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Clark County, Washington

2025-09-19T13:57:56Z

2600:1008:B226:62EE:3496:B56B:FD9:641: /* Government and politics */It did swing left in 2024.

{{Short description|County in Washington, United States}}
{{about|the county|the place in [[Lincoln County, Washington|Lincoln County]]|Clark, Washington}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{coord|45.77|-122.48|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-WA_source:UScensus1990}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Clark County
| state = Washington
| seal = Seal of Clark County, Washington.png
| founded year = 1845 as Vancouver District
| founded date = August 20
| seat wl = Vancouver
| largest city wl = Vancouver
| area_total_sq_mi = 656
| area_land_sq_mi = 629
| area_water_sq_mi = 27
| area percentage = 4.1%
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_total = 503311
| pop_est_as_of = 2024
| population_est = 527269 {{increase}}
| density_sq_mi = auto
| time zone = Pacific
| web = https://clark.wa.gov
| ex image = Clark County Courthouse (Vancouver, Washington).jpg
| ex image cap = Clark County Courthouse
| district = 3rd
| named for = [[William Clark]] on September 3, 1849
| flag =
}}

'''Clark County''' is the southernmost [[List of counties in Washington|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 503,311,<ref name="QF">{{Cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/clarkcountywashington/PST045223 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> making it Washington's [[List of counties in Washington|fifth-most populous county.]] Its [[county seat]] and largest city is [[Vancouver, Washington|Vancouver]].<ref name="GR6">{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> It was the first county in Washington, first named '''Vancouver County''' in 1845 before being renamed for [[William Clark]] of the [[Lewis and Clark Expedition]] in 1849. It was created by the [[Provisional Government of Oregon]] in [[Oregon Country]] on August 20, 1845, and at that time covered the entire present-day state.<ref name="historylink">{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2003 |title=Milestones for Washington State History — Part 1: Prehistory to 1850 |url=http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5366 |publisher=[[HistoryLink.org]]}}</ref> Clark County is the third-most-populous county in the [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]-Vancouver-[[Hillsboro, Oregon|Hillsboro]] [[Portland metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]], and is across the [[Columbia River]] from [[Portland, Oregon]].

==History==
Clark County was created on August 20, 1845, as '''Vancouver District''', named for [[Vancouver, Washington|its town]], following the removal of the area from three other districts on July 27, 1844. It included all the land north of the Columbia River, west of the [[Rocky Mountains]], and south of [[Alaska]]. On December 21, 1845, the provisional government changed its name to Vancouver County. At that time it stretched from the Columbia River to [[54-40 or fight|54 degrees 40 minutes North Latitude]] in what is now [[British Columbia]], Canada. On June 15, 1846, the United States Senate [[Canada–United States border#History|approved the present boundary between the U.S. and Canada]] at the [[49th parallel north|49th parallel]].

On August 13, 1848, President [[James K. Polk]] signed an act creating the entire region as the Oregon Territory. On September 3, 1849, the Oregon Territorial Legislature modified the borders again and changed its name to '''Clarke County''' in honor of explorer William Clark. At this time it included all of present-day Washington and continued to be divided and subdivided until reaching its present area in 1880. It was not until 1925 that the spelling was corrected to its present form.<ref name="hanable">{{Cite web |last=Hanable |first=William S. |date=February 4, 2004 |title=Clark County — Thumbnail History |url=http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5644}}</ref>

In September 1902 the [[Yacolt Burn]], the largest fire in state history, began in neighboring [[Skamania County, Washington|Skamania County]] and swept west along a 12-mile front to [[Yacolt, Washington|Yacolt]], nearly engulfing the town. Salvaging the remaining timber was a lucrative industry for a time.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|656|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|629|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|27|sqmi}} (4.1%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files |url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_53.txt |access-date=July 4, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> It is the fifth-smallest county in Washington by land area.

Clark County is surrounded on two sides by the Columbia River and on the north by the North Fork of the [[Lewis River (Washington)|Lewis River]]. The East Fork of the Lewis River and the [[Washougal River]] cut across the county. The largest stream arising solely within the county is Salmon Creek, which terminates at [[Vancouver Lake]] before eventually flowing into the Columbia River.

Like most of Oregon and Washington south of [[Puget Sound]] into the [[Willamette Valley]] the landscape and climate of Clark County are determined by its placement between the [[volcanic]] [[Pacific Coast Range|Pacific Coast]] and [[Cascade Range]]s, where [[glaciation]] helped form a U-shaped valley which meets the river valley of the Columbia River as it leaves the [[Columbia River Gorge]]. Volcanic [[andisols|andisol soils]] are common, with fertile [[mollisols]] in the lower areas. The central and southwest areas of the county are generally flat floodplains, sculpted by torrents of prehistoric [[Lake Missoula]]. A series of dramatic floods known as the [[Missoula Floods]] took place 15,000–13,000 years ago, as several ice dams melted, forming a series of low steps such as the "Heights", "Mill Plain", "Fourth Plain" and "Fifth Plain". Clark County's [[Köppen climate classification]] is "Csb".

Many lakes border the river in the lowlands near [[Ridgefield, Washington|Ridgefield]], including Vancouver Lake. Eastern and northern Clark County contain forested foothills of the [[Cascade Mountains]], rising to an elevation of {{convert|4,000|ft}} on the border with Skamania County. [[Larch Mountain (Clark County, Washington)|Larch Mountain]] is the county's highest free-standing peak.

