Pend Oreille County, Washington

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Pend Oreille County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,724. The county seat and largest city is Newport.

History

Pend Oreille County was created out of Stevens County on March 1, 1911. The county is named after the Pend d'Oreilles tribe, who were indigenous to the area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,425 square miles (3,690 km²), of which 1,400 square miles (3,600 km²) is land and 25 square miles (65 km²) (1.8%) is water. The county is part of the Inland Northwest region.

Adjacent counties

• Boundary County, Idaho - east
• Bonner County, Idaho - southeast
• Spokane County, Washington - south
• Stevens County, Washington - west

National protected areas

• Colville National Forest (part)
• Kaniksu National Forest (part)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 13,724 people, 5,800 households, and 3,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 9.8 inhabitants per square mile (3.8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.5% White, 1.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 5.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Pend Oreille County is primarily based on timber, mining, and agriculture. The county also benefits from tourism due to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Education

Pend Oreille County is served by several school districts, including the Newport School District and the Selkirk School District. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby Spokane.

Communities

Cities

• Newport

Towns

• Cusick
• Ione
• Metaline
• Metaline Falls

Unincorporated communities

• Usk

Transportation

Pend Oreille County is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 2 and Washington State Route 20. The county also has a small public airport, the Newport Airport.

See also

• List of counties in Washington
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Pend Oreille County, Washington