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Whitman County, Washington

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Whitman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 47,973.[1] The county seat is Colfax,[2] and its largest city is Pullman.

Whitman County
County
Colfax Post Office
Colfax Post Office
Map of Washington highlighting Whitman County
Location within the U.S. state of Washington
Map of the United States highlighting Washington
Washington's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°53′N 117°31′W / 46.89°N 117.52°W / 46.89; -117.52
Country United States
State Washington
FoundedNovember 29, 1871
Named forMarcus Whitman
SeatColfax
Largest cityPullman
Area
 • Total2,178 sq mi (5,640 km2)
 • Land2,159 sq mi (5,590 km2)
 • Water19 sq mi (50 km2)  0.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total47,973
 • Estimate 
(2023)
48,012 Increase
 • Density22/sq mi (8/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district5th
Websitewhitmancounty.org

The county was formed from Stevens County in 1871.[3] It is named after Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian missionary who, with his wife Narcissa, was killed in 1847 by members of the Cayuse tribe.[4]

Whitman County comprises the Pullman, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

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The area delineated by the future Washington state boundary began to be colonized at the start of the nineteenth century, both by Americans and Canadians. However, the majority of Canadian exploration and interest in the land was due to the fur trade, whereas American settlers were principally seeking land for agriculture and cattle raising. The Treaty of 1818 provided for dual control of this area by US and Canadian government officials. During this period, the future Washington Territory was divided into two administrative zones: Clark County and Lewis County (made official in 1845).

The dual-control concept was unwieldy and led to continual argument, and occasional conflict. The status of the Washington area was settled in 1846, when the Oregon Treaty ceded the land south of North latitude 49 degrees to American control.

In 1854, Skamania County was split from the original Clark County. Also in 1854, Walla Walla County was split from the new Skamania County. In 1863, Stevens County was split from Walla Walla County, and in 1871, a portion of Stevens County was set off to form Whitman County. The 1871 shape of Whitman County was considerably larger than its present boundary, as Adams, Franklin, and Lincoln counties were sectioned off from Whitman County in 1883. After that, Whitman County retained its shape, including through the period after Washington became the 42nd state of the Union in 1889.

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,178 square miles (5,640 km2), of which 2,159 square miles (5,590 km2) is land and 19 square miles (49 km2) (0.9%) is water.[5] Whitman County is part of the Palouse, a wide and rolling prairie-like region of the middle Columbia basin.

Rivers

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Lakes and reservoirs

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Summits and peaks

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Notable parks

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Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Airports

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18807,014—
189019,109172.4%
190025,36032.7%
191033,28031.2%
192031,323−5.9%
193028,014−10.6%
194027,221−2.8%
195032,46919.3%
196031,263−3.7%
197037,90021.2%
198040,1035.8%
199038,775−3.3%
200040,7405.1%
201044,7769.9%
202047,9737.1%
2023 (est.)48,012[6]0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2020[1]

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 44,776 people, 17,468 households, and 8,130 families living in the county.[11] The population density was 20.7 people per square mile (8.0 people/km2). There were 19,323 housing units at an average density of 8.9 units per square mile (3.4 units/km2).[12] The racial makeup of the county was 84.6% white, 7.8% Asian, 1.7% black or African American, 0.7% American Indian, 0.2% Pacific islander, 1.4% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.6% of the population.[11] In terms of ancestry, 29.4% were German, 14.5% were English, 13.4% were Irish, 7.1% were Norwegian, and 4.1% were American.[13]

Of the 17,468 households, 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.4% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 53.5% were non-families, and 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.86. The median age was 24.4 years.[11]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,368 and the median income for a family was $61,598. Males had a median income of $46,663 versus $34,496 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,506. About 10.7% of families and 27.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.[14]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 40,740 people, 15,257 households, and 8,055 families living in the county. The population density was 19 people per square mile (7.3 people/km2). There were 16,676 housing units at an average density of 8 units per square mile (3.1 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.07% White, 1.53% Black or African American, 0.73% Native American, 5.55% Asian, 0.27% Pacific Islander, 1.22% from other races, and 2.63% from two or more races. 2.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 21.9% were of German, 9.8% English, 8.6% Irish, 8.3% United States or American and 6.6% Norwegian ancestry.

There were 15,257 households, out of which 24.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.20% were married couples living together, 6.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.20% were non-families. 29.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 18.10% under the age of 18, 32.60% from 18 to 24, 24.00% from 25 to 44, 16.00% from 45 to 64, and 9.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females there were 102.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,584, and the median income for a family was $44,830. Males had a median income of $33,381 versus $27,046 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,298. About 11.00% of families and 25.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.50% of those under age 18 and 5.50% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

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Despite the county historically voting for Republicans, Whitman County has a reputation as being far more socially liberal than other counties in Eastern Washington due to the presence of Washington State University in Pullman. It is part of Washington's 5th congressional district and is represented by Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Quite conservative, rural Whitman was one of only three counties in the state to be won by Barry Goldwater in 1964. Since that election, the county has been won by the winning candidate in all but three presidential elections, 1976, 2012, and 2016. Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush each won the county twice.

