Lincoln County | |
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Lincoln County Courthouse | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Washington | |
![]() Washington's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 47°34′N118°25′W / 47.57°N 118.41°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | November 24, 1883 |
Named for | Abraham Lincoln |
Seat | Davenport |
Largest city | Davenport |
Area | |
• Total | 2,339 sq mi (6,060 km2) |
• Land | 2,310 sq mi (6,000 km2) |
• Water | 29 sq mi (80 km2) 1.2% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 10,876 |
• Estimate (2022) | 11,601 ![]() |
• Density | 4.4/sq mi (1.7/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
Congressional district | 5th |
Website | www |
Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,876, [1] making it the fifth-least populous county in the state. [2] The county seat and largest city is Davenport. [3]
Lincoln County was created out of Whitman County in November 1883. [4] It is named for Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. [5]
In 1883, Lincoln County was created from a portion of Spokane County, and four days later a portion of its area was peeled off to create Douglas County. There have been no further alterations to its boundary since that time. [6] Its 2,317 square miles make it #8 in size in the state.
Centuries ago, the area now covered by Lincoln County contained an east–west passageway used by indigenous peoples. A spring near the present-day Davenport created a large overnight camping place.
The early exploration of the Northwest Territory by Lewis and Clark did not reach as far north as the Lincoln County expanses. The first recorded entry by European explorers was of David Thompson, a scout for the North West Company, who traversed the area in 1811. He noted physical locations in present-day Lincoln County. He described Hell Gate Rapid (calling it 'Strong Rapid'). That stretch of the Columbia River is now tame, because of the presence of Grand Coulee Dam. [6] After this, there was considerable exploration by fur trappers and others, including famed Scottish botanist David Douglas in 1826. [6]
Possibly the first permanent non-indigenous resident of the area was R.M. Bacon, originally from Boston, who began raising cattle around Crab Creek in 1871. When the first post office was established in the county, Bacon was its postmaster. [6]
Emigration into the area accelerated in the late 1870s. Completion of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1883, and construction of Fort Spokane (1880-1882) hastened settlement.
Lincoln County lies on the Channelled Scablands, known as the Big Bend Plateau. It lies 1,500-2,500 feet above sea level, with a system of channels eroded into bedrock by glacial rivers and streams, flowing from northeastern Washington.
Lincoln County climate is hot/dry in the summer, cold/moderately humid in the winter. Due to the relatively level terrain (about 1,200 feet difference from lowest to highest elevations), temperatures tend to vary little from east to west. Precipitation varies from an arid condition in the western part of the county to semi-arid in the northeast. The entire area lies in the dry intermontane basin between the Cascades and the Rocky Mountain System. Precipitation (10-20 inches annual rainfall) is a major controlling factor in agriculture. Precipitation in the Big Bend region is highly variable; from 8 inches in the west to 20 inches in the northeast.
Monthly temperature averages range from below freezing in mid-winter to highs of 65-71 °F in mid-summer. [6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,339 square miles (6,060 km2), of which 2,310 square miles (6,000 km2) is land and 29 square miles (75 km2) (1.2%) is water. [7]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1890 | 9,312 | — | |
1900 | 11,969 | 28.5% | |
1910 | 17,539 | 46.5% | |
1920 | 15,141 | −13.7% | |
1930 | 11,876 | −21.6% | |
1940 | 11,361 | −4.3% | |
1950 | 10,970 | −3.4% | |
1960 | 10,919 | −0.5% | |
1970 | 9,572 | −12.3% | |
1980 | 9,604 | 0.3% | |
1990 | 8,864 | −7.7% | |
2000 | 10,184 | 14.9% | |
2010 | 10,570 | 3.8% | |
2020 | 10,876 | 2.9% | |
2022 (est.) | 11,601 | [8] | 6.7% |
U.S. Decennial Census [9] 1790–1960 [10] 1900–1990 [11] 1990–2000 [12] 2010–2020 [1] |
As of the 2010 census, there were 10,570 people, 4,422 households, and 3,059 families residing in the county. [13] The population density was 4.6 people per square mile (1.8 people/km2). There were 5,776 housing units at an average density of 2.5 units per square mile (0.97 units/km2). [14] The racial makeup of the county was 95.0% white, 1.6% American Indian, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.3% of the population. [13] In terms of ancestry, 42.3% were German, 14.6% were Irish, 13.9% were English, 5.5% were Norwegian, 5.3% were Scotch-Irish, and 3.6% were American. [15]
Of the 4,422 households, 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.8% were non-families, and 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.85. The median age was 47.6 years. [13]
The median income for a household in the county was $45,582 and the median income for a family was $52,083. Males had a median income of $44,491 versus $30,617 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,757. About 7.1% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over. [16]
As of the 2000 census, there were 10,184 people, 4,151 households, and 2,914 families in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (1.5 people/km2). There were 5,298 housing units at an average density of 2 units per square mile (0.77 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.64% White, 0.23% Black or African American, 1.63% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 1.61% from two or more races. 1.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 36.6% were of German, 10.5% English, 9.3% United States or American and 5.8% Irish ancestry.
