Clark County Public RecordsWashington

Clark County, WA, has over 345,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with mail-in ballots as the primary voting method; in-person ballot drop sites number over 20. In the 2020 election, turnout reached 85%. The Elections Office oversees processes, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Recent issues include concerns over election security and ballot box surveillance. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active; recent results show a near-even split in high-profile races, with Democrats narrowly leading at 52% in the 2022 congressional election.

Clark County, WA, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to other Washington counties. In 2022, the overall crime rate was 22.9 per 1,000 residents, with property crime comprising 82% of reported incidents. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for 3.1 per 1,000 residents. The Clark County Sheriff's Office encourages proactive crime reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of about 37%. While some neighborhoods remain safer than others, ongoing community efforts aim to further reduce crime and improve safety countywide.

Clark County, WA, has over 130 public schools, including 25 high schools, serving approximately 85,000 students. The high school graduation rate is around 85%, and 31% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores slightly exceed state averages, with SAT scores nearing 1100. The region emphasizes school safety, with all districts implementing security protocols. Educational programs include STEM, AP, and career-technical tracks. Adult education is accessible via Clark College, serving 10,000+ students. Overall, Clark County’s schools receive a B+ rating for academic performance and safety, according to Niche.

As of 2023, Clark County, WA has an employment rate of approximately 62%. Major industries include healthcare (14%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (12%). The predominant occupation types are management, business, and science (37%), and sales and office (22%). Over 60% of employed residents commute to work in Clark County, while about 27% travel to the Portland, OR area. Average commute time is 26 minutes. Employment is diversified, with a labor force of roughly 270,000 people, reflecting the county's growing economic base and cross-state commuter connections.

Clark County, WA, has a homeownership rate of around 66%, with median home values near $485,000 as of early 2024. Median gross rent is approximately $1,600 per month. The county features diverse housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with popular neighborhoods such as Camas, Felida, and Salmon Creek. The real estate market has seen steady appreciation, with home prices rising about 6% year-over-year. Property taxes average 1.10% of assessed value, making them moderate compared to national rates. Rental demand remains high, especially around Vancouver and suburban areas.

As of 2023, Clark County, WA, has a population of approximately 522,000. About 50.3% are female and 49.7% male. Median age is 39.2. The racial/ethnic composition is 77% White, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian, 2.5% Black, 1.6% Native American, and 5% two or more races. Nearly 22% are under age 18 while 16% are 65 and older.