Stevens County Public RecordsWashington

Stevens County, WA, had 32,845 registered voters for the November 2022 general election, with a turnout around 65%. Elections held include federal, state, and local offices, plus ballot measures. Major parties are Republican and Democrat; in 2022, 72% voted Republican in gubernatorial races. Voting is primarily by mail, with ballot drop boxes in Chewelah and Colville. Election administration is overseen by the County Auditor. Key issues include land use, education, and taxes. Recent concerns involved election security, with 1.5% of ballots challenged in 2022.

Stevens County, WA, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county recorded approximately 1,150 crimes per 100,000 residents, with property crimes (burglary, theft) constituting nearly 85% of reported cases. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for around 15%. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office encourages prompt crime reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of about 32%, slightly below the national average. Overall, while crime exists, proactive law enforcement efforts and community vigilance help maintain safety for residents.

Stevens County, WA hosts 19 public schools serving about 6,000 K-12 students, with high schools including Colville and Chewelah (Jenkins). Around 88.5% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 18.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school review score is 6/10 (GreatSchools). Educational programs include vocational training and Running Start for dual high school/college credit. Schools emphasize safety, maintaining incident rates below the state average. Adult education is supported by nearby community colleges like Spokane Falls, offering GED and continuing education programs.

Stevens County, WA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 6.0% in early 2024. The largest industries are healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (13%), and education (11%). Common occupations include office/administrative support (14%) and sales (10%). About 66% of workers commute alone by car, averaging 29 minutes per trip. Major employment locations include Colville and Chewelah. Remote work is rising, with about 10% of residents working from home as of 2023.

Stevens County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $345,000 as of 2024. Rental rates average $1,100 per month. Housing types range from rural single-family homes and cabins to small-town residences in neighborhoods like Colville and Chewelah. The property market has seen steady 7% annual appreciation over the past two years. Property taxes average 0.8% of assessed value. The area offers serene natural surroundings, drawing both families and retirees seeking affordable, spacious living.

As of 2023, Stevens County, WA, has an estimated population of around 47,100. The median age is about 45 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (85%), followed by Native American (6%), Hispanic or Latino (4%), two or more races (4%), and less than 1% each for Asian and Black populations. The population is mostly rural, with a slow but steady growth rate.