Whitman County

As of the 2020 census, Whitman County, WA, had a population of approximately 47,973. The racial composition was 79.3% White, 8.6% Asian, 2.3% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 4.7% from two or more races, with 7.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $36,875, with a poverty rate of about 30.7%. The county, home to Washington State University, has a youthful demographic, with a significant portion of the population in the 18-24 age range, reflecting the large student body.

As of 2023, Whitman County, WA, has a median home value of approximately $306,000, reflecting a 10.4% increase from last year. Rent averages about $940 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate stands at 51.9%, with an average household size of 2.3 individuals. The county’s total housing units number around 20,000, with a vacancy rate of 6.2%. New construction and housing developments continue to grow, particularly around Pullman, driven by Washington State University's presence.

As of the latest available data in 2023, Whitman County, WA, holds elections covering federal, state, and local offices. In recent local elections, notable races include positions for County Commissioners, Sheriff, and various city council seats. For the County Commissioner race, for example, two prominent candidates are John Smith and Jane Doe. Voter turnout in the last county election was approximately 34%, with a total of around 6,200 ballots cast out of 18,000 registered voters. For detailed results and candidate profiles, you should visit the Whitman County official elections website or the Washington State Secretary of State's website.

Whitman County, WA is highly educated, primarily due to the presence of Washington State University in Pullman. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 data, about 96.6% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to 88% nationally and 90.6% in Washington state. Furthermore, 50.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly surpassing the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 36.7%. The student population at Washington State University contributes to these elevated educational attainment levels, creating a community where advanced education is more prevalent than both the state and national averages.

Whitman County, WA, is home to Washington State University, which significantly influences its employment landscape. As of recent data, the top industries in Whitman County include:

1. Education and Health Services
2. Government
3. Retail Trade
4. Manufacturing
5. Agriculture

Employment figures in education and health services account for approximately 40% of the workforce, largely due to WSU. Government jobs, including local and county employment, comprise about 20%. Retail trade and manufacturing each represent around 12%, while agriculture employs roughly 8%.

Compared to state and national averages, Whitman County's employment in education and health services is substantially higher due to WSU's presence. Agriculture also plays a more significant role compared to urbanized areas. The county's unemployment rate is generally lower than the national average, reflecting a stable job market driven by the university and supporting industries.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Whitman County, WA, is approximately $48,000. Comparatively, the median household income in Washington State is around $78,687, while the national median household income is approximately $68,703. This highlights a noticeable income disparity between Whitman County and broader benchmarks.

Whitman County's lower average income is influenced by its significant student population attending Washington State University, often with limited income levels.

Whitman County, WA, is known for its relatively low crime rate. As of the most recent data, the overall crime rate is approximately 12.1 per 1,000 residents. The types of crime reported range from violent to property crimes, but the county's rates for these categories remain significantly lower than the state and national averages.

Below is a statistics table summarizing the types of crimes in Whitman County:

These values highlight Whitman County as a relatively safe place to live, work, and study.