Stevens County, Washington

Stevens County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington along the Canada–US border. At the 2020 census, its population was 46,445. As of July 2023, the population was estimated to be 48,837. The county seat and largest city is Colville, and the largest CDP is Suncrest. The county was created in 1863 and named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory.

Stevens County is included in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area. Most of the Spokane Indian Reservation is within the borders of the county.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,541 square miles (6,580 km²), of which 2,478 square miles (6,420 km²) is land and 63 square miles (160 km²) (2.5%) is water.

Geographic features

Columbia River

Adjacent counties

Pend Oreille County – east
Spokane County – southeast
Lincoln County – southwest
Ferry County – west
Kootenay Boundary Regional District, British Columbia – northeast
Regional District of Central Kootenay, British Columbia – north

National protected areas

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (part)
Colville National Forest (part)
Kaniksu National Forest (part)
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (part)
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge (part)

Demographics

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, the population density was 17.6 people per square mile (6.8 people/km²). There were 21,156 housing units at an average density of 8.5 units per square mile (3.3 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.5% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 3.5% from other races, 3.7% two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.7% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 24.6% were German, 14.2% were Irish, 13.7% were English, 6.4% were Norwegian, and 6.1% were American.

Of the households, 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.9% were non-families, and 24.6% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.95. The median age was 45.0 years.

The median household income was $42,845 and the median family income was $51,544. Males had a median income of $46,721 versus $33,651 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,773. About 11.0% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 40,066 people, 15,017 households, and 11,022 families in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile (6.2 people/km²). There were 17,599 housing units at an average density of 7 units per square mile (2.7 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.05% White, 0.28% Black or African American, 5.66% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 2.70% from two or more races. 1.84%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.6% were of German, 18.9% United States or American, 10.0% English, 7.9% Irish and 5.0% Norwegian ancestry.

Of the 15,017 households 34.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 22.00% of households were one person and 8.80% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.08.

The age distribution was 28.70% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 24.90% from 25 to 44, 27.10% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 99.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.60 males.

The median household income was $34,673 and the median family income was $40,250. Males had a median income of $35,256 versus $23,679 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,895. About 11.50% of families and 15.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.80% of those under age 18 and 11.90% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

Chewelah
Colville (county seat)
Kettle Falls

Towns

Marcus
Northport
Springdale

Census-designated places

Addy
Clayton
Loon Lake
Suncrest
Valley

Unincorporated communities

Politics

References

External links

Stevens County – official website
The Stevens County Wiki Project: A community wiki project, dedicated to creating an online wiki guide to Stevens County, Washington. Powered by Media Wiki.
Stevens County Rural Library District: hosts of the Stevens County Wiki Project, the Stevens County Library District (SCRLD) has various regional links available from their website.
Stevens County Heritage Historical photos and documents from the Libraries of Stevens County.
uppercolumbia.net: a regional portal site for Stevens County and beyond. Includes business links and events calendar.
The Heritage Network: History and Genealogy Resources for the Upper Columbia Region.
An 1884 hailstorm in Stevens County on Wikisource
Crossroads on the Columbia Preserve America Project Interpretive Section
Crossroads on the Columbia Preserve America Project collection, exhibits, and images from museum and private collections covering Stevens County