County Crime & Safety
Pacific County, WA reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county’s violent crime rate was 2.4 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 13.1 per 1,000. The most reported incidents include theft and burglary, with 128 property crimes and 24 violent crimes documented annually. Law enforcement encourages active community reporting through local hotlines, with cases often cleared above the state average. Overall, Pacific County remains safer than many other Washington counties, supporting a secure environment for residents.
Demographics
As of 2023, Pacific County, WA has an estimated population of about 23,000. The median age is 53, with 27% aged 65 and older, highlighting an aging populace. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the population is 86% White, 6% identifying as two or more races, 3% Native American, and 2% Asian. Hispanic or Latino residents make up approximately 10% of the total population, reflecting moderate ethnic diversity in this coastal county.
Education, Employment and Housing
Pacific County, WA, has 17 public schools serving K–12, including four high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 84%, while about 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average test score for public schools is below the state average, at 43%. School safety measures include resource officers and emergency protocols. Adult education is available through community colleges and GED programs. Educational enrichment includes arts, STEM, and vocational programs.
Pacific County, WA, had an employment rate of about 52.4% in 2022. The leading industries are health care and social assistance (16%), retail trade (14%), and accommodation and food services (12%). Major occupational groups include office and administrative support (12%) and food preparation and serving (11%). Approximately 66% of employed residents work within the county, while others commute primarily to Grays Harbor and Wahkiakum counties. The median travel time to work is 18.5 minutes, with 76% of workers driving alone, reflecting the rural, service-oriented economy of the area.
Pacific County, WA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with a median home value around $340,000 as of early 2024. The median rent is about $1,150/month. Property values have risen about 6% year-over-year, reflecting a steady upward market trend. Housing types largely include single-family homes and manufactured homes, with clusters in coastal communities like Long Beach and Raymond. Property taxes average roughly 0.91% of assessed value. The area offers peaceful rural neighborhoods, historic towns, and scenic coastal living, attracting retirees and families alike.
Elections
Pacific County, WA has about 16,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, local offices, and initiatives, typically conducted by mail. In the 2020 presidential election, about 56% voted Democratic and 41% Republican. Polling place voting is limited, with drop boxes in towns like Long Beach, Raymond, and South Bend. Key local issues include fisheries, timber, and housing. Elections are administered by the Pacific County Auditor’s Office. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with local races often nonpartisan. Voter turnout often ranges from 65% to 80% in general elections.
Popular names
- John Smith
- David Johnson
- Gary Shaw
- Michael Jackson
- Robert Smith
- Gary Ritter
- Michael Miller
- Richard Brown
- Scott Johnson
- Susan Johnson
- Betty Johnson
- David Williams
- Eric Wirkkala
- Gary Rosenthal
- John Williams
- Kenneth Johnson
- Kenneth Miller
- Kevin Brown
- Linda Brown
- Patrick Smith
- Rebecca Johnson
- Robert Wilson
- Adam Wiss
- Allyn Bauer
- Billy Gillum
- Bonny Trotter
- David Anderson
- David Duckworth
- David Smith
- Debra Stigall
- Deryl Bogue
- Donna Miranda
- Elizabeth Johnson
- Gary Baker
- James Anderson
- James Davis
- James Lee
- James Wilson
- John Englert
- Jose Medina
- Kaarina Stotts
- Kimberly Crockford
- Larry Vaughn
- Margaret Parsons
- Mary Jackson
- Mary Wilson
- Michael Jones
- Michael Turner
- Nimy Becker
- Patricia Freeman
- Patricia Smith
- Phillip Leach
- Richard Barrett
- Robert Hill
- Robert Hughes
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Young
- Ronald Harrell
- Sandra Tellvik
- Sergio Medina