In 2008, Barack Obama received 51.57% of the Whitman County vote.[15] In 2012, he received 46.9% of the vote, with Mitt Romney winning with a 49.7% plurality.[16] Whitman was the only county in eastern Washington to approve same-sex marriage via Referendum 74. It was the only county to vote in favor of Referendum 74 while voting for the Republican candidate for president. Whitman County voters also approved marijuana legalization via Initiative 502.

By 2016, the county was considered Democratic in regard to federal elections. Hillary Clinton won the county in 2016 and also voted for Patty Murray in 2016. However, Republican Bill Bryant won this county over incumbent Democrat Jay Inslee by a percentage point in the concurrent gubernatorial election. In the 2020 elections, the majority of the county voted for Democrat Joe Biden for president and re-elected Inslee for governor. Both received majority of the county vote with Inslee becoming the first Democratic gubernatorial candidate to win a county in Eastern Washington since Gary Locke in 2000. However, the county still votes Republican in congressional elections.[17]

In 2020, 52.9% of residents voted for Biden while 42.9% voted for Trump, a 10% margin for Biden.[18]

United States presidential election results for Whitman County, Washington[19][20]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 9,067 42.92% 11,184 52.94% 875 4.14%
2016 7,403 41.06% 8,146 45.19% 2,479 13.75%
2012 8,507 49.26% 8,037 46.54% 726 4.20%
2008 8,104 46.07% 9,070 51.57% 415 2.36%
2004 9,397 52.17% 8,287 46.01% 328 1.82%
2000 9,003 55.45% 6,509 40.09% 725 4.47%
1996 6,734 42.37% 7,262 45.69% 1,899 11.95%
1992 6,428 36.78% 7,637 43.69% 3,413 19.53%
1988 7,680 50.09% 7,403 48.28% 250 1.63%
1984 10,021 59.48% 6,621 39.30% 207 1.23%
1980 8,636 50.73% 5,726 33.63% 2,662 15.64%
1976 8,168 54.21% 6,197 41.13% 703 4.67%
1972 9,548 58.70% 6,248 38.41% 470 2.89%
1968 7,810 56.64% 5,218 37.84% 761 5.52%
1964 6,765 49.97% 6,760 49.93% 13 0.10%
1960 8,069 59.58% 5,458 40.30% 17 0.13%
1956 8,572 63.81% 4,854 36.13% 8 0.06%
1952 8,905 65.67% 4,611 34.00% 44 0.32%
1948 6,411 50.32% 6,015 47.21% 314 2.46%
1944 6,000 52.22% 5,449 47.42% 41 0.36%
1940 6,356 49.66% 6,351 49.62% 92 0.72%
1936 3,955 33.03% 7,753 64.75% 265 2.21%
1932 4,727 42.93% 5,945 53.99% 339 3.08%
1928 7,065 69.94% 2,969 29.39% 67 0.66%
1924 4,960 52.12% 1,745 18.34% 2,811 29.54%
1920 6,344 64.68% 2,806 28.61% 659 6.72%
1916 4,933 43.84% 5,888 52.33% 430 3.82%
1912 1,989 20.00% 3,621 36.42% 4,333 43.58%
1908 3,376 52.60% 2,386 37.18% 656 10.22%
1904 4,090 66.48% 1,519 24.69% 543 8.83%
1900 2,366 42.52% 2,826 50.78% 373 6.70%
1896 1,592 29.66% 3,690 68.75% 85 1.58%
1892 2,131 37.33% 2,061 36.10% 1,517 26.57%

Economy

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Whitman County has highly productive agriculture. According to Heart of Washington, Whitman County produces more barley, wheat, dry peas, and lentils than any other county in the United States.[21]

The county is also home to Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Pullman.

Education

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Pullman is home to Washington State University, the state's land-grant university.

Communities

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Cities

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Towns

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Census-designated place

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Unincorporated communities

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Ghost town

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Communities

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Geography

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "Milestones for Washington State History — Part 2: 1851 to 1900". HistoryLink.org. March 6, 2003.
  4. ^ Meany, Edmond S. (1923). Origin of Washington geographic names. Seattle: University of Washington Press. p. 348.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  6. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  9. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 26, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  11. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  12. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  13. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  14. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  15. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections - Compare Maps". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  16. ^ "2012 Washington state election results". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  17. ^ Leadingham, Scott (November 19, 2020). "Incumbent's Advantage: Why Whitman County Votes For Biden And Inslee, But GOP For Congress". Northwest Public Broadcasting. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  18. ^ Steven Shepard. "Live election results: 2020 Washington results". Politico.com. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  20. ^ The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 3,061 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 631 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 617 votes, and Socialist Labor candidate Arthur Reimer received 24 votes.
  21. ^ "Heart of Washington". August 29, 2003. Archived from the original on August 29, 2003. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
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Wikisource has the text of the 1879 American Cyclopædia article Whitman.

46°53′N 117°31′W / 46.89°N 117.52°W / 46.89; -117.52

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