whitman county, washington

Whitman County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of 2000, the population is 40,740. The county seat is at Colfax. It is named after Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian missionary who, with his wife Narcissa, was killed in 1847 by members of the Cayuse tribe of Native Americans.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,640 km² (2,178 mi²). 5,593 km² (2,159 mi²) of it is land and 47 km² (18 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.84% water.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there are 40,740 people, 15,257 households, and 8,055 families residing in the county. The population density is 7/km² (19/mi²). There are 16,676 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (8/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 88.07% White, 1.53% Black or African American, 0.73% Native American, 5.55% Asian, 0.27% Pacific Islander, 1.22% from other races, and 2.63% from two or more races. 2.99% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 15,257 households out of which 24.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.20% are married couples living together, 6.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 47.20% are non-families. 29.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 2.91. In the county, the population is spread out with 18.10% under the age of 18, 32.60% from 18 to 24, 24.00% from 25 to 44, 16.00% from 45 to 64, and 9.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 25 years. For every 100 females there are 102.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 101.90 males. The median income for a household in the county is $28,584, and the median income for a family is $44,830. Males have a median income of $33,381 versus $27,046 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,298. 25.60% of the population and 11.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.50% of those under the age of 18 and 5.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.