Wahkiakum County, Washington

Cathlamet,_WA_-_Wahkiakum_County_Courthouse_01

WA-4

WA-409

Wahkiakum County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,488, making it the third least populous county in Washington. The county seat and largest city is Cathlamet. The county was formed out of Cowlitz County on April 25, 1854, and is named after Chief Wahkiakum ("Tall Timber") of the Chinook tribe.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 287 square miles (740 km²), of which 263 square miles (680 km²) is land and 24 square miles (62 km²) (8.4%) is water. The county is part of the Longview Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Adjacent counties

• Pacific County - northwest
• Lewis County - northeast
• Cowlitz County - east
• Columbia County, Oregon - south
• Clatsop County, Oregon - southwest

National protected areas

• Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer
• Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 4,488 people, 2,000 households, and 1,200 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile (6.6/km²). There were 2,500 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile (3.5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.5% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. 3.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Communities

Town

• Cathlamet

Unincorporated communities

• Deep River
• Grays River
• Rosburg
• Skamokawa

Government and politics

Wahkiakum County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The county is part of Washington's 3rd congressional district.

Economy

The economy of Wahkiakum County is primarily based on forestry, fishing, and agriculture. Tourism also plays a significant role, with visitors attracted to the county's natural beauty and historical sites.

Education

Wahkiakum County is served by the Wahkiakum School District, which includes Wahkiakum High School and Julius A. Wendt Elementary School.

Transportation

The county is served by State Route 4, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Longview and the Interstate 5 corridor.

Related pages

• Washington (state)
• Cathlamet, Washington
• Cowlitz County, Washington
• Pacific County, Washington
• Lewis County, Washington
• Columbia County, Oregon
• Clatsop County, Oregon