Lewis County, Washington
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Lewis County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of 2000, the population is 68,600. The county seat is at Chehalis. It is named after Meriwether Lewis. Lewis County is known for sharing many characteristics with eastern Washington instead of western Washington, where it is located, especially politically. Lewis County voted for Republican George W. Bush by almost a 2-to-1 margin. This stands in sharp contrast to the fairly liberal surrounding areas.
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Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 6,310 km² (2,436 mi²). 6,236 km² (2,408 mi²) of it is land and 74 km² (29 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.18% water.
Geographic features
Major highways
Adjacent counties
- Grays Harbor County, Washington - north/northwest
- Thurston County, Washington - north
- Pierce County, Washington - north/northeast
- Yakima County, Washington - east
- Skamania County, Washington - south/southeast
- Cowlitz County, Washington - south
- Wahkiakum County, Washington - south/southwest
- Pacific County, Washington - west
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 68,600 people, 26,306 households, and 18,572 families residing in the county. The population density is 11/km² (28/mi²). There are 29,585 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (12/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.96% White, 0.38% Black or African American, 1.22% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 2.55% from other races, and 2.01% from two or more races. 5.37% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 26,306 households out of which 31.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.90% are married couples living together, 9.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% are non-families. 24.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.57 and the average family size is 3.02.
In the county, the population is spread out with 26.50% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 25.20% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $35,511, and the median income for a family is $41,105. Males have a median income of $35,714 versus $23,453 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,082. 14.00% of the population and 10.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.60% of those under the age of 18 and 9.40% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Cities and towns