Stevens County, Washington

County in Washington, United States

County in Washington

Stevens County

County

Stevens County Courthouse in Colville

Flag

Location within the U.S. state of Washington

Washington's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 48°24′N 117°51′W﻿ / ﻿48.4°N 117.85°W﻿ / 48.4; -117.85
Country|  United States
State|  Washington
Founded| January 20, 1863
Named after| Isaac Stevens
Seat| Colville
Largest city| Colville
Area

• Total

| 2,541 sq mi (6,580 km2)
• Land| 2,478 sq mi (6,420 km2)
• Water| 63 sq mi (160 km2)  2.5%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 46,445

• Estimate

(2024)

| 49,015
• Density| 18/sq mi (7/km2)
Time zone| UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district| 5th
Website| stevenscountywa.gov

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.[1] 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.[2] The county was created in 1863[3] 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

[edit]

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.[4]

### Geographic features

[edit]

* Columbia River

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

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

### National protected areas

[edit]

* 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

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1860| 996| | —
1870| 734| | −26.3%
1880| 1,245| | 69.6%
1890| 4,341| | 248.7%
1900| 10,543| | 142.9%
1910| 25,297| | 139.9%
1920| 21,605| | −14.6%
1930| 18,550| | −14.1%
1940| 19,275| | 3.9%
1950| 18,580| | −3.6%
1960| 17,884| | −3.7%
1970| 17,405| | −2.7%
1980| 28,979| | 66.5%
1990| 30,948| | 6.8%
2000| 40,066| | 29.5%
2010| 43,531| | 8.6%
2020| 46,445| | 6.7%
2024 (est.)| 49,015| [5]| 5.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8]
1990–2000[9] 2010–2020[1]

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census,[10] 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).[11] 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.[10] 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.[12]

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.[10]

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.[13]

### 2000 census

[edit]

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%.[14] 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

[edit]

### Cities

[edit]

* Chewelah
* Colville (county seat)
* Kettle Falls

### Towns

[edit]

* Marcus
* Northport
* Springdale

### Census-designated places

[edit]

* Addy
* Clayton
* Loon Lake
* Suncrest
* Valley

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Arden
* Bluecreek
* Cedonia
* Daisy
* Echo
* Evans
* Ford
* Fruitland
* Gifford
* Hunters
* Nine Mile Falls
* Onion Creek
* Rice
* Tumtum (also known as Tum Tum)
* Wellpinit

## Politics

[edit]

United States presidential election results for Stevens County, Washington[15][16] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 19,895  | 70.43% | 7,492  | 26.52%  | 859  | 3.04%
2020 | 19,808  | 69.67% | 7,839  | 27.57%  | 783  | 2.75%
2016 | 15,161  | 64.80% | 5,767  | 24.65%  | 2,467  | 10.54%
2012 | 13,691  | 60.85% | 7,762  | 34.50%  | 1,047  | 4.65%
2008 | 13,132  | 58.13% | 8,499  | 37.62%  | 960  | 4.25%
2004 | 13,015  | 63.99% | 6,822  | 33.54%  | 503  | 2.47%
2000 | 11,299  | 62.78% | 5,560  | 30.89%  | 1,140  | 6.33%
1996 | 7,524  | 46.96% | 5,591  | 34.90%  | 2,907  | 18.14%
1992 | 5,706  | 38.59% | 4,960  | 33.54%  | 4,121  | 27.87%
1988 | 6,576  | 54.97% | 5,068  | 42.37%  | 318  | 2.66%
1984 | 8,211  | 64.29% | 4,304  | 33.70%  | 256  | 2.00%
1980 | 7,094  | 61.53% | 3,584  | 31.08%  | 852  | 7.39%
1976 | 4,719  | 51.81% | 3,824  | 41.98%  | 566  | 6.21%
1972 | 4,839  | 61.26% | 2,390  | 30.26%  | 670  | 8.48%
1968 | 3,435  | 46.77% | 2,948  | 40.14%  | 962  | 13.10%
1964 | 3,302  | 43.57%  | 4,266  | 56.29% | 10  | 0.13%
1960 | 4,076  | 51.24% | 3,861  | 48.54%  | 18  | 0.23%
1956 | 4,499  | 54.06% | 3,808  | 45.76%  | 15  | 0.18%
1952 | 4,458  | 56.54% | 3,355  | 42.55%  | 72  | 0.91%
1948 | 2,977  | 40.05%  | 4,205  | 56.56% | 252  | 3.39%
1944 | 3,151  | 43.98%  | 3,951  | 55.14% | 63  | 0.88%
1940 | 3,238  | 39.45%  | 4,904  | 59.75% | 66  | 0.80%
1936 | 1,981  | 28.57%  | 4,536  | 65.41% | 418  | 6.03%
1932 | 2,247  | 32.13%  | 4,262  | 60.94% | 485  | 6.93%
1928 | 3,813  | 63.05% | 2,147  | 35.50%  | 88  | 1.46%
1924 | 2,909  | 48.94% | 685  | 11.52%  | 2,350  | 39.54%
1920 | 3,282  | 55.68% | 1,452  | 24.64%  | 1,160  | 19.68%
1916 | 2,684  | 40.32%  | 3,184  | 47.84% | 788  | 11.84%
1912 | 810  | 13.50%  | 1,979  | 32.98% | 3,212  | 53.52%
1908 | 2,546  | 52.13% | 1,564  | 32.02%  | 774  | 15.85%
1904 | 2,369  | 63.31% | 872  | 23.30%  | 501  | 13.39%
1900 | 1,121  | 39.95%  | 1,612  | 57.45% | 73  | 2.60%
1896 | 433  | 18.08%  | 1,926  | 80.42% | 36  | 1.50%
1892 | 622  | 37.31% | 501  | 30.05%  | 544  | 32.63%

