Editing Pacific County, Washington

{{Short description|County in Washington, United States}}
{{About|Pacific County, Washington|the city in King and Pierce counties|Pacific, Washington}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Pacific County
 | state                = Washington
 | seal                 = 
 | flag                 = 
 | founded year         = 1851
 | founded date         = February 4
 | seat wl              = South Bend
 | largest city wl      = Raymond
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 1223
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 933
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 291
 | area percentage      = 24%
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 23365
 | pop_est_as_of        = 2024
 | population_est       = 24245 {{increase}}
 | density_sq_mi        = 19
 | time zone            = Pacific
 | web                  = www.co.pacific.wa.us
 | named for            = [[Pacific Ocean]]
 | ex image             = File:Pacific_County_Courthouse_2020.jpg
 | ex image cap         = Pacific County Courthouse, South Bend
 | district             = 3rd
}}

'''Pacific County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 23,365.<ref name="QF">{{Cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/pacificcountywashington/PST045223 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[South Bend, Washington|South Bend]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> and its largest city is [[Raymond, Washington|Raymond]]. The county was formed by the government of [[Oregon Territory]] in February 1851<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2003 |title=Milestones for Washington State History — Part 2: 1851 to 1900 |url=http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5380 |website=[[HistoryLink.org]]}}</ref> and is named for the [[Pacific Ocean]].

Pacific County is centered on [[Willapa Bay]], a region that provides twenty-five percent of the United States [[oyster]] harvest,<ref>''Chinook Observer'', ''The Willapa Bay Oyster Industry: Shellfish is still No. 1'' [http://www.chinookobserver.info/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=5404&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720053156/http://www.chinookobserver.info/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=5404&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1|date=July 20, 2018}}</ref> although forestry, fishing, and tourism are also significant elements of the county's economy.

==History==
The area that is now Pacific County was part of [[Oregon Territory]] in the first part of the nineteenth century. On December 19, 1845, the Provisional Government of Oregon created two counties ([[Lewis County, Washington|Vancouver]] and [[Clark County, Washington|Clark]]) in its northern portion (which is now the state of Washington). In 1849, the name of Vancouver County was changed to Lewis County, and on February 4, 1851, a portion of Lewis County was partitioned off to become Pacific County. The county's boundaries have not changed since its creation. Pacific City was the first county seat, when it was annexed by the US military, the county seat was transferred to Chinookville. The unincorporated community of [[Oysterville, Washington|Oysterville]], established in 1852, was the third county seat. The county records were stolen from Oysterville and ferried across Willapa Harbor by residents of South Bend, resulting in that town becoming the new county seat in 1893.

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the county has an area of {{convert|1223|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|933|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|291|sqmi}} (24%) is water.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files |url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_53.txt |access-date=July 7, 2015 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

===Geographic features===
*[[Cape Disappointment (Washington)|Cape Disappointment]]
*[[Columbia River]]
*[[Long Beach Peninsula]]
*[[Long Island (Washington)|Long Island]]
*[[Willapa Bay]]

===Major highways===
*[[Image:US 101.svg|23px]] [[U.S. Route 101 in Washington|U.S. Route 101]]
*[[File:WA-6.svg|20px]] [[Washington State Route 6|State Route 6]]

===Adjacent counties===
*[[Grays Harbor County, Washington|Grays Harbor County]] – north
*[[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis County]] – east
*[[Wahkiakum County, Washington|Wahkiakum County]] – southeast
*[[Clatsop County, Oregon]] – south

===National protected areas===
* [[Lewis and Clark National Historical Park]] (part)
* [[Willapa National Wildlife Refuge]]

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1860= 420
|1870= 738
|1880= 1645
|1890= 4358
|1900= 5983
|1910= 12532
|1920= 14891
|1930= 14970
|1940= 15928
|1950= 16558
|1960= 14674
|1970= 15796
|1980= 17237
|1990= 18882
|2000= 20984
|2010= 20920
|2020= 23365
|estyear=2024
|estimate=24245
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|title=County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 17, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br/>1790–1960<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/wa190090.txt |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br/>1990–2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226035610/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |access-date=January 7, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010–2020<ref name="QF" />}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]], there were 20,920 people, 9,499 households, and 5,707 families living in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{Cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US53049 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213011548/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US53049 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|22.4|PD/sqmi}}. There were 15,547 housing units at an average density of {{convert|16.7|/sqmi}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US53049 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213190756/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US53049 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 87.4% white, 2.3% American Indian, 2.0% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 4.4% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 8.0% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1" /> In terms of ancestry, 23.4% were [[Germans|German]], 13.8% were [[English people|English]], 11.9% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 7.6% were [[Americans|American]], 6.2% were [[Norwegians|Norwegian]], and 5.8% were [[Swedes|Swedish]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US53049 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213032058/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US53049 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

Of the 9,499 households, 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 39.9% were non-families, and 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.72. The median age was 50.8 years.<ref name="census-dp1" />

The median income for a household in the county was $39,642 and the median income for a family was $51,450. Males had a median income of $44,775 versus $34,538 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,326. About 12.4% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{Cite web |title=Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US53049 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213011505/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US53049 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 20,984 people, 9,096 households, and 5,885 families living in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|22|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 13,991 housing units at an average density of {{convert|15|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 90.54% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.20% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 2.44% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 2.08% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.09% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.83% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.82% from two or more races. 5.01% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 18.0% were of [[German people|German]], 10.8% [[English people|English]], 8.8% [[Irish people|Irish]] and 8.6% [[United States]] or American ancestry.

