How Bad Is Everett Traffic?

Everett drivers lose about 82 hours per year to traffic congestion and 28% of their commute is spent in traffic, ranking it the worst in the world.
Written by Kate Kirby
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
On average, Everett drivers lose around 82 hours per year in traffic, and 28% of their commute is spent sitting in traffic—higher than anywhere else in the world.
Everett, Washington has a lot more to offer beyond its convenient location near
Seattle
. This charming city has the largest public marina on the West Coast and a must-visit historic downtown district. But the more people choose to settle down in this suburban city, the worse the traffic gets, and it’s recently been named the worst commute anywhere in the world. 
What’s it like navigating your way through Everett? We're here to go through everything you need to know about the city’s traffic—including the factors that affect it, major roads to avoid, top tips for getting through Everett, and more. 
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How bad is Everett traffic?

The
Seattle Times
reported that Everett has the worst traffic commute in the world. Although there are many cities that top Everett in terms of overall traffic congestion, a recent study found that Everett drivers spend 28% of their drive stuck in traffic, which is higher than any other city. In 2021 drivers averaged 82 hours sitting in traffic
While that number did increase slightly from the previous year, it is still significantly less than what it was in 2019. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of hours spent sitting in traffic went from 138 hours in 2019 to 75 hours in 2020.
Year
Hours lost to congestion
2019
138 hours
2020
75 hours
2021
82 hours

Why is Everett traffic so bad?

There are a number of reasons why you might end up in a traffic jam. When a city has consistent traffic congestion, it is usually due to things like population density, infrastructure issues, or high accident rates. Below we have laid out some of the top factors that affect traffic congestion in Everett. 

Population size 

Everett is the largest city in Snohomish County, with a population of 109,766 people. It is the seventh-largest city in
Washington
and has been steadily growing over the last decade. With more people settling down in Everett, traffic congestion, delays, and accidents are likely to increase.

Major chokepoints

US Route 2 is a major highway that runs through Everett. It is narrow, aging, and has long stretches without exits. Traffic congestion frequently causes long delays for Everett residents. There has been some discussion on replacing the downtown section of the Highway 2 trestle, but nothing has been formally planned. 
The major highways aren’t the only roadways that see a lot of traffic. Smaller roads like 41st Street, Hoyt Avenue, Wetmore Avenue, and Fulton Street also get backed up, especially during rush hours. 

Driving habits

Commuting to work is common among Everett residents and about 69% of them take their own car.  People who work in Seattle have to make the 24-mile commute on I-5, which is infamous for its traffic delays. A report from the
Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) found that on average, drivers needed 94 minutes to make it one way. All that time spent on the road increases the risk of accidents and congestion. 
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How to navigate Everett traffic like a pro

Navigating your way through the city can be a pain, especially if you’re not familiar with the roads. And if you don’t know where you’re going, you are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. The last thing you need is a
totaled car
or for your
insurance to go up after an accident
, so below we have some of the best ways to travel through Everett with ease: 
  • Skip rush hour driving whenever possible. Rush hour in Everett is usually from 6 am to 9 am and 2 pm to 6 pm. It might be difficult to avoid those times altogether, but you'll be much better off if you can stay off the road during peak rush hour from 7 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 6 pm
  • Take less busy roads if you can. Major highways such as I-5 and Highway 2 might be your most direct shot for getting around Everett, but it might not be the quickest. Take a look at back roads to see if they offer a faster route.  
  • Check a traffic app or website before you leave.
    WSDOT
    has an app that offers live updates of traffic in Everett, including construction zones, lane closures, accidents, and more. 
  • Avoid distractions. Being alert while driving is an important part of being a safe driver. Staying away from loud music or podcasts, eating while driving, and other distractions will help you avoid an accident.  

Prepare for Everett traffic by updating your car insurance

Whether you’re an Everett resident or planning a trip to visit, having the right car insurance policy is important for protecting you and your vehicle. Luckily,
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FAQs

It can get crowded if you’re driving on Everett’s main highways or through downtown but using a GPS navigation system and staying alert on the road will certainly make for an easier trip.
Avoid Everett’s peak rush hour times by traveling before 6 am, after 6 pm, or between 9 am and 2 pm.
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