Lewis County, Washington

Lewis County
Lewis County Historic Courthouse
Lewis County Historic Courthouse
Map of Washington highlighting Lewis County
Location within the U.S. state of Washington
Map of the United States highlighting Washington
Washington's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°35′N 122°24′W / 46.58°N 122.4°W / 46.58; -122.4
Country United States
State Washington
FoundedDecember 19, 1845
Named forMeriwether Lewis
SeatChehalis
Largest cityCentralia
Area
 • Total2,436 sq mi (6,310 km2)
 • Land2,403 sq mi (6,220 km2)
 • Water33 sq mi (90 km2)  1.4%
Population
 • Total82,149
 • Estimate 
(2022)
85,370 Increase
 • Density32.5/sq mi (12.5/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitewww.lewiscountywa.gov

Lewis County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 82,149. The county seat is Chehalis, and its largest city is Centralia. Lewis County comprises the Centralia, WA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Seattle-Tacoma, WA Combined Statistical Area.

History

The county was created as Vancouver County on December 19, 1845, by the Provisional Government of Oregon, named for George Vancouver. In 1849, the county name was changed, to honor Meriwether Lewis. At the time, the county included all U.S. lands north of the Cowlitz River, including much of the Puget Sound region and British Columbia. The initial establishment of a county seat was Claquato in 1862, the honor being relinquished in 1874 in favor of Chehalis.

The first recognized court hearing in the Washington Territory was held in Lewis County at the John R. Jackson Courthouse, the oldest standing courthouse in Washington.

The county received official recognition as a "Purple Heart County" in November 2019.

Geography and natural features

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,436 square miles (6,310 km2), of which 2,403 square miles (6,220 km2) is land and 33 square miles (85 km2) (1.4%) is water. One of the world's tallest Douglas fir trees was in the town of Mineral within Lewis County, attaining a height of 120 metres (390 ft).

Geographic features

Major highways

Adjacent counties

National protected areas

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1850558
1860384−31.2%
1870888131.3%
18802,600192.8%
189011,499342.3%
190015,15731.8%
191032,127112.0%
192036,84014.7%
193040,0348.7%
194041,3933.4%
195043,7555.7%
196041,858−4.3%
197045,4678.6%
198056,02523.2%
199059,3585.9%
200068,60015.6%
201075,45510.0%
202082,1498.9%
2022 (est.)85,3703.9%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790–1960 1900–1990
1990–2000 2010–2020

2010 census

As of the 2010 Census, there were 75,455 people, 29,743 households, and 20,104 families residing in the county. The population density was 31.4 people per square mile (12.1 people/km2). There were 34,050 housing units at an average density of 14.2 units per square mile (5.5 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county's population: 89.7% white, 1.4% American Indian, 0.9% Asian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.2% Pacific islander, 4.0% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 8.7% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 24.1% were German, 14.9% were Irish, 12.5% were English, 7.7% were American, and 5.1% were Norwegian.

Of the 29,743 households, 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.4% were non-families, and 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.97. The median age was 41.5 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $43,874 and the median income for a family was $53,358. Males had a median income of $43,695 versus $31,720 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,695. About 10.3% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the 2000 Census, there were 68,600 people, 26,306 households, and 18,572 families in the county. The population density was 28 people per square mile (11 people/km2). There were 29,585 housing units at an average density of 12 units per square mile (4.6 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.96% White, 0.38% Black or African American, 1.22% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 2.55% from other races, and 2.01% from two or more races. 5.37% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 18.7% were of German, 11.8% United States or American, 11.1% English, 8.7% Irish and 5.7% Norwegian ancestry.

There were 26,306 households, 31.60% of which had resident children under age 18, 55.90% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% were non-families. 24.00% of households were made up of individuals, and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.02.

The age distribution of the county's population: 26.50% under age 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 25.20% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% at or over age 65. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,511, and the median income for a family was $41,105. Males had a median income of $35,714 versus $23,453 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,082. About 10.40% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.60% of those under age 18 and 9.40% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

National level

In modern times, Lewis County is the most conservative county in western Washington. It is significantly more Republican than adjacent counties. Unlike much of western Washington, it has a strong tinge of social conservatism. In 2000, George W. Bush received over 60% of the county's vote. In 2008 John McCain defeated Barack Obama by over eighteen percent — his only victory in a county west of the Cascades. McCain lost all the neighboring counties except Yakima. Since Washington's statehood in 1889 only three Democratic presidential candidates have carried the county – William Jennings Bryan in 1896, Franklin D. Roosevelt three times in 1932, 1936 and 1940, plus Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

All told, as of 2023, 18 of the last 19 Republican presidential tickets successfully carried Lewis County, the only exception being that of Barry Goldwater who lost to the aforementioned Johnson.

It is part of Washington's 3rd congressional district, which has been represented by Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez since 2023.