[[Mount Hood]], [[Mount St. Helens]] and [[Mount Adams (Washington)|Mount Adams]] are all visible from Clark County, and cold winter winds through the Columbia River Gorge often bring [[freezing rain]] and a coating of [[glaze ice]] or [[clear ice]] known locally as a "silver thaw", especially in southeastern areas of the county closest to the gorge. The counterpart to this are warm winds from the southwest known locally as the "[[Pineapple Express]]".

===Climate===
Spring thaws can often swell county waterways, with two of the more destructive floods being those of the Columbia River in June 1894 and May 1948. The 1948 [[Memorial Day]] flood almost topped the Interstate Bridge's support [[pier]]s and completely destroyed nearby [[Vanport, Oregon]]. Construction of [[The Dalles Dam]] and destruction of [[Celilo Falls]] are credited with a decrease in such floods.

Significant windstorms in Clark County include the [[Columbus Day Storm of 1962|Columbus Day windstorm]] of October 12, 1962, and [[1972 Portland-Vancouver Tornado|an April 6, 1972, tornado]] which rated F3 on the [[Fujita scale]], striking a local school. A "[[Friday the 13th]]" storm in November 1981 brought winds up to {{convert|70|mph}}, with other storms including the [[inauguration day]] storm of January 20, 1993, the [[Our Lady of Guadalupe|Guadalupe Day]] storm of December 12, 1995 (with winds up to {{convert|95|mph}} at [[Washougal, Washington]]) and small tornado on [[Tornado outbreak sequence of January 7–11, 2008|January 10, 2008]], which destroyed a boathouse at Vancouver Lake and caused damage to buildings in [[Hazel Dell, Washington|Hazel Dell]] before dissolving near [[Hockinson, Washington|Hockinson]].<ref>"Region has long history of damaging windstorms," by Don Hamilton, ''The Columbian'', January 11, 2008, p. A5.</ref>

===Ecology===
Flora and fauna of the region include the normal [[ecological succession]] from lowland [[Acer macrophyllum|big leaf maple]] and [[Thuja plicata|western red cedar]] through [[Quercus garryana|Garry oak]] on up through fire-dependent species such as [[lodgepole pine]] and [[coast Douglas-fir|Douglas fir]], as well as [[grand fir]], [[Abies amabilis|silver fir]] and other species common to [[Gifford Pinchot National Forest]]. In addition to a wide variety of birds including [[great blue heron]], [[Bird of prey|raptors]] such as [[barred owl]], [[osprey]], [[red-tailed hawk]] and [[bald eagle]], [[corvid]]s ([[common raven|raven]], [[Northwestern crow|crow]], [[California scrub jay|California scrub]] and [[Steller's jay]]) and others, the native streams are home to various species of [[salmon]] and the Vancouver Trout Hatchery. Larger mammals include [[black-tailed deer]], [[coyote]], [[raccoon]], [[skunk]] and invasive [[opossum]]; with sightings of lynx, bobcat, black bear, cougar and elk not uncommon, especially in the northern parts of the county. Common foods used by the [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous people]] such as the [[Klickitat tribe]] and [[Chinookan|Chinook]] included salmon, [[Vaccinium parvifolium|huckleberry]] and ''[[Camassia quamash]]'' (after which the city of [[Camas, Washington]] is named).

===Geographic features===
{|
|-valign=top
|
*[[Cascade Range|Cascade Mountains]]
*[[Columbia River]]
*[[Vancouver Lake]]
*[[East Fork Lewis River]]
*[[Lacamas Creek]]
|
*[[Lacamas Lake]]
*[[Battle Ground Lake State Park|Battle Ground Lake]]
*[http://www.bgwa.com/moulton_falls.htm Moulton Falls] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831064346/http://www.bgwa.com/moulton_falls.htm |date=August 31, 2019 }}
*[http://www.bgwa.com/lucia_falls_park.htm Lucia Falls] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831070711/http://www.bgwa.com/lucia_falls_park.htm |date=August 31, 2019 }}
*[[Larch Mountain (Clark County, Washington)|Larch Mountain]]
|
*[[Silver Star Mountain (Skamania County, Washington)|Silver Star Mountain]]
*[[Green Mountain]]
*[[Lewisville Park]]
*[[Daybreak Park]]
*[[Vancouver Lake Park]]
*[[Klineline Park]]
|}

===Major highways===
*[[File:I-5.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]]
*[[File:I-205.svg|23px]] [[Interstate 205 (Oregon–Washington)|Interstate 205]]
*[[File:WA-14.svg|20px]] [[Washington State Route 14|State Route 14]]
*[[File:WA-500.svg|23px]] [[Washington State Route 500|State Route 500]]
*[[File:WA-501.svg|23px]] [[Washington State Route 501|State Route 501]]
*[[File:WA-502.svg|23px]] [[Washington State Route 502|State Route 502]]
*[[File:WA-503.svg|23px]] [[Washington State Route 503|State Route 503]]

====Former major highway====
*[[File:US 99 (1961).svg|23px]] [[U.S. Route 99 in Washington|U.S. Route 99]]
*[[File:US 830 (1961).svg|23px]] [[U.S. Route 830]]
*[[File:WA-120.svg|23px]] [[Washington State Route 120|State Route 120]]
*[[File:WA-140.svg|23px]] [[Washington State Route 140|State Route 140]]

===Adjacent counties===
*[[Cowlitz County, Washington|Cowlitz County]] - north
*[[Skamania County, Washington|Skamania County]] - east
*[[Multnomah County, Oregon]] - south
*[[Columbia County, Oregon]] - southwest

===National protected areas===
* [[Fort Vancouver National Historic Site]] (part)
* [[Gifford Pinchot National Forest]] (part)
* [[Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge]]

