Mason County

As of the 2020 census, Mason County, WA has a population of approximately 65,726. The racial composition is 81.6% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Multiracial, 3.9% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.1% Pacific Islander. The median age is around 44 years. The median household income is approximately $57,960, and 13.0% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county covers 1,051 square miles, with a population density of about 62.5 people per square mile.

As of 2021-2022, Mason County, WA has a median home price of approximately $370,000. The housing market witnessed a 12% year-over-year increase. The median rent is around $1,200 per month. Homeownership rate is 71%, with a vacancy rate for rental properties at 5%. The average household income is about $56,000. There has been a growing demand for housing, leading to a competitive market.

As of the most recent update, Mason County, WA’s elections involve various offices and measures. The primary election typically occurs in August, and the general election is held in November. The voter turnout in past elections has ranged from 50% to 70%.

Key races often include County Commissioners, Sheriff, Treasurer, Assessor, and local judges. For example, in the 2022 general election, notable candidates included Kevin Schmelzlen for County Commissioner and Casey Salisbury for Sheriff. In county commissioner races, numerical vote counts can vary from 5,000 to 15,000, depending on the district's population and voter engagement.

Ballot measures frequently address local taxation, school funding, and public services, with approval rates typically hovering around 60%-70%.

For detailed and the latest election information, voters should consult the Mason County Auditor’s Office or the official county website.

Mason County, WA, has an educational profile lower than both state and national averages. About 86.2% of residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.0% and the Washington state average of 91.3%. Only approximately 15.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 32.1% and the state average of 36.7%. These statistics suggest that Mason County trails behind both the broader state and national contexts in educational attainment.

As of recent data, Mason County, WA, has a civilian labor force of approximately 25,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate at around 6.8%, higher than the Washington state average of about 5%. Key industries include public administration, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Public administration comprises a significant portion of employment due to the presence of government offices. Healthcare employs a notable percentage with Mason General Hospital being a major employer. Retail trade also forms a substantial part of the local economy.

Compared to national averages, Mason County has a higher proportion of employment in public administration and lower in professional, scientific, and technical services. The state of Washington, with its technology hubs like Seattle, has more diversified employment sectors with higher percentages in tech and aerospace industries.

The county's economy is distinctly shaped by its rural setting, emphasizing local government and healthcare more than state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Mason County, WA has a median household income of approximately $60,062. This is lower than the national median household income, which stands at approximately $68,703, and also lower than Washington State's median household income of around $78,687.

This data highlights the income disparity between Mason County and the broader averages of both the state and the country. While Mason County's income levels are noticeably below these averages, they still provide a picture of the economic conditions within the county.

As of the most recent data, Mason County, WA, has a crime rate that is reflective of both property and violent crimes. The total crime rate here is approximately 28.0 per 1,000 residents.

Mason County Crime Statistics (2022)

Property Crimes:

• Burglary: 5.2
• Larceny-Theft: 16.7
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 1.6

Violent Crimes:

• Assault: 3.1
• Robbery: 1.0
• Rape: 0.3
• Homicide: 0.1

Efforts are ongoing in Mason County to reduce crime rates through community policing and crime prevention initiatives. Note that these numbers can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and law enforcement strategies.