The City of Marysville is the fourth largest city in Snohomish County, behind Everett, Edmonds, and Lynnwood. The city has a population of 26,770 and encompasses 10.1 square miles. The community of Marysville or Marysville Urban Growth Area includes both incorporated and unincorporated residents and an estimated population of 44,303 persons. The state Growth Management Act requires identification of an Urban Growth Area (UGA) that defines those places in which urban growth can occur. This represents the limit separating urban and rural areas. The UGA defines the limit within which the full range of urban services will be provided. Examples of urban service are water, sewer, urban level street improvements, parks & recreation, police, etc. While some of these services may be provided outside the UGA, it will typically be at a lower level of service or greater response time. Some services, such as sewer, are limited to extension within the UGA. The Marysville UGA is an area surrounding and including the city that stretches from Soper Hill Boulevard on the south, to Highway 9 on the east, Interstate 5 on the west (to 156th Street), and north to the Lakewood community, west of Interstate 5. The Marysville UGA and city limits abut the city of Arlington at 164th Street, east of Interstate 5. The City's urban service plans are based on the UGA and forecasted population and employment growth within the UGA.