The state’s most populated region, Puget Sound, is also its biggest economic driver, with companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Nordstrom and Amazon all getting their start here. The Port of Seattle, the second largest handler of container cargo in the country, is also another reason for the region’s strong economy. The port makes Seattle a major connection in the country’s trade industry. Sea-Tac Airport was also recently named the 8th busiest U.S. airport and generates more than 150,000 jobs.  

The Puyallup, Nisqually, Snoqualmie and Muckleshoot nations are among the Native American tribes that call this area home. In general, the gaming and retail industries are large parts of these tribes’ communities due to their urban environments. 

This region has a prosperous and emergent startup industry, making it a rival to Silicon Valley for new companies to grow their roots.  

This region is home to all three University of Washington campuses — in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma — and UW Medicine, which operates the No. 1 hospital in the state, the UW Medical Center, as well as many other health care facilities. The UW is the third largest employer in the state and the No. 1 public university in the country for innovation. 

The UW’s Pack Forest, a living research laboratory, sits just outside of La Grande, Washington, on the border of Pierce and Thurston counties. Students from across the state travel to the working forest to learn about ecology and forest management.