Lincoln County Data
Demographics
A demographic profile of Lincoln County, Washington — population, the eight census-recognized communities, workforce, and housing.
Population
A small, settled rural population
At 10,810 residents, the Office of Financial Management ranks Lincoln County 35th of 39 counties in Washington State.
Lincoln County had a much older age demographic than the state or nation in 2017:
- Lincoln County's population age 65 and older was 25.2 percent in 2017 compared to the state's 15.1 percent.
- The youngest age group, under 5 years, was 5.1 percent in 2017 compared to the state's 6.2 percent.
Within Lincoln County, there is less diversity than the state. White persons who are not of Hispanic descent made up 94.2 percent of the county's population compared to 79.5 percent of the state's population.
Over 2012–2016, 91.3 percent of individuals age 25 and older were high school graduates (higher than Washington state's 90.6 percent). Fewer Lincoln County residents 25 and older attained a bachelor's degree or higher (22.0 percent) compared to the state (33.6 percent).
Eight U.S. Census-recognized communities
These communities account for approximately half of the county population.
| Community | Population |
|---|---|
| Almira | 275 |
| Creston | 225 |
| Davenport Largest & County Seat | 1,715 |
| Harrington | 415 |
| Odessa | 906 |
| Reardan | 575 |
| Sprague | 440 |
| Wilbur | 890 |
The remaining 5,370 residents live on farms, ranches, or in unincorporated areas including Seven Bays, Lincoln, Hanson Harbor (along Lake Roosevelt), Edwall, Lamona, and Irby.
Workforce
A growing civilian labor force
According to Employment Security Department statistics for 2018, Lincoln County had a total civilian labor force of 5,021 and an average unemployment rate of 4.9 percent.
Lincoln County's unemployment rate fluctuates seasonally, with lows in September or October and highs in January or February.
Through the first nine months of 2018, the average civilian labor force was 5,021 compared to 4,974 for the same period in 2017. Increases reverse a 2010 trend of workers migrating out of the county.
Lincoln County nonfarm employment averaged 2,720 in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 2,587 for the same period in 2017. Top nonfarm job producers include agriculture support services, health care, government, education, construction, and green waste recovery.
Housing
High homeownership, affordable homes
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated 6,083 housing units in Lincoln County in 2017. Of those units, 4,416 were occupied with the average household at 2.31 persons. The homeownership rate for 2013–2017 was 79%, well above the statewide average of 62.7%. The median value of owner-occupied homes is $150,500.
Explore more Lincoln County data
Dig into key industries and the physical environment that shape the county's economy.