake Park – located on S 312th Street east of Pacific Hwy S; large lakefront area with picnic areas, playground, and boat launch.
• Celebration Park – on 11th Avenue S just south of S 324th Street; with sports fields and wooded trails, and Independence Day fireworks.
• Dash Point State Park – 53rd Avenue SW & SW Dash Point Road; the only developed waterfront park located within the city, including hiking trails and campground.{{cite web |url=http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Dash%20Point&subject=all |title=Washington State Parks |website=wa.gov |access-date=October 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023183408/http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Dash%20Point&subject=all |archive-date=October 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}
• West Hylebos Wetlands Park – at S 348th Street and 4th Avenue S, with hiking trails through wetlands.{{cite web |url=http://www.hylebos.org |title=Hylebos - EarthCorps |access-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918061319/http://hylebos.org/ |url-status=live }} The park also features two iconic buildings: the nearby Barker Cabin built in 1883, which is the city's oldest known building, and the {{convert|22|by|22|ft|m|adj=on}} Denny Cabin, which was once located west of present-day Seattle Center.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/history-and-a-rare-peat-bog-at-west-hylebos-wetlands-park/ |date=December 24, 2009 |title=History and a rare peat bog at West Hylebos Wetlands Park |last=McDonald |first=Cathy |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207114914/http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/history-and-a-rare-peat-bog-at-west-hylebos-wetlands-park/ |url-status=live }} The Denny Cabin was built by David Denny in 1889 as a real-estate office and was made from trees cut down on Queen Anne Hill.
• Dumas Bay Centre Park – on SW Dash Point Road; includes a beach, picnic area and walking trail{{Cite web |url=http://www.cityoffederalway.com/page/community-parks-0 |title=City of Federal Way Community Parks |access-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224213951/http://www.cityoffederalway.com/page/community-parks-0 |url-status=live }}
• Lakota Park – on SW Dash Point Road; includes baseball field, softball field, football field and 440 yard running track
• Saghalie Park – at 19th Avenue SW; includes basketball court, 440-yard track, children's playground, soccer and football field, sand volleyball, tennis courts and baseball courts
• The BPA Trail is a {{convert|3|mi|km|spell=in|adj=mid}} paved trail that follows the Bonneville Power Administration electricity transmission line from the entrance to Celebration Park west to approximately 18th Avenue SW, then south to the Pierce County border.{{cite news |date=February 1, 2007 |title=BPA Trail |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/bpa-trail/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 10, 2024}}

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Federal Way has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.{{cite web |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=682854&cityname=Federal%20Way,%20Washington,%20United%20States%20of%20America&units= |title=Federal Way, Washington Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase) |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=October 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018201459/http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=682854&cityname=Federal%20Way,%20Washington,%20United%20States%20of%20America&units= |url-status=live }}

File:Weyerhaeuser Building (Federal Way) 11.jpg headquarters]]

Until 2014, Federal Way was home to Weyerhaeuser, the largest private owner of softwood timberland in the world. Weyerhaeuser had opened much of its land in Federal Way to the public, including two botanical gardens: the Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden, and the Pacific Bonsai Museum. In 2014, the company announced it would vacate its Federal Way headquarters. City leaders suggested promoting the location for a potential community college campus. Federal Way is also home to the US headquarters of World Vision International.

Other attractions in the city include the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, which features an Olympic-size swimming pool which has been used for the 1990 Goodwill Games and 2012 US Olympic Swim & Dive Trials. Celebration Park includes sports fields, a playground, and wooded trails. The city has also developed many lakefront and neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and trails.

The {{convert|40|acre|adj=on}} PowellsWood Garden, known for its outstanding structural plantings and perennial borders, is located off South Dash Point Road. This land, on a portion of the Cold Creek ravine, was purchased by Monte and Diane Powell in 1993 in order to preserve green space in an increasingly urbanized area.

Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, the largest amusement park in the region, opened in 1977 on the south side of the city. It is the Seattle area's only permanent amusement park. Six Flags purchased Wild Waves in December 2000. However, after low sales, Six Flags sold the park in April 2007 to Parc Management LLC of Jacksonville, Florida, for $31.75 million.

Federal Way is locally identified by its 1990s semi-urban development, characterized by landscaped off-street multi-structure apartment complexes and shopping centers. The Commons at Federal Way, the city's only indoor shopping mall, is located on South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South (State Route 99) near the city's main Interstate 5 exit.

