Okanogan County, Washington
Encyclopedia
Okanogan County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Washington. In area, it is the largest county in the state. As of 2010, the population was 41,120. The county seat is at Okanogan
, and its largest city is Omak
. The first county seat was Ruby, Washington
, which has now been a ghost town for more than 100 years.
The name derives from the Okanagan language place name ukʷnaqín. The name Okanogan (Okanagan
) also refers to the region that also encompasses part of southern British Columbia
.
Okanogan County was formed out of Stevens County on February 2, 1888.
, the county has a total area of 5315 square miles (13,765.8 km²), of which 5268 square miles (13,644.1 km²) is land and 47 square miles (121.7 km²) (0.89%) is water.
It also shares its northern border with British Columbia
, Canada
.
of 2000, there were 39,564 people, 15,027 households, and 10,579 families residing in the county. The population density
was 8 people per square mile (3/km²). There were 19,085 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 75.32% White
, 0.28% Black
or African American
, 11.47% Native American
, 0.44% Asian
, 0.07% Pacific Islander
, 9.58% from other races
, and 2.84% from two or more races. 14.38% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 14.0% were of German, 9.5% English
, 9.2% United States
or American and 6.8% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 15,027 households out of which 33.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.40% were married couples
living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county, the population was spread out with 27.70% under the age of 18, 7.30% from 18 to 24, 25.50% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,726, and the median income for a family was $35,012. Males had a median income of $29,495 versus $22,005 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $14,900. About 16.00% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.20% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Washington. In area, it is the largest county in the state. As of 2010, the population was 41,120. The county seat is at Okanogan
Okanogan, Washington
Okanogan is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,552 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Okanogan County.It has a small commuter airfield, Okanogan Legion Airport - with one paved runway of in length....
, and its largest city is Omak
Omak, Washington
Omak is the largest city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 4,721 at the 2010 census. It is just south of the Canadian border where more populated cities are located ....
. The first county seat was Ruby, Washington
Ruby, Washington
Ruby is a ghost town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. Silver was discovered in 1886 on the slopes of Ruby Mountain and Peacock hill. By 1887 a mining district was created and a camp grew up beside Salmon Creek. This camp was called Ruby, or Ruby City. Ruby had a population of 700. By...
, which has now been a ghost town for more than 100 years.
The name derives from the Okanagan language place name ukʷnaqín. The name Okanogan (Okanagan
Okanagan
The Okanagan , also known as the Okanagan Valley and sometimes as Okanagan Country is a region located in the Canadian province of British Columbia defined by the basin of Okanagan Lake and the Canadian portion of the Okanagan River. As of 2009, the region's population is approximately 350,927. The...
) also refers to the region that also encompasses part of southern British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
.
Okanogan County was formed out of Stevens County on February 2, 1888.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 5315 square miles (13,765.8 km²), of which 5268 square miles (13,644.1 km²) is land and 47 square miles (121.7 km²) (0.89%) is water.
Geographic features
- Cascade MountainsCascade RangeThe Cascade Range is a major mountain range of western North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. It includes both non-volcanic mountains, such as the North Cascades, and the notable volcanoes known as the High Cascades...
- Columbia RiverColumbia RiverThe Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. state of Washington, then turns west to form most of the border between Washington and the state...
- Okanogan RiverOkanogan RiverThe Okanogan River is a tributary of the Columbia River, approximately 115 mi long, in southern British Columbia and north central Washington...
- North Gardner MountainNorth Gardner MountainNorth Gardner Mountain is a mountain in the North Cascades of Washington state. The mountain is located in the Okanogan National Forest and is the highest point in Okanogan County, Washington, and the 23rd highest mountain in the state....
, the highest point in Okanogan County
Major highways
U.S. Route 97U.S. Route 97 in WashingtonIn the U.S. state of Washington, U.S. Route 97 is a route which traverses from the Oregon state line at the northern end of the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge in Maryhill, north to the Canadian border in Okanogan County near Oroville...
State Route 20
State Route 153Washington State Route 153State Route 153 is a highway in Okanogan County, Washington that runs along the Methow River from Pateros to Twisp. The highway is a part of the Cascade Loop, Washington state's scenic loop highway.-External links:***...
