Demographic Profile for Cowlitz County, Washington

Cowlitz County, Washington had a population of 97,325 in 2005. The estimated population has increased, since the population in 2000 of 93,048. This growth represents an increase of 4.6 percent. Cowlitz ranks 17 of 39 counties when analyzing total population change in Washington and the county ranks 548 of 3,141 counties when calculating the total change in county population across the US.

The population division of the Census Bureau estimates in 2005 a median age in Cowlitz County, Washington to be 37.8 years of age. The median age in Cowlitz is greater than the median in Washington of 36.7. Since 2000, the area has experienced an increase in the median, when the median age was 37.0 years of age. With 24.3 percent of the population in the year 2005 being made up of individuals less than 18 years old, Cowlitz can be described as being made up of a medium-high percent of individuals under 18. The working age population group (18-64) has a medium-high representation within the population, making up 62.2 percent of the population falling in this age category. The retirement (65 and over) group makes up 13.5 percent of the total population base. Compared to other counties throughout the nation, this represents a medium-low percent of the population.

Since 2000, a medium-high number of individual migrated to the Cowlitz from another country. The international migration into Cowlitz makes up 0.6 percent of immigration into the State of Washington. This percent of immigration can be considered medium-high when analyzed against immigration per population in 2005.

Cowlitz County, Washington has a population base that is comprised of 89 percent White, 0.6 percent African American, 1.3 percent Asian, and 5.6 percent Hispanic. The area can be described as having a modest level of diversity, with 7.5 percent of the population being minorities. This is less than the State of Washington percent of 18.3. Since 2000, Cowlitz has increased in diversity when 6.4 percent of the total population were minorities.

By measuring total land area, Cowlitz spans a total area of 1139 square miles. The land areas has a medium-low average area density of 85 persons per square mile. Similar counties in the US, in terms of density, include: -- more densely populated -- Stephenson, IL (85 per sq. mile ), Crittenden, AR (85 per sq. mile ), Upson, GA (85 per sq. mile ), -- less densely populated -- Lafourche, LA (85 per sq. mile ), Pike, KY (85 per sq. mile ), Chatham, NC (85 per sq. mile ).

Datasource: Population Estimates Program, U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Housing Report for Cowlitz County, Washington

The residential real estate values in Cowlitz County, Washington have moderate increases since their reported values in 2000. The values have increased by $23,600, or 18.2 percent, from when in 2000 they were valued at $129,900.

Cowlitz County recorded a median home value in 2005 of $153,500, according to the American Community Survey. This value is less than the Washington 2005 median home value of $227,700 and less than median home value of $167,500 for the rest of the nation in that year.

In Cowlitz County, the census reported 40,577 homes in the year 2005. This county has gone through a growth in housing units, adding a total of 1,375 residential units since 2001, or 3.5 percent.

When compared to other counties in Washington, Cowlitz County stands 25 of 39 in terms of growth of new housing structures between 2001 and 2005. The county stands 1,202 of 3,141, when comparing thee change in housing structures in counties throughout the nation.

Cowlitz County has a small, but present proportion of high-valued homes. In 2005, the American Community Survey reports that 0.6 percent of the houses are valued over a half a million dollars.

It can be understood that there is a fair amount of housing that is affordable in Cowlitz County, Washington. In 2005, 32 percent of owner-occupied dwellings were valued under $125k.

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau