Lincoln County Public RecordsWashington

Lincoln County, WA, has 10 public schools, including 5 high schools, serving around 1,800 students. About 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only 17% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings are above the national average, and the average graduation rate is 92%. Educational programs focus on agriculture, STEM, and vocational pathways. Adult education is available through community centers and online programs. Average statewide test scores in math and reading are slightly below Washington’s average.

As of 2023, Lincoln County, WA had an unemployment rate of approximately 5.0%. The leading industry is Agriculture, employing over 27% of the workforce, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance at 14%, and Retail Trade at 11%. About 25% of workers hold management, business, or financial occupations. Over 75% of residents drive alone to work, with a mean commute time of 29 minutes. Most employment is concentrated locally, though some commute to Spokane County for work, making up about 15% of out-of-county commuters.

Lincoln County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $261,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $915 per month. The housing market has seen steady growth, with values increasing around 6% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family residences, prevalent in towns like Davenport and Odessa. Neighborhoods remain quiet and rural, offering spacious lots. Property tax rates average 0.78%, resulting in an annual median property tax of about $2,040. Rental options are limited, reflecting the county's primarily owner-occupied housing landscape.

As of 2023, Lincoln County, WA has a population of approximately 10,800. The median age is about 48 years, reflecting an older demographic. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The county is predominantly White (90.2%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up 4.6%, Native Americans 2.3%, and other races or multiracial individuals comprising the remainder. Lincoln County remains one of Washington's more rural and less diverse counties.

Lincoln County, WA, boasts a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000, according to Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs data. With a population of around 11,000, Lincoln County remains one of the safest in Washington, with regular reporting by the Sheriff’s Office. Most reported incidents involve minor theft or vandalism, while arrests for violent crimes remain rare. Community policing contributes to its continued safety.

Lincoln County, WA had 7,892 registered voters for the November 2022 general election, with turnout at 68.7%. Elections include primary, general, and special elections, conducted mainly by mail-in ballot; limited in-person polling and ballot drop boxes are available at the county courthouse. In 2020, 73% voted Republican, 24% Democrat in the presidential race. Key issues include water rights and agriculture. Election administration is handled by the Lincoln County Auditor’s office. Main political parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republican registrations historically outnumbering Democrats by over 2 to 1.