If you’re planning a trip to sip some world-class Cabernet or you’re looking to move into a quiet, wooded neighborhood just outside the Seattle hustle, you’ve probably asked: what county is Woodinville in? It's a fair question. Honestly, the geography here can get a little messy. You’ve got city lines, "unincorporated" areas, and two massive counties bumping into each other right at the edge of town.
Basically, the City of Woodinville is located entirely in King County, Washington.
But there’s a catch. If you have a Woodinville mailing address, you might actually be sitting in Snohomish County. It sounds like a bureaucratic headache, but it’s just the reality of how the Pacific Northwest grew.
The King County Connection
The official city limits of Woodinville sit in the northern part of King County. It’s nestled right next to Bothell and Kirkland. For most people, King County means Seattle, but Woodinville is its own beast—a mix of high-end wine tourism and semi-rural peace.
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Since the city is in King County, residents here get their services from the King County government. We're talking about things like the King County Library System (which is fantastic, by the way) and the King County Sheriff’s Office, which actually provides the local police force through a contract.
King County is the most populous county in Washington state. It’s huge. It stretches from the saltwater of Puget Sound all the way up into the jagged peaks of the Cascade Mountains. Woodinville sits in that sweet spot in the Sammamish River Valley. It’s green, it’s often rainy, and it’s beautiful.
Why People Get Confused About the County
Here is where things get kinda weird.
If you look at a map of the 98072 or 98077 zip codes, you’ll see they cover a lot of ground. Much of that ground is "unincorporated." This is just a fancy way of saying "land that isn't inside any official city."
Because the northern border of Woodinville is so close to the county line, many people with Woodinville addresses actually live across the border in Snohomish County.
Imagine living in a neighborhood like Maltby. Your mail says Woodinville. Your kids might even go to the Northshore School District. But when it comes time to pay property taxes or vote for a county executive, you’re looking at Snohomish County, not King.
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- King County residents: Vote in King County elections and use King County services.
- Snohomish County residents (with Woodinville addresses): Pay taxes to Snohomish County and deal with the Snohomish County Sheriff.
It's always a good idea to check a parcel viewer map if you’re buying a house there. You don't want to be surprised by which regulations you have to follow just because of a line on a map.
What County Is Woodinville In for Wine Lovers?
When people talk about Woodinville, they’re usually talking about the wine. The "Woodinville Wine Country" is famous globally. It’s got over 130 wineries and tasting rooms.
The heart of this district—the Hollywood District and the West Valley District—is firmly in King County.
Funny enough, there are almost no commercial vineyards in Woodinville. The grapes are mostly grown in Eastern Washington, where it’s hot and dry. They’re trucked over the mountains so the wine can be made and tasted right here in King County. It’s a genius setup. You get the rugged, high-desert grapes with the lush, mossy vibes of the Puget Sound region.
Life in Northern King County
Living here is a specific vibe. You’ve got the Sammamish River Trail, where you can bike for miles without ever seeing a car. It follows the river through the valley, connecting Woodinville to Redmond and beyond.
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The city itself didn't even incorporate until 1993. Before that, it was just a quiet farming and logging community. Now, it’s one of the wealthiest and most sought-after suburbs in the state.
Quick Facts About Woodinville
- Incorporation: March 31, 1993.
- Population: Around 13,000 within city limits, but way more in the surrounding area.
- School District: Mostly Northshore School District (which also spans King and Snohomish counties).
- Major Employers: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Precor are big players here.
How to Verify Your Location
If you are still staring at your GPS wondering what county is Woodinville in for your specific spot, use the King County Parcel Viewer. You just type in an address, and it tells you exactly who you owe taxes to.
If you’re just visiting for the weekend? Don't sweat it. Whether you’re on the King or Snohomish side of the line, the wine tastes the same and the trees are just as tall.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your jurisdiction: If you're moving to the area, use the King County Parcel Viewer to see if a property is inside city limits or in an unincorporated area.
- Plan a visit: Head to the Hollywood District for a tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle—it's the historic heart of Woodinville's King County identity.
- Explore the trail: Bring a bike and ride the Sammamish River Trail to see the geography of the valley firsthand.