==Economy==

Clark County's largest industries include health care, professional and business services, and retail.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Scott |date=July 2022 |title=Clark County profile |url=https://esd.wa.gov/labormarketinfo/county-profiles/snohomish |access-date=January 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Washington State Employment Security Department]]}}</ref> In 2019, approximately 65,000 Clark County residents commuted to work in Portland, Oregon; approximately 17,000 residents from Oregon commuted to work in Clark County.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seekamp |first=William |date=June 6, 2023 |title=New I-5 bridge would 'unlock workforce potential', says Port of Vancouver economic development director |url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jun/06/new-i-5-bridge-would-unlock-workforce-potential-says-port-of-vancouver-economic-development-director/ |url-access=limited |access-date=January 14, 2024 |work=The Columbian}}</ref> Although Washington does not have a state [[income tax]], residents who worked in Oregon were required to pay income tax to that state for earnings in Oregon.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rogoway |first=Mike |date=January 6, 2022 |title=Clark County commuters, many now telecommuters, are paying less in Oregon income tax |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2022/01/clark-county-commuters-many-now-telecommuters-are-paying-less-in-oregon-income-tax.html |access-date=January 14, 2024 |work=The Oregonian}}</ref> Clark County residents also cross the Columbia River to shop without sales taxes, which Oregon also lacks; this phenomenon caused up to $5.9 million in estimated lost sales tax revenue for the county government in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phiel |first=Shari |date=December 4, 2022 |title=Clark County's 'sales tax leakage' decreases |url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2022/dec/04/clark-countys-sales-tax-leakage-decreases/ |url-access=limited |access-date=January 14, 2024 |work=The Columbian}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1850= 643
|1860= 2384
|1870= 3081
|1880= 5490
|1890= 11709
|1900= 13419
|1910= 26115
|1920= 32805
|1930= 40316
|1940= 49852
|1950= 85307
|1960= 93809
|1970= 128454
|1980= 192227
|1990= 238053
|2000= 345238
|2010= 425363
|2020= 503311
|estyear=2024
|estimate=527269
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|title=County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 17, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1790–1960<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/ |archive-date=August 11, 2012 |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/wa190090.txt |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1990–2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226035610/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010–2020<ref name="QF" />
}}

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 503,311 people, and 184,173 households were in the county.<ref name="QF" /> The population density was 800.8 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 85.2% White, 2.6% African American, 1.2% Native American, 5.4% Asian,1.0% Pacific Islander, and 4.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 11% of the population.<ref name="QF" />

The average household size was 2.67 people per household. 23.0% of the population was under 18, and 5.6% were under 5. 16.3% of the population was over 65. The gender makeup of the county was 50.3% female, and 49.7% male.<ref name="QF" />

The median income for a household was $82,719. The per capita income was $39,371. 9.0% of the population were below the [[Poverty line in the United States|poverty line]].<ref name="QF" />

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], there were 425,363 people, 158,099 households, and 110,672 families residing in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{Cite web |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US53011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213020257/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US53011 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|676.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|}}. There were 167,413 housing units at an average density of {{convert|266.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}.<ref name="census-density">{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US53011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213192826/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US53011 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 85.4% white, 4.1% Asian, 2.0% black or African American, 0.9% American Indian, 0.6% Pacific islander, 2.9% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 7.6% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1" /> In terms of ancestry, 24.4% were [[Germans|German]], 13.1% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 13.1% were [[English people|English]], 5.7% were [[Norwegians|Norwegian]], and 4.3% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{Cite web |title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US53011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213014348/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US53011 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

Of the 158,099 households, 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.0% were non-families, and 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.15. The median age was 36.7 years.<ref name="census-dp1" />

The median income for a household in the county was $58,262 and the median income for a family was $67,352. Males had a median income of $52,160 versus $38,167 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,828. About 7.8% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{Cite web |title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US53011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213015902/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US53011 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 345,238 people, 127,208 households, and 90,953 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|550|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people}}. There were 134,030 housing units at an average density of {{convert|213|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial]] makeup of the county was 88.82% White, 1.68% Black or African American, 0.84% Native American, 3.21% Asian, 0.37% Pacific Islander, 1.99% from other races, and 3.08% from two or more races. 4.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.7% were of [[German people|German]], 10.2% [[English people|English]], 8.6% [[Irish American|Irish]], 8.6% [[United States]] and 5.1% [[Norwegian people|Norwegian]] ancestry. 88.8% spoke only [[English language|English]] at home; 3.6% spoke [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and 1.9% [[Russian language|Russian]].

There were 127,208 households, out of which 37.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.50% were non-families. 21.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.70% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 30.80% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $48,376, and the median income for a family was $54,016. Males had a median income of $41,337 versus $28,537 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $21,448. About 6.90% of families and 9.10% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.70% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.