Adjacent counties
- Ferry County, Washington - east
- Lincoln County, Washington - southeast
- Grant County, Washington - south
- Douglas County, Washington - south
- Chelan County, Washington - southwest
- Skagit County, WashingtonSkagit County, WashingtonSkagit County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Skagit Indian tribe. As of 2010, the population was 116,901. It is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington, Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- west - Whatcom County, WashingtonWhatcom County, WashingtonWhatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. Its name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." As of 2010, the population was 201,140. The county seat is at Bellingham, which is also the county's largest city...
- west
It also shares its northern border with British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
- Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District, British ColumbiaRegional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, British ColumbiaThe Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is a regional district in southern British Columbia, adjacent to the U.S. state of Washington...
- Kootenay Boundary Regional District, British Columbia
National protected areas
- Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (part)
- Nez Perce National Historical ParkNez Perce National Historical ParkThe Nez Perce National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park comprising 38 sites located throughout the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington which are the traditional aboriginal lands of the Nez Perce. The sites commemorate the history, culture, and stories of the...
(part) - Okanogan National ForestOkanogan National ForestThe Okanogan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in northern and western Okanogan County in north-central Washington State, United States...
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 39,564 people, 15,027 households, and 10,579 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 8 people per square mile (3/km²). There were 19,085 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 75.32% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.28% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 11.47% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.44% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.07% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 9.58% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.84% from two or more races. 14.38% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 14.0% were of German, 9.5% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 9.2% United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
or American and 6.8% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 15,027 households out of which 33.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.40% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county, the population was spread out with 27.70% under the age of 18, 7.30% from 18 to 24, 25.50% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,726, and the median income for a family was $35,012. Males had a median income of $29,495 versus $22,005 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $14,900. About 16.00% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.20% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over.
Census-recognized communities
- BrewsterBrewster, WashingtonBrewster is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,370 at the 2010 census.-History:In 1811, John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company established Fort Okanogan just north of the present site of Brewster, which was the first American post in Washington...
- ConconullyConconully, WashingtonConconully is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 210 at the 2010 census.-History:Conconully was officially incorporated on November 11, 1908. Was originally named Salmon City after the nearby Salmon Creek...
- Coulee DamCoulee Dam, WashingtonCoulee Dam is a town in Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties in the U.S. state of Washington. The Douglas County portion of Coulee Dam is part of the Wenatchee–East Wenatchee, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,098 as of the 2010 census.-History:Coulee Dam was...
(partial) - Elmer CityElmer City, WashingtonElmer City is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 238 at the 2010 census.-History:Elmer City was officially incorporated on April 17, 1947 and is located on the Colville Indian Reservation.-Geography:...
- NespelemNespelem, WashingtonNespelem is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 236 at the 2010 census. The town is located on the Colville Indian Reservation. The name Nespelem is derived from a local Indian term meaning "large flat meadow".-History:...
- Nespelem CommunityNespelem Community, WashingtonNespelem Community is a census-designated place in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 253 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Nespelem Community is located at ....
- North OmakNorth Omak, WashingtonNorth Omak is a census-designated place in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 688 at the 2010 census.-Geography:North Omak is located at ....
- OkanoganOkanogan, WashingtonOkanogan is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,552 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Okanogan County.It has a small commuter airfield, Okanogan Legion Airport - with one paved runway of in length....
- OmakOmak, WashingtonOmak is the largest city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 4,721 at the 2010 census. It is just south of the Canadian border where more populated cities are located ....
- OrovilleOroville, WashingtonOroville is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,686 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Oroville is located at ....
- PaterosPateros, WashingtonPateros is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 643 at the 2000 census and increased 3.7% to 667 in the 2010 census.-History:Pateros was originally established as Ive's Landing in around 1886 by Lee Ives...
- RiversideRiverside, WashingtonRiverside is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 348 at the 2000 census and decreased to 280 at the 2010 census.-History:...
- TonasketTonasket, WashingtonTonasket is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 994 at the 2000 census and increased 3.8% to 1,032 at the 2010 census.-History:Tonasket was officially incorporated on December 16, 1927...
- TwispTwisp, WashingtonTwisp is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 938 at the 2000 census and decreased to 919 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Twisp is located at ....
