Asotin County, Washington

Asotin_County_Courthouse

Asotin_WAshington_IMG_4569

Asotin County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,285. The county seat is Asotin, and its largest city is Clarkston. The county was created out of Garfield County on October 27, 1883, and derives its name from a Nez Perce word meaning "eel creek."

Geography

Asotin County is part of the Lewiston-Clarkston Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 641 square miles (1,660 km²), of which 636 square miles (1,650 km²) is land and 5.3 square miles (14 km²) (0.8%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Whitman County - north
• Nez Perce County, Idaho - east
• Garfield County - west
• Wallowa County, Oregon - south

National protected areas

• Umatilla National Forest (part)
• Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (part)

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, there were 21,623 people, 9,014 households, and 5,944 families residing in the county. The population density was 34 people per square mile (13/km²). There were 9,862 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile (5.8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.1% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. 2.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Economy

The economy of Asotin County is primarily based on agriculture, healthcare, and education. The county is home to several schools, including Clarkston High School and Walla Walla Community College's Clarkston campus. The healthcare sector is represented by facilities such as Tri-State Memorial Hospital.

Communities

Cities

• Asotin
• Clarkston

Census-designated places

• Clarkston Heights-Vineland
• West Clarkston-Highland

Unincorporated communities

• Anatone
• Silcott

Government and politics

Asotin County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The county is part of Washington's 5th congressional district.

Education

The county is served by several school districts, including the Clarkston School District and the Asotin-Anatone School District. Higher education is provided by Walla Walla Community College's Clarkston campus.

Transportation

Major highways in Asotin County include U.S. Route 12 and Washington State Route 129. The county is also served by the Lewiston–Nez Perce County Airport in nearby Lewiston, Idaho.

See also

• List of counties in Washington
• Hells Canyon
• Snake River