Parkland is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 24,053 at the 2000 census and grew to 35,803 as of the 2010 census. It is an unincorporated suburb of the city of Tacoma and is home to Pacific Lutheran University.Parkland is located 8 miles south of Tacoma, on the main route to nearby Mt. Rainier. It was given its name by early white settlers, who thought the vast Garry Oak and blue camas flower prairie, and the many meandering creeks crossing it, was indeed a parkland. In 1890, Norwegian-Americans from the midwest chose it for the location of their new college, which today is Pacific Lutheran University, home to 3,500 full-time students and to the Lutes.GeographyParkland is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.4 square miles, of which, 7.4 square miles of it is land and 0.04 square miles of it is water.DemographicsAs of the census of 2000, there were 24,053 people, 8,869 households, and 5,782 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,267.2 people per square mile (1,261.8/km²). There were 9,340 housing units at an average density of 1,268.7/sq mi (490.0/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 73.91% White, 8.07% African American, 1.04% Native American, 6.64% Asian, 1.81% Pacific Islander, 2.06% from other races, and 6.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.33% of the population.
