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Mill Creek

city

Mill Creek is a city in Snohomish County, Washington, located approximately 20 miles northeast of Seattle, nestled between Everett and Lynnwood. As of 2020, the city had a population of 20,926, which has grown to an estimated 21,033 in 2026. Known as one of the highest-income suburbs in the Seattle metropolitan area, Mill Creek was initially conceived as a planned community in the 1970s, centered around a country club and golf course. Mill Creek's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including educational services, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail trade. While only a small percentage of residents work within the city limits, major employers in the area include Albertson's, Central Market, Lowe's Home Improvement, and The Everett Clinic. The city's commercial hub is the Mill Creek Town Center, a mixed-use lifestyle center featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. What makes Mill Creek distinctive is its origin as a master-planned community with a focus on quality of life, well-maintained parks, and community engagement. The city offers a range of recreational opportunities, including numerous parks, trails, and community events, fostering a strong sense of community among its residents.

Mill Creek, Washington

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
53-45865
Country
United States
County
Snohomish County
Geography
Region
Puget Sound
Elevation
377 ft
Total Area
4.69 sq mi
Land Area
4.64 sq mi
Water Area
0.015 sq mi
Latitude
47.86167
Longitude
-122.20444
Climate
Warm and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. Has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate.
Notable Features
North Creek · Penny Creek · Nickel Creek
Neighboring Areas
Everett · Lynnwood · Martha Lake · Silver Firs
Demographics
Population (2020)
20,926
Est. Population (2026)
21,033
Median Age
39.3
Median Income
$124,364
Poverty Rate
6.42%
Owner-Occupied
58.6%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Mill Creek includes 65.1% White, 20.41% Asian, 3.43% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American and multiracial populations.
Governance
Government Type
Council–manager
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
7 members
School District
Everett Public Schools
Municipal Services
Police · Parks & Recreation · City Planning · Public Works · Emergency Services
Economy
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
Economic Profile
Residential · Suburban
Employment Sectors
Educational services · Healthcare · Manufacturing · Professional services · Retail trade
Major Employers
Albertson's · Central Market · Lowe's Home Improvement · The Everett Clinic · QFC
Education
Schools
7
Students
20,200
School Districts
Everett Public Schools
Colleges & Universities
University of Washington Bothell
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate 5 · State Route 527 · State Route 96 · Community Transit · Swift Green Line · Swift Orange Line
Utilities
Water distribution · Electricity · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
The Everett Clinic
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Nickel Creek Park · Heron Park · Highland Park · Cougar Park · Mill Creek Sports Park · McCollum Park · Martha Lake Park · North Creek Park
Parks & Trails
Neighborhood parks · Community parks · North Creek Trail
History
Founded
Early 1900s
Incorporated
1983
Named After
Mill Creek (renamed Smokehouse Creek in 2001)
Historical Significance
Mill Creek is significant as one of the first master-planned communities in the region, offering a high quality of life and a strong sense of community.
Key Events
Early settlement by farming families · Development as a planned community in the 1970s · Incorporation as a city on September 30, 1983 · Development of Mill Creek Town Center in 2004