The Ninth District covers much of central Pierce County. The deep water Port of Tacoma contributes significantly to the Northwest economy and Pierce County's position as a major regional trade and service center. The manufacturing sector produces lumber and wood prodcuts, chemicals, metals food, clothing and airplane parts. The county has agricultural resources and is also increasingly becoming a high-tech and financial services hub.

The Puyallup Valley, in the heart of the 9th District, has contributed to the County's rich agricultural heritage. Notable agricultural products include berries, lettuce, beans, cabbage and daffodil bulbs. In addtion to being the nation's number one producer of rhubarb, it is also home to the sixth largest fair in the United States: the Puyallup Fair.

Underlying the strong economy is the stabilizing influence of three major military installations: Fort Lewis (the U.S. Army's only power projection platform west of the Rocky Mountains), McChord Air Force Base (home of the Air Force's workhorse, the C-17) and Madigan Army Medical Center.

The Ninth District includes the Pierce County communities of Edgewood, Dupont, Fife, Milton, Puyallup, Roy, Spanaway, Steilacoom and the Puyallup Indian Reservation, as well as portions of the cities of Tacoma and Lakewood.