According to Federal Way's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in Federal Way are:{{cite web |title=City of Federal Way 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report |url=https://docs.cityoffederalway.com/WebLink/ElectronicFile.aspx?docid=1911820&dbid=0&repo=cityoffederalway |page=154 |access-date=December 5, 2023}}

File:Federal Way Link station under construction Feb 2025.jpg

In 2007, the city of Federal Way purchased a downtown lot formerly used by a defunct AMC Theatres cinema, and invited proposals from two developers, United Properties and Alpert Capital, to develop a multi-use tower project in the downtown core, adjacent to the recently built transit center. Such a project follows in the steps of similar multi-use developments such as Kent Station in nearby Kent. The city awarded the contract to United Properties' "Symphony" project, comprising four 15–22 story towers, including {{convert|60000|sqft|m2}} of retail and office space, 900 housing units, and a large downtown park which would be relinquished to the city. Transfer of the land to United Properties followed by construction of the first tower was scheduled to start in mid-2008.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}} However, in July 2008, United Properties requested a one-year extension on the terms of the purchase agreement, citing difficulties in the credit and housing markets to acquire the necessary funds.{{cite news |url=http://www.federalwaynews.net/articles/2008/07/21/news/local_news/story01.txt |title=Developers changing their tune regarding Symphony development timeline |access-date=August 11, 2008 |date=July 21, 2008 |newspaper=Federal Way News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827161456/http://www.federalwaynews.net/articles/2008/07/21/news/local_news/story01.txt |archive-date=August 27, 2008}} In August 2009, United suggested scrapping the Symphony plan and instead building a performing arts center on the property, a proposal the city rejected.{{cite news |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/55796922.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909044719/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/55796922.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |date=August 28, 2009 |last=Howard |first=Jacinda |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |title=Council still holds out hope for big high-rise project}}

In September 2009 the South Korean development firm Lander Korus joined onto the project with United.{{cite news |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/59286472.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906054951/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/59286472.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |date=September 15, 2009 |title=Downtown high-rises: Federal Way investor joins Symphony project |last=Howard |first=Jacinda |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror}} Korus proposed adding Asian elements to the building in order to attract investment and interest from the city's influential Korean population and foreign investment. However, by July 2010, after having granted United and Korus five extensions to close on the project, the city transferred the deal to another Korean developer, Twin Development,{{cite news |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/96673809.html |date=June 18, 2010 |title=High-rise developers pursue land purchase in Federal Way |last=Howard |first=Jacinda |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626083404/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/96673809.html |archive-date=June 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}} which had planned a similar project on another lot. The new developer brought a new design, with two 45-story and one 35-story mixed-use towers. As of 2011 the new developers had yet to close on the property, citing financing difficulties, and had received the seventh extension on the land from the city, which expired in March 2011.{{cite news |title=Federal Way City Council to skyscraper developer: Where's your business plan? |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/103581264.html |date=Sep 22, 2010 |last=Howard |first=Jacinda |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221022455/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/103581264.html |archive-date=February 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}} The developers were banking on the city's recently granted EB-5 visa qualification to encourage foreign investment in exchange for permanent resident status.{{cite web |url=http://www.admiralcommercial.com/blog/2010/03/12/another-high-rise-complex-is-proposed-for-federal-way/ |date=March 12, 2010 |title=Another high rise complex is proposed for Federal Way |author=Admiral Commercial Real Estate |access-date=January 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707083939/http://www.admiralcommercial.com/blog/2010/03/12/another-high-rise-complex-is-proposed-for-federal-way/ |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=dead}} As of February 1, 2011, this deal was also dead, as the developer had failed to make a required escrow deposit by the end of January.{{cite news |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/115149919.html |title=Federal Way's high-rise deal dies |last=Howard |first=Jacinda |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204084922/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/115149919.html |archive-date=February 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}

