Wahkiakum County Public RecordsWashington

Wahkiakum County, WA, had 3,125 registered voters for the November 2023 election. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, with recent turnout around 60%. Ballots are mailed to voters, with drop boxes at locations such as the County Courthouse. In 2020, Donald Trump received 63% and Joe Biden 34% of the presidential vote. Key issues include property taxes and timber management. The county is overseen by an elected auditor and leans Republican; Democratic and Republican parties actively organize local campaigns. Election results and voter info are managed by the Wahkiakum County Auditor’s Office.

As of 2023, Wahkiakum County, WA, has an estimated population of about 4,500. The median age is 53, reflecting a predominantly older population. Approximately 51% are male and 49% female. Racially, the county is 92% White, 2% Native American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 3% reported as two or more races. The modest population size and predominantly White demographic underscore the county's rural and less diverse character.

Wahkiakum County, WA, has around four public schools, including Wahkiakum High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 86%, while about 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average standardized test scores tend to be below the state average. School safety is a priority, with low incident reports compared to larger counties. The county provides adult education programs through the Wahkiakum Community Education Foundation. Educational offerings include vocational training, STEM programs, and extracurricular activities, though options are limited due to the county’s small size and rural location.

Wahkiakum County, WA, has an employment rate of approximately 51%, with a labor force participation rate around 49% (U.S. Census, 2022). Major industries include educational services, health care & social assistance (23%), retail trade (12%), and construction (10%). The most common occupations are management, business, science, and arts (33%). About 71% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes; 27% work outside the county, often traveling to neighboring Cowlitz and Clark counties.

Wahkiakum County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $350,000 and typical rents near $1,200 per month. The local housing market has seen moderate growth, with values rising 5% year-over-year as of 2024. Single-family homes are most common, with limited multi-family or apartment options. Communities like Cathlamet and Puget Island offer quiet, rural neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 0.78%, lower than the state average, making the area relatively affordable compared to other parts of Washington.

Wahkiakum County, WA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported 50 total crimes, including 8 violent crimes and 42 property crimes, equating to a crime rate of roughly 6.3 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement emphasizes community policing, contributing to effective reporting and response. The sheriff’s office encourages residents to report suspicious activity, ensuring transparency. Overall, Wahkiakum’s safety rate is notably high, with a 30% lower crime rate than Washington’s state average, making it one of the safer counties in the region.