===Religion===
Clark County is religiously diverse, with no single group comprising 10% of the population. The four groups that exceed 1% are nondenominational Christian with 30,026 members, the [[Catholic Church]] with 26,886 members, [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] with 20,793 members, and the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]] with 4,827.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Association of Religion Data Archives {{!}} Maps & Reports |url=http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/c/53/rcms2010_53011_county_rate_2010.asp |access-date=April 6, 2018 |website=www.thearda.com}}</ref>
The area is also home to the nation's largest population of the [[Old Apostolic Lutheran Church]] with between 8,000 and 12,000 members living in the county. This is estimated because the Church doesn't keep membership rolls.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 28, 2012 |title=Raising a Church |url=http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/feb/27/raising-a-church-growing-lutheran-congregation-put/ |access-date=April 6, 2018 |work=The Columbian |language=en}}</ref>

==Emergency services==
The Clark County Sheriff's Office is the local, county-level law enforcement agency serving Clark County, Washington. The sheriff's office was established in 1849 and is the oldest law enforcement organization in the state of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. Sheriff John Horch and Undersheriff James Hansen lead the Clark County Sheriff's Office.<ref>"Sheriff - Clark County Washington." Clark County Washington - government services. Clark County, Washington, n.d. Web. July 10, 2010. <{{Cite web |title=Sheriff - Clark County Washington |url=http://www.co.clark.wa.us/sheriff/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220192512/http://www.co.clark.wa.us/sheriff/index.html |archive-date=February 20, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2012}}>.</ref>
[[File:CCSO Patrol Car 2.jpg|thumb|300x300px|A patrol car of the Clark County Sheriff's Department.]]

On March 16, 2014, [[Clark County Fire & Rescue]] commissioned the ''[[Mary Firstenburg (fireboat)|Mary Firstenburg]]'', a new [[fireboat]] purchased with the financial support from a bequest from Firstenburg's family, and from a [[FEMA Port Security Grant]].<ref name=Columbian2014-03-14/>

==Government and politics==

Since 2014, Clark County has had a [[home rule]] charter with a [[council–manager government]]. The [[Clark County Council]] was created in 2014 and has five seats elected by districts of proportional size that are redrawn every 10 years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phiel |first=Shari |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Voters to weigh in on Clark County charter amendments |url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/oct/06/voters-to-weigh-in-on-clark-county-charter-amendments/ |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=The Columbian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phiel |first=Shari |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Clark County Council again splits on new district map |url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2022/apr/27/clark-county-council-again-splits-on-new-district-map/ |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=The Columbian}}</ref> Prior to the adoption of the home rule charter, the county had a three-member commission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henriksen |first=Nan |last2=Foster |first2=Steve |date=April 28, 2015 |title=A Brief History of the Development and Passage of Clark County's Home Rule Charter |url=https://mrsc.org/stay-informed/mrsc-insight/april-2015/summary-of-clark-county-2014-home-rule-charter-pas |access-date=January 15, 2024 |publisher=[[Municipal Research and Services Center]]}}</ref> The [[county executive|county manager]] is the chief executive officer appointed by the council and oversees the administrative departments of the government. Kathleen Otto has been the county manager of Clark County since her appointment to the role in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=County Manager |url=https://clark.wa.gov/county-manager |access-date=January 15, 2024 |publisher=Clark County}}</ref>

{{as of|2020}}, the current elected officials are:<ref name="clarkcounty_20200102_orgchart">{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2020 |title=Clark County Washington Organization Chart |url=https://www.clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/dept/files/public-information-and-outreach/orgchart_916.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209230345/https://www.clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/dept/files/public-information-and-outreach/orgchart_916.pdf |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |access-date=February 9, 2020}}</ref>

* Assessor - Peter Van Nortwick (R)
* Auditor - Greg Kimsey (R)
* Clerk - Scott Weber (R)
* Councilors
** District 1 Glen Yung (NP)
** District 2 Michelle Belkot (NP)
** District 3 Karen Bowerman - County Chair (NP)
** District 4 Gary Medvigy (NP)
** District 5 Sue Marshall (NP)
* Prosecuting Attorney - Tony Golik (D)
* Sheriff - John Horch (NP)
* Treasurer - Alishia Topper (NP)

In presidential elections, Clark County leans Democratic having voted for the party in every presidential election since 2008. This is in contrast to the rest of Southwest Washington, which leans Republican. In 2024, the county swung leftward by 2%, despite Washington and the country swinging rightward.

Before 2008, Clark County was a swing county having voted for the winner in every single election between 1900 and 2004 with the exception of 1916, 1956, 1968, and 1988.

{{PresHead|place=Clark County, Washington|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |access-date=April 6, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>|source2=<ref>The leading "other" candidate, [[Progressive Party (United States, 1912)|Progressive]] [[Theodore Roosevelt]], received 2,082 votes, while Socialist candidate [[Eugene V. Debs|Eugene Debs]] received 966 votes, [[Prohibition Party|Prohibition]] candidate [[Eugene W. Chafin|Eugene Chafin]] received 513 votes, and [[Socialist Labor Party of America|Socialist Labor]] candidate [[Arthur Reimer]] received 28 votes.</ref>}}

{{PresRow|1892|Republican|1,089|966|541|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|1,497|1,547|60|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|1,668|1,025|189|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|2,436|515|438|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|2,416|1,250|441|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|1,872|2,549|3,589|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|4,419|3,728|885|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|4,852|2,941|1,502|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|5,215|2,004|3,735|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|7,786|4,467|189|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|4,901|9,104|1,155|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|4,868|12,714|972|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|8,776|12,931|218|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|12,312|18,861|376|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|11,546|17,154|1,432|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|18,973|18,153|202|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|19,330|19,665|51|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|20,080|20,771|17|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|12,300|29,341|149|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|18,858|23,046|2,570|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|28,775|27,179|2,615|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|27,938|31,080|2,183|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|33,223|30,584|8,268|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|40,681|35,248|1,028|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|37,285|40,021|1,000|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|36,906|42,648|26,982|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|46,794|52,254|13,682|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|67,219|61,767|6,558|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|88,646|79,538|2,311|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|84,212|95,356|4,357|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|92,951|93,382|5,843|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|92,441|92,757|23,287|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|126,303|140,324|8,776|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|123,998|143,206|9,374|Washington (state)}}
{{PresFoot}}