- WinthropWinthrop, WashingtonWinthrop is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. It is east of Mazama and north of Twisp. The population of the Winthrop area was 1,916 at the 2000 census; however, the incorporated town had a population of 349. The 2010 census showed an increase to 394 within the town limits...
Other communities
- AeneasAeneas, WashingtonAeneas, Washington is an unincorporated area in Okanogan County in the U.S. state of Washington....
- AzwellAzwell, WashingtonAzwell is a small unincorporated community in Okanogan County, Washington, United States.-History:Azwell is named for its founder, Alfred Z. Wells . Wells and his nephew Alfred Morris were owners of a hardware store in Wenatchee, and entered the orchard business in the area that would become Azwell...
- CarltonCarlton, WashingtonCarlton is an unincorporated community in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. Carlton is located on the Methow River and Washington State Route 153 south of Twisp. Carlton has a post office with ZIP code 98814....
- Ellisford (aka Ellisforde)
- HavillahHavillah, WashingtonHavillah is a small unincorporated agricultural community located in northeastern Okanogan County, Washington, eighteen miles south of the Canadian border. Current census searches do not indicate a population count, but estimates are three to four hundred in the immediate and surrounding areas.The...
- LoomisLoomis, Okanogan County, WashingtonLoomis is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, USA.On November 3, 1901, J.M. Haggerty was tarred and feathered. He made comments to The Spokesman-Review about the lack of success of the Palmer Mountain Tunnel Company. The comments were resented and a mob was waiting for him when he stepped off...
- MalottMalott, WashingtonMalott is a small unincorporated community in Okanogan County, Washington, USA. The community sits on the western bank of the Okanogan River and has bridge access to highway 97. It has a general store, bar and church....
- Mason City
- MazamaMazama, WashingtonMazama is a small village nestled in the Methow Valley of the Methow River in the eastern part of Washington. It is 14 miles northwest of Winthrop and about 28 miles from the Canadian border....
- MethowMethow, WashingtonMethow , is an unincorporated community in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The community had a population of 262 at the 2000 census.-History:...
- Monse
- NighthawkNighthawk, WashingtonNighthawk is an unincorporated community on the Similkameen River in Okanogan County, Washington state, USA. It was named for a nearby mine. Nighthawk is a logging area along Loomis-Oroville Highway west-northwest of Oroville, Washington. Nighthawk also features a border crossing and is...
- Rocky Butte
- Synarep
- WaucondaWauconda, WashingtonWauconda is a small unincorporated community in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. Once a boom town, it has dwindled almost to nothing; it is now under single ownership.-History:...
Ghost Towns
- MolsonMolson, WashingtonMolson is a ghost town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 23 at the 2000 census.-History:Molson was founded in 1900 by promoter George B. Meacham, and investor John W. Molson . The mining town's population boomed to 300 that year, and the town had a newspaper,...
- BodieBodie, Washington-Geography:Bodie is located at ,approximately 15 miles by stagecoach heading north of Wauconda along Toroda Creek off Washington State Route 20...
- BolsterBolster, WashingtonBolster is a ghost town in Okanogan County, Washington. In 1899 the town was platted by J.S. McBride, who named it for Spokane financier Herman Bolster. He sold lots in the new town and at one time there were several stores, a post office, and three saloons. The small town of some thirty...
- ChesawChesaw, WashingtonChesaw is a ghost town in Okanogan County, Washington. Chesaw was named for the Chinese settler Chee Saw, who arrived in the mid-1890s and married a Native American woman. The town sprang up and thrived during the brief gold rush from 1896 to 1900....
- DisautelDisautel, WashingtonDisautel was a logging town in Okanogan County . Established around 1919, the community was located about 15 miles east of present-day Omak, Washington along what is now Highway 155, on the south side of Omak Creek. With a population of only about 100 people in 1929, the Biles-Coleman logging...
- RubyRuby, WashingtonRuby is a ghost town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. Silver was discovered in 1886 on the slopes of Ruby Mountain and Peacock hill. By 1887 a mining district was created and a camp grew up beside Salmon Creek. This camp was called Ruby, or Ruby City. Ruby had a population of 700. By...
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Okanogan County, Washington