Grays Harbor County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Grays Harbor County, WA had a population of approximately 75,000 people. The racial makeup was 83.4% White, 6.7% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.7% African American, and 7.3% from Hispanic or Latino origins. The median household income was around $50,000, and 17.7% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county covers 2,224 square miles, featuring a combination of rural areas and small towns.

As of 2023, Grays Harbor County, WA, has a median home price of approximately $325,000. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,200 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 62%. Approximately 15% of the housing units are vacant, reflecting seasonal use and other factors. The county has experienced a 12% increase in home prices over the past year, driven by a demand for affordable housing outside the Seattle metro area.

Grays Harbor County, WA, holds elections for various local positions, including County Commissioners, Sheriff, and Assessor. The two main political parties, Democrats and Republicans, often field candidates.

As of the 2022 elections, notable positions included County Commissioners' seats, with Jill Warne (R) and Vickie Raines (I) as incumbents. The Sheriff's role saw Rick Scott (D) as an incumbent, with candidates Mark Hudson and Dave Pimentel running in 2022. Voter turnout typically ranges from 40% to 65%.

For precise and up-to-date candidate lists, vote counts, and outcomes, refer to the official Grays Harbor County Elections Office or their website.

As of the most recent data, approximately 86% of adults in Grays Harbor County, WA, have a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of 88%. Around 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of nearly 33% and the Washington state average of roughly 36%. The county's education level indicates room for improvement, especially when aiming to match or exceed state and national educational attainment levels.

As of the most recent data, Grays Harbor County, WA, has a civilian labor force of approximately 30,000 people with an unemployment rate around 6.5%, higher than both the national average of 3.7% and the Washington state average of 4.2%.

Top industries in Grays Harbor County include:

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Employs around 20% of the workforce.
2. Retail Trade: Accounts for about 15%.
3. Manufacturing: Makes up around 12%.
4. Accommodation and Food Services: Holds roughly 10%.
5. Construction: Covers 8% of employment.

Compared to national averages, Grays Harbor has a higher proportion of employment in manufacturing and healthcare, but lower in professional services and technology. This industrial structure reflects the county's historical reliance on natural resources and its ongoing transition to service-based sectors.

Grays Harbor County, WA has a median household income of approximately $51,000 as of the latest data. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which stands at around $68,700, and the state of Washington’s median, roughly $78,700. The county’s average income highlights the economic disparity within different regions of the state and country.

The lower median income in Grays Harbor County reflects its rural character, limited job opportunities, and less diversified economy compared to more urban areas.

Grays Harbor County, Washington, experiences a variety of crime rates. According to the latest available data, the county's overall crime rate is approximately 34.52 per 1,000 residents annually. This includes both violent and property crimes. Below is a statistical breakdown of various types of crimes in the county:

These numbers indicate that property crime, particularly larceny-theft, is the most common issue in the county. Effective local law enforcement and community programs are crucial for managing and reducing these rates.