==Communities==
===Cities===
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
*[[Battle Ground, Washington|Battle Ground]]
*[[Camas, Washington|Camas]]
*[[La Center, Washington|La Center]]
*[[Ridgefield, Washington|Ridgefield]]
*[[Vancouver, Washington|Vancouver]] (county seat)
*[[Washougal, Washington|Washougal]]
*[[Woodland, Washington|Woodland]] (mostly in [[Cowlitz County, Washington|Cowlitz County]])
{{div col end}}

===Town===
*[[Yacolt, Washington|Yacolt]]

===Census-designated places===
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
*[[Amboy, Washington|Amboy]]
*[[Barberton, Washington|Barberton]]
*[[Brush Prairie, Washington|Brush Prairie]]
*[[Cherry Grove, Washington|Cherry Grove]]
*[[Dollars Corner, Washington|Dollars Corner]]
*[[Duluth, Washington|Duluth]]
*[[Felida, Washington|Felida]]
*[[Fern Prairie, Washington|Fern Prairie]]
*[[Five Corners, Washington|Five Corners]]
*[[Hazel Dell, Washington|Hazel Dell]]
*[[Hockinson, Washington|Hockinson]]
*[[Lake Shore, Washington|Lake Shore]]
*[[Lewisville, Washington|Lewisville]]
*[[Meadow Glade, Washington|Meadow Glade]]
*[[Minnehaha, Washington|Minnehaha]]
*[[Mount Vista, Washington|Mount Vista]]
*[[Orchards, Washington|Orchards]]
*[[Salmon Creek, Washington|Salmon Creek]]
*[[Venersborg, Washington|Venersborg]]
*[[Walnut Grove, Washington|Walnut Grove]]
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
*[[Chelatchie, Washington|Chelatchie]]
*[[Etna, Washington|Etna]]
*[[Fargher Lake, Washington|Fargher Lake]]
*[[Hall, Washington|Hall]]
*[[Heisson, Washington|Heisson]]
*[[Mill Plain, Washington|Mill Plain]]
*[[Proebstel, Washington|Proebstel]]

{{div col end}}

==Education==
School districts include:<ref>{{Cite map |author=Geography Division|title=2020 Census – School District Reference Map: Clark County, WA |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st53_wa/schooldistrict_maps/c53011_clark/DC20SD_C53011.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213406/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st53_wa/schooldistrict_maps/c53011_clark/DC20SD_C53011.pdf |date=December 21, 2020|archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=July 20, 2022 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st53_wa/schooldistrict_maps/c53011_clark/DC20SD_C53011_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>
* [[Battle Ground School District|Battle Ground Public Schools]]
* [[Camas School District]]
* [[Evergreen School District (Clark)|Evergreen Public Schools (Clark)]]
* [[Green Mountain School District]]
* [[Hockinson School District]]
* [[La Center School District]]
* [[Mount Pleasant School District (Washington)]]
* [[Ridgefield School District (Washington)|Ridgefield School District]]
* [[Vancouver Public Schools]]
* [[Washougal School District]]
* [[Woodland Public Schools (Washington)|Woodland Public Schools]]

State-operated schools:
* [[Washington State School for the Blind]]
* [[Washington School for the Deaf]]

==See also==
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, Washington]]
* [[Washington State University Vancouver]]
* '''''{{portal-inline|Washington (state)}}'''''

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=<ref name="Columbian2014-03-14">{{Cite news |last=Patty Hastings |date=March 14, 2014 |title=Clark County Fire & Rescue launches new fireboat: Family gets ride on boat bearing name 'Mary Firstenburg' |url=http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/mar/17/clark-county-fire-rescue-launches-new-fireboat/ |access-date=March 20, 2017 |work=[[The Columbian]] |quote=Bruce Firstenburg, 71, broke a bottle of champagne over Clark County Fire & Rescue's new rescue boat Friday afternoon in the Ridgefield Marina.}}</ref>}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite book |last=Alley, B.F. |title=History of Clarke County, Washington Territory : compiled from the most authentic sources : also biographical sketches of its pioneers and prominent citizens |publisher=Washington Pub |year=1885}}[http://www.secstate.wa.gov/history/publications_detail.aspx?p=60 Available online through the Washington State Library's Classics in Washington History collection]

==External links==
* [https://clark.wa.gov/ Clark County official website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041113084818/http://www.columbian.com/reflections/name.html Clark County place name histories].
* [http://archive.vancouver.wsu.edu/cchm/ Clark County Historic Photographs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520232711/http://archive.vancouver.wsu.edu/cchm/ |date=May 20, 2011 }}
* [http://www.clarkwa.com/ Guide to Clark County Washington] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916101709/http://www.clarkwa.com/ |date=September 16, 2020}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Clark County, Washington
|North = [[Cowlitz County, Washington|Cowlitz County]]
|Northeast =
|East = [[Skamania County, Washington|Skamania County]]
|Southeast =
|South = [[Multnomah County, Oregon]]
|Southwest = [[Columbia County, Oregon]]
|West =
|Northwest =
}}

{{Clark County, Washington}}
{{Washington}}

[[Category:Clark County, Washington| ]]
[[Category:1845 establishments in Oregon Country]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1845]]
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
[[Category:Portland metropolitan area counties]]
[[Category:Western Washington]]