There were 4,151 households, out of which 29.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.90% were married couples living together, 6.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.80% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.30% under the age of 18, 5.20% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 27.40% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 98.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,255, and the median income for a family was $41,269. Males had a median income of $31,086 versus $22,444 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,888. About 8.40% of families and 12.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.60% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.
The county is administered by a three-member Board of Commissioners.
Like neighboring Adams County, Lincoln County is one of the most conservative counties in Washington. The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry the county was Harry Truman in 1948. In 1964, it was one of only three counties in the state to be carried by Barry Goldwater, and was the nation's northernmost county or equivalent to vote for Goldwater. [17] In the last eight presidential elections, no Democratic candidate has received more than 36 percent of the county's vote; the last Democratic gubernatorial nominee it backed was Booth Gardner in 1988, during a major drought and farm crisis. [18] In 2016, Donald Trump won over 70 percent of the county's vote. [19]
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 5,150 | 73.23% | 1,713 | 24.36% | 170 | 2.42% |
2016 | 4,108 | 70.09% | 1,244 | 21.23% | 509 | 8.68% |
2012 | 4,063 | 68.74% | 1,673 | 28.30% | 175 | 2.96% |
2008 | 3,803 | 63.30% | 2,032 | 33.82% | 173 | 2.88% |
2004 | 4,015 | 69.09% | 1,706 | 29.36% | 90 | 1.55% |
2000 | 3,546 | 68.23% | 1,417 | 27.27% | 234 | 4.50% |
1996 | 2,587 | 51.40% | 1,806 | 35.88% | 640 | 12.72% |
1992 | 2,152 | 43.59% | 1,653 | 33.48% | 1,132 | 22.93% |
1988 | 2,689 | 57.89% | 1,884 | 40.56% | 72 | 1.55% |
1984 | 3,474 | 66.90% | 1,671 | 32.18% | 48 | 0.92% |
1980 | 3,324 | 62.28% | 1,597 | 29.92% | 416 | 7.79% |
1976 | 2,925 | 57.57% | 1,978 | 38.93% | 178 | 3.50% |
1972 | 3,647 | 69.14% | 1,453 | 27.55% | 175 | 3.32% |
1968 | 2,994 | 59.25% | 1,721 | 34.06% | 338 | 6.69% |
1964 | 2,911 | 55.84% | 2,299 | 44.10% | 3 | 0.06% |
1960 | 3,211 | 58.77% | 2,248 | 41.14% | 5 | 0.09% |
1956 | 3,114 | 57.77% | 2,273 | 42.17% | 3 | 0.06% |
1952 | 3,422 | 63.31% | 1,974 | 36.52% | 9 | 0.17% |
1948 | 2,348 | 47.68% | 2,518 | 51.14% | 58 | 1.18% |
1944 | 2,723 | 53.75% | 2,328 | 45.95% | 15 | 0.30% |
1940 | 2,627 | 47.32% | 2,896 | 52.16% | 29 | 0.52% |
1936 | 1,325 | 26.14% | 3,627 | 71.55% | 117 | 2.31% |
1932 | 1,748 | 38.04% | 2,725 | 59.30% | 122 | 2.66% |
1928 | 2,718 | 59.62% | 1,807 | 39.64% | 34 | 0.75% |
1924 | 2,042 | 46.16% | 743 | 16.79% | 1,639 | 37.05% |
1920 | 3,038 | 65.04% | 1,395 | 29.87% | 238 | 5.10% |
1916 | 2,356 | 43.06% | 2,827 | 51.67% | 288 | 5.26% |
1912 | 691 | 14.46% | 1,829 | 38.26% | 2,260 | 47.28% |
1908 | 2,025 | 55.19% | 1,443 | 39.33% | 201 | 5.48% |
1904 | 2,472 | 67.41% | 1,004 | 27.38% | 191 | 5.21% |
1900 | 1,414 | 45.58% | 1,585 | 51.10% | 103 | 3.32% |
1896 | 781 | 30.18% | 1,771 | 68.43% | 36 | 1.39% |
1892 | 915 | 39.19% | 831 | 35.59% | 589 | 25.22% |
The county is dependent on agriculture, primarily wheat farming. Lincoln County is generally considered the second-largest producer of wheat in the United States (following Whitman County, Washington), sometimes producing 25 million bushels (680,000 t) per year. [21] Only about 500,000 of 900,000 acres (2,000 of 3,600 km2 (1,390 sq mi)) of farmland in the county are planted in any given year due to the practice of typically harvesting one crop every two years ("summer-fallow"), a necessity in a region with only 12 inches (300 mm) of precipitation annually.