In 2011 the city renewed its Request for Quotes for the undeveloped site, and received three proposals. The city ultimately chose a proposal by Arcadd known as the "Crystal Palace", a densely packed glass multi-tower structure where some of the towers bend outward near the top under 20 stories with a larger retail and public space pavilion at the base.{{cite news |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/125983348.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131104029/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/125983348.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |title=Crystal Palace coming soon to downtown Federal Way |last=Allmain |first=Greg |date=July 22, 2011}} The developers, however, were unable to obtain the funds by the initial deadline. After extending the deadline eight months to allow Arcadd to obtain the necessary earnest money, and still seeing no progress, the city decided to move on with a different plan.{{cite news |last=Allmain |first=Greg |title=Crystal Way developer misses deadline for downtown site {{!}} City explores alternative |url=http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/138447749.html |access-date=January 30, 2014 |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |date=October 3, 2012 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201232029/http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/138447749.html |url-status=live }} As of May 2013, plans for a downtown park and plaza complex were underway.{{cite news |last=Allmain |first=Greg |title=Developer will study site for park in downtown Federal Way |url=http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/206848021.html |access-date=January 30, 2014 |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |date=May 9, 2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201232026/http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/206848021.html |url-status=live }} In 2014, the lot was repaved, leaving the AMC Theatres building foundation in place, but filling inside its perimeter with sod. The lot was rechristened Town Square Park and opened in early 2014. A plan for a more permanent park design on the site is being considered.

To the north of the downtown park, an elevated lot which was formerly the location of a Toys "R" Us store has been purchased by the city, which is slated to host a planned performing arts and civic center (PACC). The PACC proposal has been controversial, largely over funding and self-sustaining concerns (a similar city project, the Federal Way Community Center, opened in 2007 and ran for most of its operational history in the red), but has the support of most city leaders. It opened as the Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) in August 2017.{{cite web |url=https://fwpaec.org/about-us/ |title=About Us |access-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124606/https://fwpaec.org/about-us/ |url-status=live }}

Also in 2014, ahead of Veterans Day, the city introduced a {{convert|60|ft|m|adj=on}} flagpole on South 320th Street between Pacific Highway South and Pete von Reichbauer Way South.{{cite news |url=http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/officials-raise-downtown-flag-to-honor-veterans-in-federal-way-slideshow/ |title=Officials raise downtown flag to honor veterans in Federal Way |publisher=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207114923/http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/officials-raise-downtown-flag-to-honor-veterans-in-federal-way-slideshow/ |url-status=live }} The pole holds a {{convert|15|by|25|ft|m|adj=on}} flag.{{cite news |url=http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/patty-murray-to-help-raise-new-flag-in-federal-way-to-honor-veterans/ |title=Patty Murray to help raise new flag in Federal Way to honor veterans |publisher=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-date=February 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208035045/http://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/patty-murray-to-help-raise-new-flag-in-federal-way-to-honor-veterans/ |url-status=live }} While intended to be officially raised on Veterans Day, a smaller flag was raised to half mast on the pole in late October, in memory of State Representative Roger Freeman who died October 29 of that year. The portion of South 320th Street from Pacific Highway to Interstate 5 was dual-named "Veterans Way" in honor of veterans.

{{US Census population

|1990= 67554

|2000= 83259

|2010= 89306

|2020= 101030

|estyear=2023

|estimate=97701

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=October 28, 2024|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 28, 2024}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}
2020 Census

}}

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 37,759 estimated households in Federal Way with an average of 2.71 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $81,997. Approximately 14.0% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Federal Way has an estimated 63.0% employment rate, with 34.7% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 90.7% holding a high school diploma.{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Federal Way city, Washington|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/federalwaycitywashington/PST045223|access-date=October 28, 2024|website=www.census.gov|language=en}}

The top nine reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were German (7.7%), Subsaharan African (6.8%), English (6.2%), Irish (5.3%), French (except Basque) (2.7%), Italian (2.7%), Norwegian (2.4%), Scottish (1.2%), and Polish (0.7%).

The median age in the city was 38.6 years.

As of the 2020 census, there were 101,030 people, 36,140 households, and 24,280 families residing in the city.{{Cite web|title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Federal%20Way%20city,%20Washington%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=October 28, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}} The population density was {{convert|4531.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 37,677 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1689.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. The racial makeup was 41.02% White, 14.42% African American, 1.16% Native American, 15.46% Asian, 4.06% Pacific Islander, 11.54% from some other races and 12.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 20.06% of the population.{{Cite web|title=How many people live in Federal Way city, Washington |url=https://data.usatoday.com/census/total-population/total-population-change/federal-way-city-washington/160-5323515/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |publisher=USA Today}} 23.0% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.9% were under 5 years of age, and 14.2% were 65 and older.

As of the 2010 census, there were 89,306 people, 33,188 households, and 22,026 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|4011.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 35,444 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1592.3|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup was 57.49% White, 9.75% African American, 0.94% Native American, 14.16% Asian, 2.69% Pacific Islander, 8.34% from some other races and 6.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 16.21% of the population.

