Algona is located in the beautiful Green/White River Valley in the south of King County, close to the Pierce County border in the northwest metroplex. The atmosphere of the town is very rural. Breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and lush hillsides to the east and west of the valley make you feel as though you went to sleep and awoke in rural America, 1960. The town was originally called Valley City but was changed to Algona because there was already a post office in Eastern Washington with that name. The name Algoma, an Indian word meaning “Valley of Flowers,” was agreed upon, because everyone in the town had beautiful flowers. The postal authorities accepted but misspelled it as Algona and after spending years fighting for a correction in the spelling, they reluctantly accepted the government’s name.

Incorporated in 1955, Algona has a total land area of 837 acres. The city is primarily a rural community close to the nearby larger cities of Auburn, Puyallup and Tacoma to the south and Seattle to the north. With a couple of corner groceries, a gas station and a number of home based firms, the visible business community is small. However, at the north end of town and away from the main residential area there is a burgeoning industrial business base featuring manufacturing companies, warehousing firms, and a large commuter employee population.

Algona is served by Auburn School District 408 which is renowned for providing quality educational programs to students. The district serves an approximate student population of over 14,000 from pre-k through twelfth grade. Recent state testing scores place Auburn students above average in comparison to other Washington students. Green River Community College is 15 minutes away and also nearby are several excellent four year university options including the University of Washington Tacoma.

Opportunities are plentiful for interesting and fun activities for Algona residents. It is just a short drive to many major cultural, sporting, musical, historic and natural attractions. Some of these include the Chihuly Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Seattle Mariners Baseball, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Auburn Performing Arts Center, White River Amphitheater, Emerald Downs, Washington National Golf Course and many more. The naturalist may enjoy the many nearby hiking trails such as those in Algona’s wetland, home to herons and other wildlife. Each year the city celebrates "Algona Days," on the third weekend in July. The city hosts a parade, classic car show, lawn mower races and pie eating contests to name just a few of the weekend activities.