There were 9,096 households, out of which 23.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.10% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.30% were non-families. 29.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.40% under the age of 18, 6.00% from 18 to 24, 21.20% from 25 to 44, 28.90% from 45 to 64, and 22.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,209, and the median income for a family was $39,302. Males had a median income of $33,892 versus $22,982 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $17,322. About 9.10% of families and 14.40% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 19.70% of those under age 18 and 8.10% of those age 65 or over.

==Politics==
Pacific County, along with neighboring [[Grays Harbor County, Washington|Grays Harbor County]], were among the most consistently Democratic counties in the nation. In 2016, however, the county, like Grays Harbor County, broke its long streak of backing the Democratic candidate for president, voting for the Republican candidate. The county backed Trump again in 2020, voting for a losing Republican for the first time since 1916. It backed Trump again in 2024, with him winning it by a margin of 1.30%, a slight increase from his margin of 1.13% in 2020.

{{PresHead|place=Pacific County, Washington|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>|source2=<ref>The leading "other" candidate, [[Progressive Party (United States, 1912)|Progressive]] [[Theodore Roosevelt]], received 1,251 votes, while Socialist candidate [[Eugene V. Debs|Eugene Debs]] received 382 votes, [[Prohibition Party|Prohibition]] candidate [[Eugene W. Chafin|Eugene Chafin]] received 82 votes, and [[Socialist Labor Party of America|Socialist Labor]] candidate [[Arthur Reimer]] received 11 votes.</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|7,010|6,825|409|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|6,953|6,794|317|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|5,360|4,620|992|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|4,499|5,711|426|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|4,555|6,094|406|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|4,634|5,570|227|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|4,042|4,895|582|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,598|5,095|1,418|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,243|4,587|2,422|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|3,073|5,017|110|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1984|Democratic|3,613|4,679|129|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|3,132|3,727|1,153|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|2,781|4,278|291|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1972|Democratic|3,349|3,585|232|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|2,491|3,740|374|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,789|5,056|15|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|3,224|3,837|29|Washington (state)}}
{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|3,799|3,824|12|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|3,846|3,778|39|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|2,749|3,902|401|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|2,419|3,745|12|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|2,704|4,393|48|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|1,732|4,395|320|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,737|3,099|752|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|3,247|1,523|47|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|2,672|501|965|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|2,607|874|495|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|2,688|1,537|293|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1912|Republican|1,375|971|1,726|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,492|483|178|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|1,354|258|147|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|887|393|49|Washington}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|925|562|24|Washington}}
{{PresFoot|1892|Republican|759|559|125|Washington}}

==Communities==
===Cities===
*[[Ilwaco, Washington|Ilwaco]]
*[[Long Beach, Washington|Long Beach]]
*[[Raymond, Washington|Raymond]]
*[[South Bend, Washington|South Bend]] (county seat)

===Census-designated places===
*[[Bay Center, Washington|Bay Center]]
*[[Chinook, Washington|Chinook]]
*[[Lebam, Washington|Lebam]]
*[[Naselle, Washington|Naselle]]
*[[Ocean Park, Washington|Ocean Park]]
*[[Tokeland, Washington|Tokeland]]
*[[Willapa, Washington|Willapa]]

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Dexter by the Sea, Washington|Dexter by the Sea]]
*[[Firdale, Washington|Firdale]]
*[[Frances, Washington|Frances]]
*[[Holcomb, Washington|Holcomb]]
*[[Megler, Washington|Megler]]
*[[Menlo, Washington|Menlo]]
*[[Nemah, Washington|Nemah]]
*[[North Cove, Washington|North Cove]]
*[[Oceanside, Washington|Oceanside]]
*[[Old Willapa, Washington|Old Willapa]]
*[[Oysterville, Washington|Oysterville]]
*[[Pluvius, Washington|Pluvius]]
*[[Seaview, Washington|Seaview]]
*[[Surfside, Washington|Surfside]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
*[[Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company]]
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Pacific County, Washington]]
*[[Steamboats of Willapa Bay]]
*[[Astoria-Megler Ferry]]

==Further reading==

*Lucile McDonald, ''Coast Country A History of Southwest Washington.'' Portland, OR: Binfords and Mort, 1966.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.co.pacific.wa.us/ Pacific County, official county site]
{{Commons category-inline|Pacific County, Washington}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Pacific County, Washington
|North     = [[Grays Harbor County, Washington|Grays Harbor County]]
|Northeast = 
|East      = [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis County]]
|Southeast = [[Wahkiakum County, Washington|Wahkiakum County]]
|South     = [[Clatsop County, Oregon]]
|Southwest = 
|West      = [[Pacific Ocean]]
|Northwest = 
}}

{{Pacific County, Washington}}
{{Washington}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|46.56|-123.78|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-WA_source:UScensus1990}}

[[Category:Pacific County, Washington| ]]
[[Category:1851 establishments in Oregon Territory]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1851]]
[[Category:Western Washington]]