United States presidential election results for Lewis County, Washington
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 29,391 64.87% 14,520 32.05% 1,398 3.09%
2016 21,992 62.48% 9,654 27.43% 3,553 10.09%
2012 20,452 59.59% 12,664 36.90% 1,204 3.51%
2008 20,278 57.99% 13,624 38.96% 1,067 3.05%
2004 21,042 64.89% 10,726 33.08% 660 2.04%
2000 18,565 61.91% 9,891 32.99% 1,530 5.10%
1996 13,238 47.89% 10,331 37.37% 4,075 14.74%
1992 12,316 45.33% 7,810 28.75% 7,042 25.92%
1988 14,184 61.04% 8,629 37.13% 425 1.83%
1984 15,846 66.22% 7,634 31.90% 451 1.88%
1980 13,636 59.94% 6,962 30.60% 2,151 9.46%
1976 10,933 51.65% 9,026 42.64% 1,208 5.71%
1972 12,071 58.64% 6,946 33.74% 1,568 7.62%
1968 8,779 47.03% 8,444 45.23% 1,445 7.74%
1964 6,933 36.45% 12,070 63.45% 19 0.10%
1960 11,012 56.53% 8,411 43.18% 57 0.29%
1956 11,949 60.69% 7,714 39.18% 25 0.13%
1952 12,287 62.78% 7,115 36.35% 169 0.86%
1948 9,047 50.39% 8,394 46.76% 512 2.85%
1944 8,896 53.19% 7,706 46.07% 124 0.74%
1940 9,228 49.28% 9,280 49.56% 218 1.16%
1936 5,885 35.23% 9,619 57.58% 1,201 7.19%
1932 4,647 29.80% 8,454 54.21% 2,493 15.99%
1928 9,253 71.12% 3,591 27.60% 166 1.28%
1924 6,973 58.07% 1,544 12.86% 3,490 29.07%
1920 6,160 54.59% 2,212 19.60% 2,913 25.81%
1916 5,186 48.92% 4,318 40.73% 1,097 10.35%
1912 3,200 32.70% 2,471 25.25% 4,115 42.05%
1908 3,170 60.45% 1,412 26.93% 662 12.62%
1904 3,098 69.93% 896 20.23% 436 9.84%
1900 1,907 55.40% 1,382 40.15% 153 4.45%
1896 1,594 48.35% 1,654 50.17% 49 1.49%
1892 1,350 41.49% 1,014 31.16% 890 27.35%

Gubernatorial races

In the 1970s, Democratic candidates for governor won the county, but this was something of an anomaly. The last Democratic candidate for Governor to win the county was Booth Gardner in 1984.

State representation

The county's government is the 20th district of the state. It is represented solely by Republicans.

  • Senator John Braun—Republican
  • Representative Peter Abbarno—Position 1, Republican
  • Representative Ed Orcutt—Position 2, Republican

County level

The county's government is solely Republican.

  • Lewis County Assessor: Dianne Dorey—R
  • Lewis County Auditor: Larry E. Grove—R
  • Lewis County Clerk: Scott Tinney—R
  • Coroner Warren Mcleod—R
  • Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney: Jonathan Meyer—R
  • Lewis County Sheriff: Rob Snaza—R
  • Lewis County Treasurer: Arny Davis—R

Commissioners

  • Sean D. Swope, District #1—R
  • Dr. Lindsey Pollock, District #2—R
  • Scott J. Brummer, District #3—R

Arts and culture

Art

The county is home to the ARTrails of Southwest Washington initiative. The cooperative, begun in 2003, showcases local artists, art studios and galleries throughout the region, and holds an annual autumnal studio tour that incorporates events in smaller towns within Lewis County. The Lewis County Historical Museum hosts a permanent ARTrails gallery. and Centralia is home to the nexus of the event and an ARTrails-owned gallery.

Charitable organizations

The Lewis County branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been in existence since 1923. The organization has held an annual used book sale since 1979. The proceeds help to fund scholarships, day camps, film festivals, and career days for young women in middle and high school.

Education

The county is home to Centralia College, founded in 1925. Located in the middle of Centralia, it is the oldest continuously operating community college in the state.

Parks and recreation

As of 2022, Lewis County directly oversees 164.0 acres (66.4 ha) of parks with a department budget of $65,000. A proposal was introduced in 2020 that would transfer 180.0 acres (72.8 ha) of Washington state parks land to Lewis County. The undeveloped parcel is situated alongside the Cowlitz River near Packwood.

The county honors the travels of pioneer Ezra Meeker on the Oregon Trail with several historical markers throughout the region. Markers are located in Centralia, Chehalis, Claquato, and Toledo.

Communities

Cities

Town

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

See also


This page was last updated at 2023-09-01 05:42 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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