Jefferson County, Washington

2025-09-18T21:16:47Z

2600:1008:B226:62EE:3496:B56B:FD9:641: /* Politics */Wording

{{Short description|County in Washington, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Jefferson County
| state = Washington
| seal =
| flag =
| founded year = 1852
| founded date = December 22
| seat wl = Port Townsend
| largest city wl = Port Townsend
| area_total_sq_mi = 2183
| area_land_sq_mi = 1804
| area_water_sq_mi = 379
| area percentage = 17%
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_total = 32977
| pop_est_as_of = 2024
| population_est = 33944 {{increase}}
| density_sq_mi = 17
| time zone = Pacific
| website = {{URL|https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/|co.jefferson.wa.us}}
| named for = [[Thomas Jefferson]]
| ex image = Jefferson County Courthouse in Port Townsend, WA.jpg
| ex image cap = Jefferson County Courthouse in Port Townsend
| district = 6th
}}

'''Jefferson County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 32,977.<ref name="QF">{{Cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/jeffersoncountywashington/PST045223 |access-date=November 10, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> The [[county seat]] and only incorporated city is [[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]].<ref name="GR6">{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county is named for [[Thomas Jefferson]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gannett, Henry |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ |title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States |publisher=Govt. Print. Off. |year=1905 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n167 168]}}</ref>

Jefferson County was formed out of [[Thurston County, Washington|Thurston County]] on December 22, 1852, by the legislature of [[Oregon Territory]],<ref name="reinartz">{{Cite web |last=Reinartz |first=Kay |title=History of King County Government 1853–2002 |url=http://www.metrokc.gov/kc150/historical%20overview.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325074033/http://www.metrokc.gov/kc150/historical%20overview.pdf |archive-date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=December 28, 2007 |page=2}}</ref> and included the northern {{convert|4854|sqmi|1|adj=on}} portion of the [[Olympic Peninsula]]. On April 26, 1854, the legislature of [[Washington Territory]] created [[Clallam County, Washington|Clallam County]] from the northwestern {{convert|2670|sqmi|1|adj=on}} portion of this original area.

The [[Hood Canal Bridge]] connects Jefferson County to [[Kitsap County, Washington]]. The Coupeville-[[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]] route of the [[Washington State Ferries]] connects the county to [[Whidbey Island]] in [[Island County, Washington]].

==Geography==
[[File:Cedar Creek Abbey Island Ruby Beach.jpg|thumb|Ruby Beach, Kalaloch Area]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|2183|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|1804|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|379|sqmi}} (17%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files |url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_53.txt |access-date=July 5, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

The county is split in three parts by its landforms:
* Eastern Jefferson County along the [[Strait of Juan de Fuca]], [[Admiralty Inlet]], [[Puget Sound]], and the [[Hood Canal]]
* Central Jefferson County, which is uninhabited and lies in the [[Olympic Mountains]] within [[Olympic National Park]] and [[Olympic National Forest]]
* Western Jefferson County, along the [[Pacific Ocean]].

Because of the [[Olympic Mountains|mountainous barrier]], there is no road lying entirely within Jefferson County that connects the eastern and western parts. The most direct land route between the two ends of the county involves a drive of approximately {{convert|100|mi|km}} along [[U.S. Route 101]] through neighbouring [[Clallam County, Washington|Clallam County]]. The [[Olympic Mountains|mountains]] also block the damp [[Chinook wind]]s, which make the climate much wetter in the west than the so-called eastern "[[banana belt]]" in the [[rain shadow]].

===Geographic features===
[[File:Hoh river in spring.jpg|thumb|Hoh River in the [[Olympic National Park]]]]

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Admiralty Inlet]]
*[[Bolton Peninsula]]
*[[Destruction Island]]
*[[Discovery Bay, Washington|Discovery Bay]]
*[[Hood Canal]]
*[[Mount Olympus (Washington)|Mount Olympus]], the highest point on the Olympic Peninsula
*[[Olympic Mountains]]
*[[Olympic Peninsula]]
*[[Pacific Ocean]]
*[[Point Wilson]]
*[[Port Townsend Bay]]
*[[Protection Island (Washington)|Protection Island]]
*[[Puget Sound]]
*[[Queets River]]
*[[Quimper Peninsula]]
*[[Strait of Juan de Fuca]]
*[[Toandos (Coyle) Peninsula]]
{{div col end}}

===Major highways===
*[[Image:US 101.svg|x20px]] [[U.S. Route 101 in Washington|U.S. Route 101]]
*[[Image:WA-20.svg|20px]] [[Washington State Route 20|State Route 20]]
*[[Image:WA-104.svg|20px]] [[Washington State Route 104|State Route 104]]

===Adjacent counties===
*[[Island County, Washington|Island County]] – northeast
*[[Kitsap County, Washington|Kitsap County]] – southeast
*[[Mason County, Washington|Mason County]] – south/southeast
*[[Grays Harbor County, Washington|Grays Harbor County]] – south/southwest
*[[Clallam County, Washington|Clallam County]] – northwest
*[[San Juan County, Washington|San Juan County]] – northeast

===National protected areas===
* [[Olympic National Forest]] (part)
* [[Olympic National Park]] (part)
* [[Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge]] (part)
* [[Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail]] (part)

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1860= 531
|1870= 1268
|1880= 1712
|1890= 8368
|1900= 5712
|1910= 8337
|1920= 6557
|1930= 8346
|1940= 8918
|1950= 11618
|1960= 9639
|1970= 10661
|1980= 15965
|1990= 20146
|2000= 25953
|2010= 29872
|2020= 32977
|estyear=2024
|estimate=33944
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|title=County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 17, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1790–1960<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/wa190090.txt |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1990–2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226035610/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010–2020<ref name="QF" />}}

