Okanogan County Public RecordsWashington

Okanogan County, WA, features 22 public schools, including 7 high schools. Around 82% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public school ratings average 5/10, reflecting mixed academic performance. The region emphasizes school safety, with programs targeting bullying and emergency preparedness. Educational offerings include AVID, STEM, and vocational courses. Adult education is available through Wenatchee Valley College’s Omak campus, serving over 1,000 students annually.

Okanogan County, WA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 6.3% in 2023. Agriculture is the leading industry, accounting for about 23% of jobs, followed by healthcare (15%) and retail trade (13%). Common occupations include farming/labor (18%), office/administrative support (14%), and service roles (12%). About 76% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 19 minutes. Primary employment locations include Omak, Okanogan, and nearby agricultural areas, with around 58% of the workforce employed within the county.

Okanogan County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value near $288,000 (2023). Median monthly rent is roughly $1,100. The market has seen 6–8% annual value appreciation recently. Housing types include single-family homes, cabins, and ranches, in rural areas and small towns like Omak and Twisp. Property tax rates average 0.87%, meaning $2,506 annually on a median-priced home. Neighborhoods are typically spread out, with denser development in town centers. The area’s affordable prices and scenic environment attract both year-round residents and vacation homeowners.

Okanogan County, WA, has approximately 27,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include local, state, and federal races, primarily conducted by mail. In the 2020 presidential election, 59.9% voted Republican, 37.7% Democrat. Polling locations supplement mail ballots for accessibility needs. Key issues include water rights, wildfire management, and land use. The county’s elections are administered by the Auditor’s Office. The Republican and Democratic parties actively compete, with Republicans historically leading. Voter turnout in general elections often exceeds 70%.

As of 2022, Okanogan County, Washington, has a population of approximately 42,200. The median age is 44.3 years, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female residents. The racial and ethnic makeup is about 66% White, 16% Native American, 14% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and the remainder comprising Black, Pacific Islander, and multiracial groups. This diverse population reflects both the county’s rural character and its significant Native American communities.

Okanogan County, WA, has a crime rate below the national average, with a 2022 violent crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 15.8 per 1,000, according to FBI data. Crime reporting is managed by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and local police. Despite lower rates, rural burglary and drug offenses remain concerns. In 2022, approximately 87 violent crimes and 511 property crimes were reported. Community safety initiatives and increased patrols have contributed to overall stability and ongoing improvements in public safety.