Best Cities in Washington to Form Your LLC

Although most of the population in the state is in and around the Seattle area, there are several other cities around the region that could be the perfect place to start your new venture.

Starting an LLC in Seattle, WA

The biggest city in the state and the whole of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a port city located on the ocean. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and is a major gateway for trade with Asia. Once a major center for manufacturing, today Seattle has a very strong, diverse economy.

• Area of city: 142 square miles
• Population: 714,000
• Population density: 8,400 people/square mile
• Cost of living: 48 percent above national average; housing is 94 percent more expensive
• Time zone: PST
• Sales tax: 9.6 percent

Major Industries in Seattle, WA

Seattle’s industries are a mix of old and new. Older sectors include manufacturing and heavy industry, while newer sectors include technology, clean energy and design. Seattle is a major international trade port, including import and export. Several major corporations headquartered in the area include Amazon, Starbucks and Nordstrom.

Starting an LLC in Spokane, WA

Spokane is located west of the Rocky Mountain foothills, about 20 miles from the border with Idaho. It is the economic and cultural center of eastern Washington.

• Area of city: 60 square miles
• Population: 216,000
• Population density: 3,530 people/square mile
• Cost of living: 5 percent below national average; housing is 8 percent cheaper
• Time zone: PST
• Sales tax: 8.8 percent

Major Industries in Spokane, WA

Spokane has the most productive mining industry in the U.S., with natural resources being big contributors to the local economy. Industries are very diverse, including manufacturing, education, healthcare and many more.

Starting an LLC in Tacoma, WA

Located 30 miles southwest of Seattle, Tacoma is a smaller urban port city. It is known as one of the most livable and walkable cities in the whole of the U.S.

• Area of city: 62 square miles
• Population: 210,000
• Population density: 4,000 people/square mile
• Cost of living: 8 percent above national average; housing is 3 percent cheaper
• Time zone: PST
• Sales tax: 10.1 percent

Major Industries in Tacoma, WA

Besides the port, major industries in the city include manufacturing, petrochemicals, education, healthcare and financial services.

Starting an LLC in Vancouver, WA

Not to be confused with its Canadian counterpart to the north, Vancouver WA is a large suburb of Portland, OR. It is ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.

• Area of city: 50 square miles
• Population: 173,000
• Population density: 3,480 people/square mile
• Cost of living: 2 percent above national average; housing is 4 percent cheaper
• Time zone: PST
• Sales tax: 8.4 percent

Major Industries in Vancouver, WA

The local economy is primarily driven by ties with neighboring Portland. Many residents cross over the border into Oregon to shop and return to Vancouver to live. Vancouver is now primarily a technology- and service-based economy.

Ready to Start Your Washington LLC?

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