There were 33,188 households, of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.24.

The median age in the city was 34.9 years. 25.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

Federal Way has mayor–council form of government with a seven-member city council whose members are elected at-large to staggered four-year terms.{{cite web |title=City Council |url=https://www.cityoffederalway.com/page/city-council |publisher=City of Federal Way |access-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224201721/https://www.cityoffederalway.com/page/city-council |url-status=live }} The city initially had a council–manager government with an appointed city manager, but changed to the mayor–council system after a referendum in November 2009.{{cite news |last=Hobbs |first=Andy |date=March 15, 2010 |title=Former mayors discuss Federal Way's first mayoral election |url=https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/former-mayors-discuss-federal-ways-first-mayoral-election/ |work=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224201713/https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/former-mayors-discuss-federal-ways-first-mayoral-election/ |url-status=live }} Former councilmember Jim Ferrell was elected as mayor in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 and 2021.{{cite news |last=Keller |first=Jessica |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell announces re-election bid |url=https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/federal-way-mayor-jim-ferrell-announces-re-election-bid/ |work=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224201710/https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/federal-way-mayor-jim-ferrell-announces-re-election-bid/ |url-status=live }}

One newspaper is published within Federal Way, the Federal Way Mirror.{{cite web |url=http://www.fedwaymirror.com/ |title=Federal Way Mirror |access-date=September 21, 2005 |archive-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413045302/http://www.fedwaymirror.com/ |url-status=live }} The city receives additional coverage from most major media sources in both Seattle and Tacoma.

File:Federal Way Transit Center, 2017.jpg, pictured in 2017]]

Federal Way is served by Interstate 5 (I-5) via exits at 348th Street, 320th Street, and 272nd Street; and State Route 99 (SR 99), also known as the Pacific Highway.

The Federal Way Transit Center, located on 23rd Ave S, opened in 2006 and is served by King County Metro, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit Express buses.{{Cite web |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/Rider-Guide/Federal-Way-TC |title=Riders Guide: Federal Way Transit Center |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=December 25, 2017 |archive-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403071015/http://www.soundtransit.org/Rider-Guide/Federal-Way-TC |url-status=live }} It includes a parking garage and is the terminus of the RapidRide A Line. The bus station was moved to a new location in March 2025 as part of preparations for the opening of a new Link light rail station at the transit center, which was renamed to Federal Way Downtown station.{{cite news |last=Everly-Lang |first=Keelin |date=March 31, 2025 |title=New bus loop opens for Federal Way riders |url=https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/new-bus-loop-opens-for-federal-way-riders/ |work=Federal Way Mirror |accessdate=April 6, 2025}} The Federal Way Link Extension began construction in 2020 and is scheduled to open in 2026; it will extend light rail service south from the existing terminus at Angle Lake station in SeaTac.{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=David |date=March 12, 2025 |title=Train testing and a new bus loop — what's happening on the Federal Way Link Extension |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/train-testing-new-bus-loop-whats-happening-federal-way-link-extension |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=March 19, 2025}}

