Fife, Washington

Fife is a city in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 4,784 at the 2000 census and a 2008 estimate of 7,525 according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management.

History

In 1940, it was described as "Fife...at a valley crossroads in the midst of a thickly settled berry growing and truck-gardening district is represented by a string of markets, taverns, shops, and a large, balloon-roofed dance hall along the highway." The 1940 population was 135. (Washington - A guide to the Evergreen State, WPA American Guide Series, Washington State Historical Society, 1941). Fife was officially incorporated on February 11, 1957.

It is a small city located east of Tacoma and consists primarily of businesses such as car dealerships and other highwayside businesses. Fife Heights, located on a hill beyond the incorporated bounds of the city, is a primarily residential area.

During the 1990s, Fife was a known speed trap. Due to the increased traffic volume traveling from Puyallup and Tacoma, Fife felt the need to establish itself as autonomous community, not just as an intermediate area between Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 167.

Geography

Fife is located at (47.234439, -122.359690).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.7 square miles (14.7 km²), of which, 5.6 square miles (14.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (1.59%) is water.

Fife is also a tideflat community, residing in the low, flat area extending from the Port of Tacoma. This means the water table occurs only 10-15 feet below ground in some parts. Consequently, during the day as the tide rises and falls in the Puget Sound, so do parts of land slightly rise and fall.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,784 people, 2,111 households, and 1,123 families residing in the city. The population density was 859.7 people per square mile (332.2/km²). There were 2,232 housing units at an average density of 401.1/sq mi (155.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.62% White, 6.81% African American, 4.14% Native American, 6.50% Asian, 1.23% Pacific Islander, 6.94% from other races, and 5.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.55% of the population.

There were 2,111 households out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.4% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.8% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 14.4% from 18 to 24, 34.9% from 25 to 44, 17.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 106.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,806, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $30,963 versus $25,101 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,723. About 12.6% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Public Schools

The Fife Public Schools serve both the cities of Fife and Milton, WA, as well as pockets of Edgewood, WA, and Federal Way, WA. Fife has one high school, Fife High School.

Notable Businesses

The Pick-Quick hamburger stand has long been a favorite local shop, along Highway 99. Traditionally, Fife high school students staffed the establishment, keeping the stand identity as a community business. Although its fare does rival that of other famous area fast-food, the popular conception that Pick-Quick serves food in the Puyallup Fair is false. Pick-Quick's area rival is Dick's Drive In, a similar fast-food establishment that specializes in hamburgers and shakes, and the Frisko Freeze nearby in Tacoma.

Jack Sterino's Farms and Fruit stand was a mainstay attraction of Fife, located north from Fife High School on 20th St. Sterino's was one of the cities two major produce stands during the late 20th century, and the only supermarket within the city limits. Sterino's grew the majority of its produce in the fields next to the small store building. As one of the original Italian families of Fife, Sterino's reputation was one of hard work and dedication to the community. Noted for their freshness and quality, the fife business attracted food lovers from around the Puget Sound. In October 2006 Sterino's closed, citing a lucrative offer that would secure his families financial future.

Notable Locals

Birthplace of :

• Dr. Mark Emmert, President, University of Washington

References

External links

• City of Fife
• Fife Public Schools