RANK #613 / 996 · POP 110,621 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
Cowlitz County, Washington, is distinguished by its dramatic natural scenery, notably its proximity to Mount St. Helens, which offers hiking trails and geological exploration. Located in southwestern Washington, the county seat, Kelso, is approximately 48 miles from Portland, Oregon, and 125 miles from Seattle. The area is known as the "Land of Six Rivers," with the Cowlitz, Columbia, and Coweeman Rivers providing opportunities for kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The community offers a blend of rural and urban environments, with towns like Longview and Kelso serving as central hubs. Commuting within the Longview and Kelso area is supported by RiverCities Transit, while the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Transit Service offers options for rural residents.
Life in Cowlitz County often appeals to families, with a noticeable community focus. The economy, historically rooted in timber and milling, continues to have a strong manufacturing presence, particularly in paper and food manufacturing. This industrial base contributes significantly to the county's wages. Beyond manufacturing, there is growth in service and retail industries. The county has also seen investments in public facilities aimed at supporting economic development, including improvements to transportation infrastructure and commercial sites.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.6x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Landing on the Cowlitz Master-Planned Development
Undisclosed Developer
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
Mid I-5 Industrial Park Warehouse (Amazon Fulfillment Center)
Amazon (leasing from Trammell Crow Company)
|
$100M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cowlitz County has a Boom Town Index score of 38/100, ranking #613 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $70,912, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Cowlitz County is $332,200 with median rent at $1,090/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2135, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.28% of Cowlitz County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.