Okanogan County

Okanogan County, WA, has a population of approximately 42,000 people. The racial composition includes about 65% White, 19% Hispanic or Latino, 12% Native American, and smaller percentages for other groups. The median age is around 44 years. The median household income is roughly $47,000. Approximately 18% of residents live below the poverty line. The county spans 5,315 square miles, making it the largest by area in Washington State.

As of recent data, the median home value in Okanogan County, WA is around $225,000. The area features a median rent of approximately $1,000 per month. The homeownership rate stands at about 65%, with a median household income of $48,000. Housing market trends indicate a 4.5% appreciation over the past year. The county offers a mix of single-family homes, ranch properties, and rural land, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Okanogan County, WA regularly holds elections for local, state, and federal offices. For the 2022 general elections, key positions and candidates included:

• County Commissioner District 3:

  • Chris Branch (Democrat) – incumbent
  • Jon Neal (Republican)

• County Auditor:

  • Cari Hall (Republican) – unchallenged

• County Sheriff:

  • Tony Hawley (Republican) – incumbent
  • Fawn Schott (challenger)

Turnout in recent elections has varied, with the 2020 general election seeing about 75% voter turnout. Okanogan County predominantly leans conservative, with a notable majority voting Republican in national and state races. Detailed results and up-to-date information are available through the Okanogan County Auditor’s Office or the Washington State Secretary of State’s website.

Okanogan County, WA exhibits varied educational attainment levels. Approximately 83% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88%. Only about 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly lower than the national average of 33% and the Washington state average of 37%. The county's lower educational achievements reflect its rural, economically diverse setting. Okanogan County's educational metrics indicate areas for growth relative to both state and national standards.

Okanogan County, WA, has a diverse employment landscape influenced by its geography and local economy. The labor force in Okanogan County was approximately 21,000 as of 2021. Major employment sectors include agriculture (especially fruit farming), healthcare, retail trade, and educational services.

In terms of specific numbers:

• Agriculture employs about 25% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of around 1.3% and the Washington state average of 2.9%.
• Healthcare and social assistance employ around 15% of workers.
• Retail trade accounts for approximately 12% of employment.
• Educational services employ about 10%.

These sectors highlight the county's reliance on agriculture and local services, contrasting with more industrial and tech-focused economies in other parts of Washington and the United States. The unemployment rate in Okanogan County was around 6.2% as of 2021, compared to the national average of about 6.7% and the Washington state average of 5.6%.

As of the latest data available, the median household income in Okanogan County, WA is approximately $45,000. In contrast, the median household income in Washington State is around $78,000, while the national median is roughly $68,700. The income levels in Okanogan County are therefore significantly lower than both state and national averages.

This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of Okanogan County compared to those living in other parts of the state and country.

Okanogan County, WA, has a crime rate notably lower than the national average. According to the most recent data, the county experiences approximately 1,200 incidents per year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is around 25, whereas the national average is approximately 30. Violent crimes are notably scarce, but property crimes contribute significantly to the overall rate.

Data is subject to change and might differ slightly based on recent reports.