Kelso Public RecordsWashington

Kelso, WA, features road-based transportation dominated by personal vehicles—about 88% of commuters drive alone, while roughly 7% carpool and less than 1% use public transit. RiverCities Transit provides limited bus services connecting Kelso to Longview and nearby areas. Average commute times are approximately 21 minutes. Vehicle ownership is high; over 92% of households have access to at least one vehicle. Major employment centers include the Three Rivers Mall area, Port of Longview, and downtown corridors. I-5 and Washington State Route 4 are the primary transportation arteries serving the city and connecting it regionally.

Kelso, in Cowlitz County, WA, has a 2022 estimated population of about 12,340. The median age is 36.9 years. 49.5% are male, and 50.5% female. Racially, the population is 81.4% White, 1.1% African American, 2.2% Native American, 1.5% Asian, and 9.7% from two or more races; 12.9% identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Kelso, in Cowlitz County, WA, has a homeownership rate around 50%, with median home values near $320,000 (2024). The rental vacancy rate is about 6%, and median rent is approximately $1,150/month. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some manufactured homes. Notable neighborhoods are Lexington and Butler Acres. The local market has seen a 5% annual value increase recently. Property tax rates average 1.14%, meaning about $3,650/year on a median-priced home. Kelso offers affordable options compared to state averages, appealing to first-time buyers and renters alike.

Kelso, located in Cowlitz County, WA, has 8 public schools, including Kelso High School, serving over 4,800 students. The district’s high school graduation rate is around 85%, while approximately 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Kelso schools offer diverse academic and extracurricular programs, such as Advanced Placement and Career & Technical Education. School safety measures meet state standards, with reported incidents below the state average. Adult education opportunities are available through Lower Columbia College nearby, enhancing lifelong learning for residents. Overall, Kelso’s educational environment provides foundational opportunities for student and adult learners alike.

Kelso, Cowlitz County, WA, is served primarily by PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center (193 beds) in neighboring Longview and several clinics, including Family Health Center and Lower Columbia Clinic. In Cowlitz County, 91% of residents have health insurance; 37% are on Medicaid. The city’s population is predominantly White (85%), with 14% under 18 and 18% over 65. Common health issues include higher-than-average rates of heart disease, diabetes, and substance use. Kelso faces challenges in healthcare access due to provider shortages, with a ratio of 1 primary care provider per 2,090 residents.