Cowlitz County, Washington

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,021 km² (1,166 mi²). 2,949 km² (1,139 mi²) of it is land and 72 km² (28 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.37% water.

Geographic Features

• Cascade Mountains
• Columbia River
• Cowlitz River[?]

Major Highways

• Interstate 5

Adjacent Counties

• Lewis County, Washington - north
• Skamania County, Washington - east
• Clark County, Washington - south
• Columbia County, Oregon - southwest
• Wahkiakum County, Washington - west

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 92,948 people, 35,850 households, and 25,059 families residing in the county. The population density is 32/km² (82/mi²). There are 38,624 housing units at an average density of 13/km² (34/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 91.80% White, 0.52% African American, 1.52% Native American, 1.30% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 2.11% from other races, and 2.62% from two or more races. 4.55% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 35,850 households out of which 32.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% are married couples living together, 10.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% are non-families. 24.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county, the population is spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 98.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $39,797, and the median income for a family is $46,532. Males have a median income of $40,378 versus $25,710 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,583. 14.00% of the population and 10.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 19.50% are under the age of 18 and 6.60% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Castle Rock
• Kalama
• Kelso
• Longview
• Longview Heights
• West Longview
• West Side Highway