AboutMI

About
Mercer Island

What has attracted people to live on Mercer Island may be its urban-rural character and its proximity to Seattle and Bellevue and their cultural and shopping attractions. Interstate I-90 and a metro bus system links Mercer Island to Seattle and Bellevue. On clear days, and there are many, residents enjoy views of snow-capped Mt. Rainier to the southeast and the Olympic Mountain to the west. The bridge linking Mercer Island to Seattle is the renowned multi-lane Mercer Island Floating Bridge. The East Channel bridge links the Island to Bellevue, the State's third most populous city.

The photo of Mercer Island shows Mercer Island from the South.

Demographic Information

The 2000 Census says Mercer Island has 22,036 people living in its approximately 16 square miles. That represents a population increase of 5.9 percent since 1990, well below the 15 percent increase nationwide.

The figures below come from the 1990 United States Census Report:

Racial Composition
Caucasian                                           89.1 percent
Asian or Pacific Island                      8.0
African American                               1.3
Hispanic                                              1.3
American Indian, Eskimo
   or Aleut                                            .15
Other                                                  .15
Family Size                                       2.59 per unit

Traveling on Mercer Island

There are several exits from I-90 to Mercer Island. There are four main roads on the Island:

Island Crest Way runs north/south down the middle of the island.
West Mercer Way follows the shoreline from the north/south on the west side of the island.
East Mercer Way follows the shoreline from the north/south on the east side of the island.
North Mercer Way follows the shoreline from the east/west on the north side of the island.

Business Districts

To meet the everyday needs of living, two commercial areas serve Mercer Island residents: The Central Business District on the north end just south of Interstate 90, and on the south end, QFC Village.

The central business district is a 76-acre bowl-shaped area it includes the Island's main post office, a fire station, medical and dental offices, drug stores, restaurants and coffee shops, apartment houses and condos, service stations, a bookstore, a retirement home, two supermarkets, office buildings, and several banks.

On the south end, QFC village is just across the road from Pioneer Park, 120 acres of woods and trails, including horse trails. (Yes, there are stables nearby.) The Village includes a supermarket that is open around-the-clock and also houses a bank, a drug store that has a contract post office that includes P.O. boxes, a gasoline station, and retail and service businesses. It also includes a huge storage place, and a Park 'n Ride for metro bus commuters. Abutting the Village is the Island's second fire station.

The main business district is centered on the north end of the island. There is a smaller business district on the south end of the island.

Incorporation

Mercer Island was part of unincorporated King County until 1960 when it became an incorporated city.

Planning a Visit?

Mercer Island TraveLodge
7645 Sunset Highway SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
206-232-8000