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Stevens County, Washington

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ "Milestones for Washington State History — Part 2: 1851 to 1900". HistoryLink.org. March 6, 2003.
4. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
5. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
6. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
8. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
9. ^ "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 7, 2014.
10. ^ a b c "DP-1 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.
11. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
12. ^ "DP02 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.
13. ^ "DP03 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.
14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
15. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
16. ^ The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 1,971 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 988 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 227 votes, and Socialist Labor candidate Arthur Reimer received 26 votes.

## Further reading

[edit]

* An illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, State of Washington. Western Historical Pub. Co. 1904.Available online through the Washington State Library's Classics in Washington History collection

## External links

[edit]

* 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

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Stevens County, Washington

|  | Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, British Columbia | Regional District of Central Kootenay, British Columbia

|
|

|  |
Ferry County |

Stevens County

| Pend Oreille County
|  |
Lincoln County |  | Spokane County

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Stevens County, Washington, United States

County seat: Colville

Cities|

* Chewelah
* Colville
* Kettle Falls

Map of Washington highlighting Stevens County

Towns|

* Marcus
* Northport
* Springdale

CDPs|

* Addy
* Clayton
* Loon Lake
* Suncrest
* Valley

Other
communities|

* Arden
* Cedonia
* Evans
* Ford
* Fruitland
* Gifford
* Grays
* Hunters
* Marble
* Maud
* Nine Mile Falls
* Orin
* Rice
* Tumtum
* Velvet
* Ward
* Wellpinit

Ghost towns|

* Bossburg
* Boundary
* Cedarville
* Godfrey
* Leadpoint
* Pinkney City
* Ryan

* Washington portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

State of Washington

Olympia (capital)

Topics|

* Outline
* Climate change
* Municipalities
* Census-designated places
* Federal lands
* Indian reservations
* Geography
* Earthquakes
* History
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* Tourist attractions

Society|

* Abortion
* Cannabis
* Crime
* Culture
* Demographics
* Economy
* Agriculture
* Education
* Gun laws
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* LGBT rights
* Politics

Politics|

| Government|

* Law
* Constitution
* Governors
* Legislature
* Legislative districts
* House
* Senate
* Ballot measures
* Congressional delegations
* Congressional districts
* City governments

|

State agencies|

* Agriculture
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* Utilities and Transportation

Regions|

| Western|

* Kitsap Peninsula
* Long Beach Peninsula
* Olympic Peninsula
* Puget Sound
* San Juan Islands
* Skagit Valley

|

Eastern/Inland|

* Central Washington
* Columbia Plateau
* Methow Valley
* Okanogan Country
* Palouse
* Yakima Valley

Shared|

* Cascade Range
* Columbia Gorge
* Columbia River

Largest
cities|

* Seattle
* Spokane
* Tacoma
* Vancouver
* Bellevue
* Kent
* Everett
* Renton
* Spokane Valley
* Federal Way
* Yakima
* Kirkland
* Bellingham
* Auburn
* Kennewick
* Pasco
* Redmond
* Marysville
* Sammamish
* Lakewood
* Richland
* Shoreline
* Olympia
* Lacey
* Burien

Metropolitan
areas|

* Greater Seattle
* Greater Spokane
* Tri-Cities metropolitan area
* Wenatchee metropolitan area
* Greater Portland and Vancouver

Counties|

* Adams
* Asotin
* Benton
* Chelan
* Clallam
* Clark
* Columbia
* Cowlitz
* Douglas
* Ferry
* Franklin
* Garfield
* Grant
* Grays Harbor
* Island
* Jefferson
* King
* Kitsap
* Kittitas
* Klickitat
* Lewis
* Lincoln
* Mason
* Okanogan
* Pacific
* Pend Oreille
* Pierce
* San Juan
* Skagit
* Skamania
* Snohomish
* Spokane
* Stevens
* Thurston
* Wahkiakum
* Walla Walla
* Whatcom
* Whitman
* Yakima

* Washington (state) portal
* Pacific Northwest portal

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
* Israel

48°24′N 117°51′W﻿ / ﻿48.40°N 117.85°W﻿ / 48.40; -117.85
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