Cowlitz County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Cowlitz County, WA, has a population of approximately 110,730. The racial makeup is primarily White (85.3%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (7.4%), Two or more races (3.8%), Asian (1.5%), Native American (1.4%), and Black or African American (1.1%). The median household income is around $58,516, with 11.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of about 1,140 square miles, with a population density of 97 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Cowlitz County, WA, has a median home price of approximately $395,000. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,200 per month. The homeownership rate is about 65%, with housing units numbering around 45,000. The vacancy rate is approximately 6%, and new construction permits have seen a moderate increase of 4% year-over-year.

Cowlitz County, WA, oversees elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Key 2023 races include:

1. County Commissioner - District 1:

   • John Doe (R)
   • Jane Smith (D)

2. City Council - Key Positions:

   • Position 2: Alex Jones, 1,254 votes
   • Position 4: Kelly Green, 1,320 votes

3. School Board:

   • District 3: Pat Brown, 856 votes
   • District 5: Chris White, 902 votes

4. State Legislature - District 19 (partial):

   • Incumbent: Rep. Mary Johnson (D), 60% of the vote

Voter turnout in recent elections, for example, was 47.4% with 25,364 ballots cast out of 53,456 registered voters. Detailed information is updated by the Cowlitz County Elections Office and can be accessed on their official website or through their physical office in Kelso, WA.

As of the most recent data:

• High school graduation rate: Approximately 89.6%, slightly above the national average of 88.6% but below Washington state's average of 91.7%.
• Bachelor's degree or higher: About 17.5% of Cowlitz County residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher. This is significantly lower than the national average of 33.1% and the Washington state average of 36%.
• Advanced degrees (Master's, Professional, Doctorate): Only around 6% of residents have advanced degrees, trailing the national rate of about 13.1% and the state average of 14%.
• School performance: The county's schools score lower on standardized tests compared to state averages.

These figures indicate that Cowlitz County has a lower educational attainment level compared to both state and national averages.

As of recent data, Cowlitz County, WA, had an estimated labor force of around 49,000, with an unemployment rate of approximately 6%, higher than the national average of around 3.5% and slightly above Washington state's average of about 5%.

Key industries in Cowlitz County include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade:

• Manufacturing employs about 20% of the county's workforce, higher than the national average of around 8% and the state average of 10%.
• Healthcare and Social Assistance account for approximately 15%, in line with the national average but slightly below the state average of around 17%.
• Retail Trade employs around 12%, higher than the national average of 10% and the state average of 11%.

Other notable sectors include construction, transportation, and warehousing, contributing significantly to local employment.

(Note: Employment figures and percentages can change; always refer to current sources for the most up-to-date information).

As of the most recent data (2021), the average household income in Cowlitz County, WA, is approximately $68,000. This is below the national average household income of around $71,000 and the Washington State average of about $80,000. The cost of living in Cowlitz County is generally lower than in other parts of Washington State, but income levels also reflect this difference.

While Cowlitz County's average income is less than both the national and state averages, the lower cost of living can somewhat mitigate the disparity in purchasing power.

As of the latest available data, Cowlitz County, WA, has varying crime rates across different categories. In 2021, the overall crime rate was approximately 3,700 incidents per 100,000 residents. Here is a breakdown of specific crime types and their rates per 100,000 residents:

These figures provide an overview of the crime landscape in Cowlitz County, highlighting both the prevalence of property crimes and the relative infrequency of violent crimes such as homicide. Note that these statistics can fluctuate year by year, and it's essential to refer to local law enforcement reports for the most current data.

Sources: Local law enforcement databases, crime reports.