Livestock husbandry is also a significant county activity, although to a significantly lower degree. For example, in 1954 the county was #3 in the state for crop income, but was only #21 in the state for income from livestock and livestock products. [6]
Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,613. The county seat is at Ritzville, and its largest city is Othello. The county was formed out of Whitman County in November 1883 and is named after John Adams, the second President of the United States.
Braxton County is a county in the central part of the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,447. The county seat is Sutton. The county was formed in 1836 from parts of Lewis, Kanawha, and Nicholas counties and named for Carter Braxton, a Virginia statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Lincoln County is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 19,581. Its county seat is Kemmerer. Its western border abuts the eastern borders of the states of Idaho and Utah.
Lincoln County is a county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,463. Its county seat is Hamlin. The county was created in 1867 and named for Abraham Lincoln.
Wahkiakum County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,422, making it one of the least populous counties in Washington. The county seat and only incorporated town is Cathlamet. The county was formed out of Cowlitz County in April 1854 and is named for Chief Wahkiakum of the Chinook, who is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery in Cathlamet.
Stevens County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington along the Canada–US border. At the 2020 census, its population was 46,445. As of July 2021, the population was estimated to be 47,426. The county seat and largest city is Colville. The county was created in 1863 and named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory.
Pend Oreille County is a county located in the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Washington, along the Canada–US border. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,401. The county seat and largest city is Newport.
Douglas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, its population was 42,938. The county seat is Waterville, while its largest settlement is East Wenatchee. The county was created out of Lincoln County on November 28, 1883 and is named for American statesman Stephen A. Douglas.
Lincoln County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, its population was 50,395. The county seat is Newport. The county is named for Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States.
Sierra County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 11,576. Its county seat is Truth or Consequences.
Chaves County is a county in New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 65,157. Its county seat is Roswell. Chaves County was named for Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves, a military leader there during the Civil War and later in Navajo campaigns. The county was created by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature on February 25, 1889, out of land from Lincoln County.
Walthall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,884. Its county seat is Tylertown. The county is named after Civil War Confederate general and Mississippi Senator Edward C. Walthall.
Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,907. Its county seat is Brookhaven.
Lincoln County is a county located in south-central Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,275. Its county seat is Stanford. Lincoln County is part of the Danville, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Scott County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2020 census, it had a population of 4,949, making it the fourth-least populous county in Illinois. Its county seat is Winchester.
Washington County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,500. The county seat and largest city is Weiser, with over half of the county's population. The county was established in 1879 when Idaho was a territory and named after U.S. President George Washington.
Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,127. The county seat and largest city is Shoshone. The county is named after President Abraham Lincoln. The Idaho Territory was created in 1863, during the Lincoln Administration of 1861–65.
Washington County is a county located in the eastern side of the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,817, making it the least populous “Washington County” in the United States. The county seat is Akron. The county was named in honor of the United States President George Washington.
Phillips County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,530. The county seat is Holyoke. The county was named in honor of R.O. Phillips, a secretary of the Lincoln Land Company, who organized several towns in Colorado.
Kit Carson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,087. The county seat is Burlington. The county was established in 1889 and named for American frontiersman and Indian fighter Kit Carson.