Cowlitz County is located in the southwestern corner of Washington State and is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county covers an area of 1,166 square miles and is home to an estimated 103,000 people.
The economy of Cowlitz County is largely driven by the timber industry, which employs about 10% of the county's workforce. Other major industries include healthcare, retail, education, and manufacturing. The median household income in the county is $52,919, slightly below the national average. The unemployment rate in the county is 4.2%, slightly higher than the national average.
The demographics of Cowlitz County are largely white, with about 81% of the population identifying as Caucasian. Other ethnic groups include Hispanic (9%), Asian (4%), and African American (2%). The median age in the county is 40.7 years old, slightly higher than the national average.
Education in Cowlitz County is provided by the Cowlitz County School District, which serves nearly 11,000 students in 23 schools. The district is comprised of two high schools, four middle schools, and 17 elementary schools. The district also offers a variety of alternative education programs, including online learning, career and technical education, and special education.
Real estate in Cowlitz County is relatively affordable, with the median home value at $245,000. The median rent is $1,200 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average. The county is home to several cities, including Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, and Woodland. The county is also home to several parks, lakes, and rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.