RANK #862 / 996 · POP 82,663 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.1%
Lewis County, Washington, is known as the "mother of counties" because its original 1845 borders encompassed a significant portion of present-day Washington and even part of British Columbia. Located in southwest Washington along the I-5 corridor, it sits roughly halfway between Seattle and Portland, about 84 miles from Seattle and 91 miles from Portland, and 25 miles from Olympia. The county offers a rural feel with a slower pace of life compared to larger cities. Its natural amenities are a major draw, with access to Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and numerous hiking trails like the Willapa Hills Trail. Residents can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and camping in various county parks and lakes.
Life in Lewis County often appeals to those seeking affordability and a connection to the outdoors. Many residents own their homes, and the cost of living is lower than in Washington's larger metropolitan areas. While some commute to Olympia, Tacoma, or Seattle for work, the average commute time within the county is around 28 minutes. Lewis County Transit provides local and inter-county bus services, including routes to Olympia and other communities. The economy has historically been tied to timber and, later, coal, but recent developments include a focus on wood product manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. There is also ongoing investment in infrastructure projects, such as the Centralia Station and a hydrogen refueling station in Chehalis.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lewis County has a Boom Town Index score of 14/100, ranking #862 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.4% and a median household income of $67,247, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lewis County is $306,600 with median rent at $1,016/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2193, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.8% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.4%. Home values changed +2.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.31% of Lewis County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.