Jefferson County also comprises the entirety of the Port Townsend [[micropolitan statistical area]], which is designated by the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]]. {{As of|2023}}, the county's median age of 60.8 years old is the second-highest among metropolitan and micropolitan areas in the country, behind [[The Villages, Florida]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Balk |first=Gene |date=July 3, 2024 |title=Declining number of kids in nearly all areas of WA |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/declining-number-of-kids-in-nearly-all-areas-of-wa/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=October 29, 2024}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], there were 29,872 people, 14,049 households, and 8,394 families living in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{Cite web |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US53031 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213030543/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US53031 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|16.6|PD/sqmi}}. There were 17,767 housing units at an average density of {{convert|9.9|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US53031 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213162511/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US53031 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 91.0% white, 2.3% American Indian, 1.6% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.2% Pacific islander, 0.7% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.8% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1" /> In terms of ancestry, 20.8% were [[English people|English]], 20.3% were [[Germans|German]], 13.9% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 8.3% were [[Norwegians|Norwegian]], 5.9% were [[Scottish people|Scottish]], and 4.2% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{Cite web |title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US53031 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213015823/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US53031 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

Of the 14,049 households, 18.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 40.3% were non-families, and 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.57. The median age was 53.9 years.<ref name="census-dp1" />

The median income for a household in the county was $46,048 and the median income for a family was $59,964. Males had a median income of $45,616 versus $29,508 for females. The per capita income for the county was $28,528. About 8.9% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.8% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{Cite web |title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US53031 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213020158/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US53031 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 25,953 people, 11,645 households, and 7,580 families living in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|14|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people}}. There were 14,144 housing units at an average density of {{convert|8|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 92.17% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.42% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 2.31% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.19% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.13% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.76% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.02% from two or more races. 2.06% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 17.4% were of [[German people|German]], 14.8% [[English people|English]], 9.9% [[Irish people|Irish]] and 7.5% [[Norwegian people|Norwegian]] ancestry. 97.1% spoke [[English language|English]] and 1.0% [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as their first language.

There were 11,645 households, out of which 23.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.60% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 28.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.67.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 19.80% under the age of 18, 5.00% from 18 to 24, 21.60% from 25 to 44, 32.50% from 45 to 64, and 21.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $37,869, and the median income for a family was $45,415. Males had a median income of $37,210 versus $25,831 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $22,211. About 7.20% of families and 11.30% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16.60% of those under age 18 and 6.00% of those age 65 or over.

==Politics==
[[Image:Port Townsend Bay.jpg|right|thumb|Port Townsend Bay as seen from a ferry]]
[[File:US 101 Jefferson County.JPG|thumb|US Route 101 in Jefferson County]]
Jefferson County is a dominant [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] area, with Democrats having carried the county in every election cycle since [[Ronald Reagan]]'s landslide victory in [[1980 United States presidential election in Washington (state)|1980]].

In [[2024 United States presidential election in Washington (state)|2024]], Democratic nominee [[Kamala Harris]] won over 70% of the vote in the county, the highest vote share in its history. The county was one of the few in the country to shift significantly leftward. {{As of|2024}}, the county is located in [[Washington's 6th congressional district]] and in the 24th of [[Washington state legislative districts]].

Because of the [[Olympic Mountains|barrier dividing the county]], the populations and economies differ between the eastern and western halves of Jefferson County. The contrasts are notable as the west portion is more dependent on [[logging]], somewhat less prosperous, and having fewer people for roughly the same area. Areas of East Jefferson County located south of Port Townsend remain largely rural and can be divided into two parts, those communities located on the Hood Canal and those on the Admiralty Inlet. Perennial discussions and attempts to separate the west half from the east half gained little support during the twentieth century.

The county seat, Port Townsend, is overwhelmingly Democratic in most elections. It gave [[Barack Obama]] 82% of its votes in the 2012 presidential election. Areas outside of Port Townsend (such as Cape George) gave Obama 2-to-1 victory margins. Democrats also draw the most votes in many of the small towns of northern Jefferson County, with strong Democratic leans in Coyle, Discovery Bay, Gardiner, and Nordland, as well as in the towns just southeast of Port Townsend such as Chimacum, [[Irondale, Washington|Irondale]], [[Kala Point, Washington|Kala Point]], and Port Hadlock. Democrats also perform strongly in the sparsely populated western part of the county, where much of the population is Native American.

{{PresHead|place=Jefferson County, Washington|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections |url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>}}

{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|610|665|116|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|704|536|10|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|684|392|32|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|962|283|62|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|859|417|84|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|636|642|1,048|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|1,094|861|157|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|1,128|322|382|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|913|143|707|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|1,472|810|24|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|952|1,994|321|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|1,063|2,279|83|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|1,540|2,083|32|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|1,415|1,829|18|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|1,610|1,911|155|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|2,355|1,933|17|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|2,300|1,750|7|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|2,103|2,197|7|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,432|3,012|12|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|1,827|2,251|427|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|2,770|2,096|313|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|2,794|2,913|385|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|3,645|3,279|1,246|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1984|Democratic|4,543|4,602|189|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|4,184|5,270|182|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|3,467|6,148|3,327|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|4,607|7,145|2,367|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|6,095|8,281|1,457|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|6,650|11,610|390|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|6,330|13,252|541|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|6,405|12,739|817|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|6,037|12,656|2,186|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|6,931|17,204|657|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|6,324|17,459|915|Washington (state)}}
{{PresFoot}}

