Tacoma Washington Map

About Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma is a locality in Pierce County, Washington, United States. With a population of 222,758, Tacoma is a major urban centre in Washington. The population density is 1712.1 people per km². Tacoma is located at 47.2529°N, 122.4443°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 98422.

Tacoma rests at the southern tip of Puget Sound, a city embraced by the dramatic geography of the Pacific Northwest. It lies 4.2 miles west-northwest of Fife, WA (from Fife, WA: bearing 283°T), and is situated 7.8 miles southwest of Federal Way. Its physical character is defined by the deep blue waters of the Sound, which carve into the land, creating a shoreline of working docks and weathered piers, while the imposing, snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier looms to the southeast, a constant, silent sentinel. The land itself undulates, rising from the water's edge into neighborhoods that climb the hills, offering glimpses of the evergreen forests that carpet the surrounding terrain and the distant, hazy promise of the Olympic Mountains across the Sound. The air in Tacoma often carries the crisp, clean scent of salt and pine, a refreshing blend that speaks of its maritime and forest heritage, and the quality of light, particularly as dusk settles, can cast a soft, ethereal glow over the working harbor, lending a quiet beauty to the industrial hum. Tacoma's story is one of industrious ambition and resilient spirit, growing from a small settlement to a significant port city. Its early days were shaped by the timber industry, with vast forests providing the raw materials for a burgeoning economy, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century solidified its importance as a transportation hub. The city was officially platted in 1875, quickly becoming a focal point for trade and settlement in the region. Throughout its history, Tacoma has grappled with economic shifts, from boom times fueled by resource extraction to periods of adaptation and reinvention, each phase leaving its indelible mark on the city's character and its people's enduring connection to the land and sea that sustain them. The economy of Tacoma is a dynamic mix, anchored by its deep-water port, one of the busiest in the nation, facilitating international trade and supporting a robust logistics sector. Beyond shipping, the city has cultivated a diverse industrial base, encompassing manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Higher education plays a vital role in Tacoma's vitality, with institutions like the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University contributing to a vibrant intellectual and cultural landscape, fostering innovation and providing skilled talent. The city's infrastructure is a testament to its growth, with extensive road networks, a revitalized downtown core, and a growing public transportation system, all working to connect its neighborhoods and support its ongoing development. Tacoma boasts a lively cultural scene, reflecting the diverse threads of its population and its Pacific Northwest setting. While professional sports are primarily centered in nearby Seattle, the city passionately supports its college athletics, particularly the University of Puget Sound Loggers. Annual events like the Daffodil Festival, a long-standing tradition celebrating spring, and the Grit City Comedy Festival showcase the city's vibrant community spirit and artistic endeavors. Natural wonders are never far, with the pristine beauty of Point Defiance Park offering urban wilderness within the city limits, and the iconic Ruston Way waterfront providing a scenic promenade. While no single individual may universally define Tacoma, its spirit is embodied by the collective drive of its residents and the enduring legacy of its working-class roots, a spirit that continues to shape Tacoma's evolving identity.

About This Tacoma Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Tacoma, Washington — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 47.252877, -122.444291. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Tacoma and Pierce County.

Detailed location data for Tacoma includes the ZIP code (98402), telephone area code (425), county seat of Pierce County (Tacoma), and school district assignment (Tacoma Public Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Tacoma is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.