Ferry County Public RecordsWashington

Ferry County, Washington, had 5,283 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local offices, with most voting by mail; limited in-person polling occurs at the Republic courthouse. In the 2020 presidential election, 69.3% voted Republican and 28.4% Democrat. The county auditor administers elections. Voter turnout typically exceeds 70%. Key issues include land use and resource management. The county leans strongly Republican, though Democrats also compete in local races. There are no metropolitan political parties, but the local GOP is active, as are nonpartisan groups addressing regional concerns.

As of the 2020 Census, Ferry County, WA has a population of 7,178. The median age is 49.6 years, with 24% under 18 and 25% aged 65 or older. The gender split is roughly equal, with 51% male and 49% female. Racially, 68% are White, 21% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3% Hispanic or Latino, and less than 2% each for Black, Asian, and others.

Ferry County, WA, consistently reports low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county recorded only 58 total crimes, with 9 violent crimes and 49 property crimes, reflecting a crime rate of approximately 13.3 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s office actively encourages public crime reporting and community involvement. Despite its rural nature contributing to lower crime, residents are urged to remain vigilant, as trends can fluctuate. Overall, Ferry County remains one of Washington’s safer counties.

Ferry County, WA, has just a few educational institutions, including one public high school—Republic High School—serving around 100 students, with graduation rates near 83%. Higher education attainment is limited: approximately 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are three public schools in total. School safety reports are average, with minimal incidents per year. Adult education opportunities are available through online and regional programs. Standardized test scores generally trail state averages, but specialized programs in forestry and agriculture are offered to support local industries.

Ferry County, WA, has an employment rate of approximately 47% (as of 2022, per U.S. Census Bureau). Major industries include health care & social assistance (21%), public administration (19%), retail trade (11%), and agriculture/forestry (9%). The most common occupations are in office/administrative support (15%) and management (13%). About 70% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes; over 15% work outside the county, often in Stevens and Okanogan counties. The county’s unemployment rate historically hovers around 8–9% (BLS, 2023).

Ferry County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $220,000 in 2023, reflecting gradual appreciation in recent years. Median gross rent is approximately $850 monthly. Housing largely consists of single-family detached homes, cabins, and some manufactured housing, scattered across rural areas and small towns like Republic. The real estate market remains affordable compared to state averages, though inventory is limited. Property tax rates average 0.65% of assessed value, below Washington’s state average. Rental options are limited, emphasizing the county's predominantly owner-occupied housing landscape.