• Tony Barnette, professional baseball player
• Mario Batali, chef and television personality
• Shaun Bodiford, professional American football player
• Kendall Burks, professional soccer player{{Cite web |title=Kendall Burks |url=https://www.lexsporting.com/roster/kendall-burks/ |access-date=February 18, 2025 |website=Lexington SC}}
• J. R. Celski, speed skater and Olympic medalist
• Hank Conger, professional baseball player
• Sylvia Day, novelist
• Michael Dickerson, professional basketball player
• Hassani Dotson, professional soccer player{{Cite web |title=Hassani Dotson |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/hassani-dotson/ |access-date=February 18, 2025 |publisher=Major League Soccer}}
• C. J. Elleby, professional basketball player
• Bob Ferguson, professional American football player
• Benson Henderson, mixed martial artist
• Travis Ishikawa, professional baseball player
• Reggie Jones, professional American football player
• Janson Junk, professional baseball player
• Sam Kim, singer-songwriter and guitarist
• Floyd Little, professional American football player{{cite news |url=http://federalway.komonews.com/content/floyd-little-nfl-hall-fame-ballot |title=Floyd Little on NFL Hall of Fame ballot |publisher=KOMO News |date=August 16, 2009 |access-date=October 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163849/http://federalway.komonews.com/content/floyd-little-nfl-hall-fame-ballot |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |df=mdy-all}}
• Sanjaya Malakar, singer and American Idol contestant
• Jaden McDaniels, professional basketball player{{cite news |last=Ray |first=Benjamin |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Federal Way's Jaden McDaniels signs extension with Timberwolves |url=https://www.kentreporter.com/sports/federal-ways-jaden-mcdaniels-signs-extension-with-timberwolves/ |work=Kent Reporter |accessdate=March 4, 2024}}
• Jalen McDaniels, professional basketball player{{cite news |last=Pompey |first=Keith |date=February 27, 2023 |title=Jalen McDaniels finding other ways to contribute for Sixers as his playmaking takes back seat |url=https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-jalen-mcdaniels-role-charlotte-hornets-20230227.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |accessdate=March 4, 2024}}
• John Moe, author and radio personality
• Lamar Neagle, professional soccer player{{cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Don |date=December 9, 2015 |title=Seattle Sounders trade Federal Way's Lamar Neagle to D.C. United |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/soccer/mls/sounders-fc/article48546635.html |work=The News Tribune |accessdate=February 18, 2025}}
• Ciaran O'Brien, professional soccer player and coach{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Casey |date=January 22, 2008 |title=O'Brien selected fifth overall in MLS Draft |url=https://www.federalwaymirror.com/sports/obrien-selected-fifth-overall-in-mls-draft/ |access-date=February 18, 2025 |website=Federal Way Mirror}}
• Apolo Ohno, speed skater and Olympic medalist
• Sean Okoli, professional soccer player{{Cite web |title=Sean Okoli |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/players/sean-okoli/ |access-date=February 18, 2025 |website=Seattle Sounders FC}}
• Mike Pellicciotti, Washington State Treasurer
• Bill Radke, radio host
• Kelyn Rowe, professional soccer player{{Cite web |title=Kelyn Rowe |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/kelyn-rowe/ |access-date=February 18, 2025 |publisher=Major League Soccer}}
• Kyle Secor, actor
• Dan Spillner, professional baseball player{{cite news |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |first=Dan |last=Raley |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/preps/138876_where10.html |title=Catching up with ... Dan Spillner |date=September 10, 2003 |access-date=October 8, 2009 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113220157/https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Catching-up-with-Dan-Spillner-1123839.php |url-status=live }}
• James Sun, entrepreneur and contestant on The Apprentice{{cite news |last=Horner |first=Margo |newspaper=Federal Way Mirror |date=December 27, 2006 |title=A phone call away from Donald Trump}}{{cite web |url=http://www.fwps.org/info/notable/sun.html |author=Federal Way Public Schools |title=Federal Way Public Schools Graduates of Note: James Sun |access-date=October 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617014335/http://www.fwps.org/info/notable/sun.html |archive-date=June 17, 2010 |df=mdy-all}}
• Roy Thomas, professional baseball player
• Iam Tongi, singer
• Frank Warnke, state politician

Federal Way has the following sister cities:{{cite web |url=http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=183 |title=Federal Way Sister City Association |access-date=September 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003352/http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=183 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |df=mdy}}

• {{flagdeco|South Korea}} Donghae, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• {{flagdeco|Japan}} Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
• {{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Rivne, Rivne Oblast, Ukraine {{cite web |url=https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/federal-way-welcomes-rivne-ukraine-as-sister-city/ |title=Federal Way welcomes Rivne, Ukraine as sister city|date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=March 18, 2022 |df=mdy}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Federal Way, Washington}}

• [https://www.cityoffederalway.com/ City of Federal Way – official website]
• [https://www.fedwaychamber.com/ Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce]
• [https://www.federalwayhistory.org/ The Historical Society of Federal Way]
• [https://www.historylink.org/File/4215 Federal Way — Thumbnail History]

{{King County, Washington}}

{{Washington}}

{{authority control}}

{{Geographic location

|Northwest = Puget Sound

|North = Des Moines, Kent

|Northeast = Lakeland North

|West = Dash Point

|Center = Federal Way

|South = Fife Heights, Milton

|Southwest = Tacoma

|Southeast = Lakeland South

|East = Auburn

}}

Category:Cities in Washington (state)

Category:Cities in King County, Washington

Category:Cities in the Seattle metropolitan area

Category:Populated places established in 1929

Category:Former census-designated places in Washington (state)

Category:Populated places on Puget Sound