==Economy==
The largest private employer in Jefferson County is the Port Townsend Paper Mill.<ref>{{cite web |last=McClary |first=Daryl C. |date=September 26, 2005 |title=Jefferson County — Thumbnail History |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/7472 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=July 7, 2012}}</ref> The largest employer overall (private and public) is [[Jefferson Healthcare]], which operates [[Jefferson Healthcare Hospital]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bermant |first=Charlie |date=September 14, 2010 |title=Hospital's new CEO highest paid public official in Jefferson County |url=http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100915/news/309159984/hospitals-new-ceo-highest-paid-public-official-in-jefferson-county |access-date=July 7, 2012 |work=The Peninsula Daily News}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Utilities===

The Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) provides [[electricity]] to over 23,000 customers in Jefferson County and water to 5,600 customers.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 18, 2025 |title=Accountability Audit Report: Public Utility District No. 1 of Jefferson County |page=6 |url=https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1036637&isFinding=false&sp=false |publisher=[[Washington State Auditor|Office of the Washington State Auditor]] |accessdate=March 3, 2025}}</ref> It was established in 1939 to construct electrical infrastructure for rural communities and expanded into providing water service in 1981.<ref>{{cite web |title=History Of Jefferson County PUD No. 1 |url=https://www.jeffpud.org/mission-vision-history-of-the-pud/ |publisher=Jefferson County Public Utility District |accessdate=March 3, 2025}}</ref> The PUD began electrical service to the entire county in April 2013 after it had acquired assets and infrastructure from [[Puget Sound Energy]], a private operator, for $103 million. The transfer had been approved by voters in the November 2008 general election after Puget Sound Energy had been sold to an Australian [[hedge fund]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Scott |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Public power vote in 2008 set up PUD's 10th anniversary in 2023 |url=https://www.ptleader.com/stories/public-power-vote-in-2008-set-up-puds-10th-anniversary-in-2023,115666 |work=[[Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader]] |accessdate=March 3, 2025}}</ref>

==Communities==
[[File:Port Townsend and Admiralty Inlet.jpg|thumb|[[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]] and [[Admiralty Inlet]]]]

===City===
* [[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]] (county seat)

===Census-designated places===
* [[Brinnon, Washington|Brinnon]]
* [[Marrowstone, Washington|Marrowstone]]
* [[Port Hadlock-Irondale, Washington|Port Hadlock-Irondale]]
* [[Port Ludlow, Washington|Port Ludlow]]
* [[Queets, Washington|Queets]] (part)
* [[Quilcene, Washington|Quilcene]]

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
*[[Adelma Beach, Washington|Adelma Beach]]
*[[Beckett Point, Washington|Beckett Point]]
*[[Cape George, Washington|Cape George]]
*[[Center, Washington|Center]]
*[[Chimacum, Washington|Chimacum]]
*[[Clearwater, Washington|Clearwater]]
*[[Coyle, Washington|Coyle]]
*[[Crocker Lake, Washington|Crocker Lake]]
*[[Dabob, Washington|Dabob]]
*[[Discovery Bay, Washington|Discovery Bay]]
*[[East Quilcene, Washington|East Quilcene]]
*[[Gardiner, Washington|Gardiner]]
*[[Glen Cove, Washington|Glen Cove]]
*[[Irondale, Washington|Irondale]]
*[[Kala Point, Washington|Kala Point]]
*[[Kalaloch, Washington|Kalaloch]]
*[[Leland, Washington|Leland]]
*[[Mats Mats, Washington|Mats Mats]]
*[[Oak Bay, Washington|Oak Bay]]
*[[Swansonville, Washington|Swansonville]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
*[[Heron House]]
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Washington]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{osmrelation|1153701}}
* [http://www.countyrec.com Official Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Department Website] The official government website for Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, a Division of Jefferson County Public Works Department.
* [http://content.lib.washington.edu/cmpweb/index.html University of Washington Libraries Digital Collections – The Pacific Northwest Olympic Peninsula Community Museum] A web-based museum showcasing aspects of the rich history and culture of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula communities. Features cultural exhibits, curriculum packets and a searchable archive of over 12,000 items that includes historical photographs, audio recordings, videos, maps, diaries, reports and other documents.
* [http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us Jefferson County Official Website]
* {{Cite web |title=Jefferson County Historical Society |url=https://jchsmuseum.org/}} This museum and research center maintains an online collection of 19,000 photographs and over 27,000 archival descriptions and catalog records. The society's mission is to discover, collect, preserve, and promote the heritage of Jefferson County.

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Jefferson County, Washington
|Northwest = [[Clallam County, Washington|Clallam County]]
|North = ''[[Strait of Juan de Fuca]]'' ([[Capital Regional District]], [[British Columbia]] {{flagicon|Canada}})
|Northeast = ''[[Strait of Juan de Fuca]]'' [[San Juan County, Washington|San Juan County]] [[Island County, Washington|Island County]]
|East = ''[[Puget Sound]]'' [[Kitsap County, Washington|Kitsap County]]
|Southeast = ''[[Hood Canal]]'' [[Kitsap County, Washington|Kitsap County]]
|South = [[Mason County, Washington|Mason County]]
|Southwest = [[Grays Harbor County, Washington|Grays Harbor County]]
|West = ''[[Pacific Ocean]]''
}}

{{Jefferson County, Washington}}
{{Washington}}

{{coord|47.84|-123.58|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-WA_source:UScensus1990}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Jefferson County, Washington| ]]
[[Category:1852 establishments in Oregon Territory]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1852]]
[[Category:Washington (state) counties]]
[[Category:Western Washington]]