Walla Walla County, Washington

US 12

Walla Walla County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 60,760. The county seat and largest city is Walla Walla. The county was formed on April 25, 1854, and is named after the Walla Walla tribe of Native Americans.

History

Walla Walla County's history is deeply intertwined with the Walla Walla tribe, who inhabited the area for thousands of years before European exploration. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1805 and 1806. The establishment of Fort Nez Perce (later known as Fort Walla Walla) in 1818 by the North West Company marked the beginning of significant European influence in the region. The county was officially formed from a portion of Skamania County in 1854.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,299 square miles, of which 1,270 square miles is land and 29 square miles (2.2%) is water. It is bordered by Columbia County to the east, Umatilla County, Oregon to the south, Benton County to the west, and Franklin County and the Snake River to the north.

Adjacent counties

• Franklin County, Washington - north
• Columbia County, Washington - east
• Umatilla County, Oregon - south
• Benton County, Washington - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 60,760 people, 22,450 households, and 14,900 families residing in the county. The population density was 47.8 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with significant Hispanic or Latino, African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander populations.

Economy

Walla Walla County's economy has historically been based on agriculture, including the cultivation of wheat, apples, and the production of wine. The Walla Walla Valley is renowned for its wine industry, with numerous vineyards and wineries contributing significantly to the local and state economy. Education and healthcare also play vital roles in the county's economy, with Walla Walla University and the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center being among the top employers.

Education

Walla Walla County is home to several higher education institutions, including Walla Walla University in College Place and Whitman College in Walla Walla. The county also has a community college, Walla Walla Community College, which offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs.

Transportation

The county is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 12 and State Route 125. Walla Walla Regional Airport provides air services for the county, with flights to major cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Communities

Cities

• Walla Walla (county seat)
• College Place

Towns

• Waitsburg
• Prescott

Unincorporated communities

• Burbank
• Touchet
• Lowden

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Walla Walla County, Washington