Lewis County

Lewis County, WA has a population of approximately 82,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (89.6%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (7.8%), Indigenous (2.2%), Asian (1.1%), and African American (0.6%). The median household income is around $50,000, with about 15.2% of residents living below the poverty line. The county spans an area of 2,436 square miles, and the population density is roughly 34 people per square mile. Median age is 43.3 years, and there are slightly more males (50.3%) than females (49.7%).

As of 2021, Lewis County, WA had a median home price of approximately $350,000. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment was around $1,100. The county's homeownership rate stood at about 70.5%, with a median household income of $56,000. Housing inventory was tight, contributing to a competitive market. New housing permits indicated modest growth to meet demand. Property taxes averaged 0.89% of assessed home value annually. The rural setting offered various housing options, from urban centers like Chehalis and Centralia to more remote areas.

As of the latest election cycle, Lewis County, WA, provides detailed information on candidates and voting for local, state, and federal elections. Key local races include positions such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, and City Council seats.

For example, in a recent election:

• County Commissioner District 1: Candidates were Edna Fund (incumbent, 53% of the vote) and Sean Swope (47%).
• Sheriff: Rob Snaza (running unopposed, a significant majority).
• Centralia City Council: Rebecca Staebler (61%) vs. Peter Abbarno (39%).

Voter turnout in Lewis County for the latest general election was approximately 72%, with a total of 34,500 ballots cast out of 48,000 registered voters.

It's important to check the county's official website or contact the Lewis County Auditor’s Office for the most current information and comprehensive details regarding upcoming elections and candidates.

Lewis County, WA has distinctive education statistics as of the latest data. Approximately 88% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of about 90% and Washington State's 92%. Regarding higher education, around 16% of the county's population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 33% and Washington State's 36%. The high school graduation rate for Lewis County public schools hovers around 80%, somewhat below the national average of 85%. These figures suggest that while Lewis County has a reasonably high high school completion rate, it lags behind in higher education attainment compared to both state and national levels.

As of recent data, Lewis County, WA has an employment rate of approximately 42,000 individuals. The unemployment rate stands at around 6%, which is slightly higher than the national average of about 4% and the state average of approximately 4.6%.

Top industries in Lewis County include:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance: 17%
2. Retail Trade: 16%
3. Manufacturing: 13%
4. Education Services: 12%
5. Accommodation and Food Services: 10%

Comparatively, nationally, as of recent data, the top industries are:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance: 16%
2. Retail Trade: 11%
3. Professional and Business Services: 15%
4. Manufacturing: 8%
5. Accommodation and Food Services: 10%

In Washington State, top industries are:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance: 14%
2. Retail Trade: 12%
3. Professional and Business Services: 15%
4. Manufacturing: 9%
5. Accommodation and Food Services: 9%.

Lewis County shows a higher employment concentration in manufacturing and retail trade compared to both the national and state averages, which suggests a robust local manufacturing sector.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's data, as of 2021, the median household income in Lewis County, WA, is approximately $56,000. This is lower than both the national and Washington state averages.

Comparison of Median Household Income:

Lewis County's median household income is about 17% lower than the national average and approximately 27% lower than the state average. This highlights a significant income disparity between the county and broader benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Lewis County, WA, has experienced varying rates of crime. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at approximately 25.3, encompassing both violent and property crimes. Violent crime rate is estimated at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes rate is about 21.8 per 1,000 residents.

Crime Statistics (per 1,000 Residents)

These figures highlight that property crimes significantly outnumber violent crimes in Lewis County. Efforts to reduce these rates are ongoing through local law enforcement and community initiatives.