Washington State Counties + Map, Population, County Seat
List of Washington State counties + county seats, population, and map.
Each of the Washington State counties has its own unique history, culture, and attractions. From the bustling urban centers of King and Pierce Counties to the picturesque rural landscapes of Grays Harbor and Whitman Counties, the Evergreen State offers something for everyone.
Map of Washington State Counties by Region
How many counties does Washington State have?
The state of Washington has 39 counties. The counties are the primary governmental divisions of the state and are responsible for providing a wide range of services to their residents, including law enforcement, public health, and social services.
What is the best county to live in Washington State?
There are many great counties to live in Washington State, and the best one for you will depend on your own personal preferences and needs. A few of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Washington State county to live in should include cost of living, job opportunities, access to amenities, as well as the local climate.
The below counties are typically chosen as the best counties to live in Washington State:
- King County is the most populed county in the state of Washington and it includes the city of Seattle. It is home to many tech companies and has a thriving job market. It also has a diverse population and a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. However, the cost of living in King County is higher than in some other parts of the state, and this should be considered before moving here.
- Another popular county to live in Washington State is Snohomish County. Snohomish County is known for its historic downtowns, with many small businesses and local events. The county is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Tulip Festival. It includes the cities of Everett and Lynnwood and has a lower cost of living than King County. It is just north of King County.
- Located across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Kitsap County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. It includes the cities of Bremerton and Port Orchard and has a lower cost of living than some other parts of the state.
Ultimately, the best county for you will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. It may be helpful to research and compare different counties to find the one that best meets your needs.
What is the most populated county in Washington State?
The most populated county in Washington State is King County, which includes the city of Seattle, the largest city in the state. As of 2021, the population of King County is estimated to be around 2.2 million.
Washington Counties and County Seats
The county seat is usually the largest or most populous city or town in the county, and it is often the location of the county courthouse, as well as the county’s government offices. Below you can find a list of each Washington State county and its county seat.
Washington State Counties by Population
The chart below lists each Washington State county’s population as of 2021.
List of Washington State Counties in Alphabetical Order
COUNTY | COUNTY SEAT | POPULATION | DATE FORMED |
---|---|---|---|
Adams | Ritzville | 20,353 | 1883 |
Asotin | Asotin | 22,285 | 1883 |
Benton | Prosser | 204,551 | 1905 |
Chelan | Wenatchee | 78,508 | 1899 |
Clallam | Port Angeles | 76,727 | 1854 |
Clark | Vancouver | 496,494 | 1849 |
Columbia | Dayton | 3,969 | 1875 |
Cowlitz | Kelso | 109,457 | 1854 |
Douglas | Waterville | 42,622 | 1883 |
Ferry | Republic | 7,198 | 1899 |
Franklin | Pasco | 95,313 | 1883 |
Garfield | Pomeroy | 2,278 | 1881 |
Grant | Ephrata | 97,874 | 1909 |
Grays Harbor | Montesano | 74,737 | 1915 |
Island | Coupeville | 85,938 | 1853 |
Jefferson | Port Townsend | 32,590 | 1852 |
King | Seattle | 2,240,876 | 1852 |
Kitsap | Port Orchard | 273,072 | 1857 |
Kittitas | Ellensburg | 44,147 | 1883 |
Klickitat | Goldendale | 22,478 | 1859 |
Lewis | Chehalis | 81,214 | 1845 |
Lincoln | Davenport | 10,798 | 1883 |
Mason | Shelton | 64,964 | 1854 |
Okanogan | Okanogan | 41,966 | 1888 |
Pacifc | South Bend | 22,974 | 1851 |
Pend Oreille | Newport | 13,302 | 1911 |
Pierce | Tacoma | 910,225 | 1852 |
San Juan | Friday Harbor | 17,631 | 1873 |
Skagit | Mount Vernon | 128,228 | 1883 |
Skamania | Stevenson | 11,973 | 1854 |
Snohomish | Everett | 820,024 | 1861 |
Spokane | Spokane | 531,477 | 1858 |
Stevens | Colville | 46,057 | 1863 |
Thurston | Olympia | 290,642 | 1852 |
Wahkiakum | Cathlamet | 4,373 | 1854 |
Walla Walla | Walla Walla | 62,168 | 1854 |
Whatcom | Bellingham | 224,533 | 1854 |
Whitman | Colfax | 48,197 | 1871 |
Yakima | Yakima | 255,151 | 1865 |