List of Counties in Washington
Washington has 39 counties. The most populous counties are King County (Seattle), Pierce County (Tacoma), Snohomish County, Spokane County, Clark County (Vancouver), Thurston County (Olympia), Kitsap County, Whatcom County, Yakima County, and Benton County. King County, which includes Seattle, is by far the largest and serves as the state’s economic and cultural hub. Pierce and Snohomish counties, which are part of the larger Seattle metropolitan area, are also highly populous. Spokane County, home to Spokane, is the largest population center in eastern Washington.
List of All Counties in Washington
- Adams County, Washington
- Asotin County, Washington
- Benton County, Washington
- Chelan County, Washington
- Clallam County, Washington
- Clark County, Washington
- Columbia County, Washington
- Cowlitz County, Washington
- Douglas County, Washington
- Ferry County, Washington
- Franklin County, Washington
- Garfield County, Washington
- Grant County, Washington
- Grays Harbor County, Washington
- Island County, Washington
- Jefferson County, Washington
- King County, Washington
- Kitsap County, Washington
- Kittitas County, Washington
- Klickitat County, Washington
- Lewis County, Washington
- Lincoln County, Washington
- Mason County, Washington
- Okanogan County, Washington
- Pacific County, Washington
- Pend Oreille County, Washington
- Pierce County, Washington
- San Juan County, Washington
- Skagit County, Washington
- Skamania County, Washington
- Snohomish County, Washington
- Spokane County, Washington
- Stevens County, Washington
- Thurston County, Washington
- Wahkiakum County, Washington
- Walla Walla County, Washington
- Whatcom County, Washington
- Whitman County, Washington
- Yakima County, Washington
Largest Counties in Washington
1. Okanogan County
Overview
Okanogan County is the largest county in Washington by land area, covering 5,268 square miles in the north-central region of the state. It shares a border with Canada to the north and is bordered by Ferry County to the east, Chelan County to the south, and Douglas County to the southwest. Okanogan County was established in 1888 and is named after the Okanagan people, a Native American tribe. The county’s geography is dominated by mountainous terrain, including the Cascade Range, and vast wilderness areas. The Okanogan and Methow Rivers flow through the county, contributing to its agricultural industry, which includes fruit orchards and cattle ranching. Tourism, particularly outdoor recreation, is also a key part of the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 42,000
- County Seat: Okanogan
- Major Airports: Omak Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 97, Washington State Route 20, Washington State Route 153
2. Yakima County
Overview
Yakima County, located in south-central Washington, spans 4,311 square miles. It is bordered by Kittitas County to the north, Benton County to the southeast, and Klickitat County to the south. The county was established in 1865 and is named after the Yakama Nation, whose reservation occupies part of the county. Yakima County is known for its fertile agricultural lands, with the Yakima Valley producing a significant portion of the state’s apples, hops, and wine grapes. The Yakima River, which flows through the valley, is a crucial water source for the county’s farms. Historically, Yakima County’s economy was centered on agriculture, and while farming remains important, the county has diversified with a growing wine industry and manufacturing sector.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 260,000
- County Seat: Yakima
- Major Airports: Yakima Air Terminal (McAllister Field)
- Major Highways: Interstate 82, U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 97
3. Chelan County
Overview
Chelan County, located in the north-central part of Washington, covers 2,994 square miles. It is bordered by Okanogan County to the north, Douglas County to the east, and Kittitas County to the south. Established in 1899, the county is named after Lake Chelan, the largest natural lake in the state. The county is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River Basin. This landscape supports agriculture, with apples, cherries, and wine grapes being prominent crops. Tourism is also a key industry, with visitors flocking to Lake Chelan and the nearby Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village. The Wenatchee National Forest and surrounding wilderness areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 78,000
- County Seat: Wenatchee
- Major Airports: Pangborn Memorial Airport (located in neighboring Douglas County)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 2, U.S. Highway 97, Washington State Route 150
4. Grant County
Overview
Grant County is located in central Washington and covers 2,791 square miles. It is bordered by Douglas County to the north, Adams County to the east, and Kittitas County to the west. Established in 1909, the county is named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The county’s geography is characterized by vast plains and agricultural fields, supported by irrigation from the Columbia Basin Project, one of the largest irrigation systems in the United States. Grant County is a major agricultural producer, particularly of potatoes, wheat, corn, and apples. The Columbia River and several large reservoirs, including Moses Lake, provide recreational opportunities and are key to the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 100,000
- County Seat: Ephrata
- Major Airports: Grant County International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 2, Washington State Route 17
5. Stevens County
Overview
Stevens County, located in northeastern Washington, spans 2,541 square miles. It is bordered by Canada to the north, Pend Oreille County to the east, and Ferry County to the west. Established in 1863, the county was named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory. The county’s geography includes part of the Selkirk Mountains and large tracts of forestland, making logging and timber production key industries historically. The Columbia River forms the county’s western border and provides water for both irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, and hiking, is an important part of the county’s economy, along with agriculture and tourism.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 46,000
- County Seat: Colville
- Major Airports: Colville Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 395, Washington State Route 20, Washington State Route 25
6. Kittitas County
Overview
Kittitas County, located in central Washington, covers 2,333 square miles. It is bordered by Chelan County to the north, Yakima County to the south, and King County to the west. The county was established in 1883, and its name is believed to come from a Native American word meaning “grassy place.” The county’s economy is a mix of agriculture, education, and tourism. Central Washington University, located in the city of Ellensburg, is a major contributor to the local economy. The county is also known for its rich farmland, where hay and wheat are common crops. The Yakima River flows through the county, supporting both agriculture and outdoor recreation, including fishing and rafting.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 49,000
- County Seat: Ellensburg
- Major Airports: Bowers Field (Ellensburg)
- Major Highways: Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 97
7. Ferry County
Overview
Ferry County, located in northeastern Washington, covers 2,257 square miles and is one of the least populated counties in the state. It is bordered by Stevens County to the east, Okanogan County to the west, and Canada to the north. Established in 1899, the county was named after Elisha P. Ferry, the first governor of Washington. Ferry County’s landscape is mountainous, with the Kettle River Range and the Columbia River Gorge shaping much of its geography. Historically, mining and timber were the main industries, but today the local economy is more focused on outdoor recreation, small-scale agriculture, and tourism. The Colville National Forest offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 7,500
- County Seat: Republic
- Major Airports: Republic Airport
- Major Highways: Washington State Route 20, Washington State Route 21
8. Adams County
Overview
Adams County is located in southeastern Washington and spans 1,925 square miles. It is bordered by Grant County to the north, Whitman County to the east, and Franklin County to the south. Established in 1883, the county was named after John Adams, the second President of the United States. Adams County is part of the Columbia Basin and is characterized by its vast agricultural lands. The county’s economy is heavily dependent on farming, with wheat, potatoes, and corn being the primary crops. Irrigation from the Columbia Basin Project supports agriculture in the otherwise arid landscape. The county is sparsely populated, with a few small towns scattered across its agricultural plains.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 20,000
- County Seat: Ritzville
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 395
9. Whitman County
Overview
Whitman County, located in southeastern Washington, covers 2,178 square miles. It is bordered by Idaho to the east, Adams County to the west, and Spokane County to the north. Established in 1871, the county was named after Marcus Whitman, a missionary and early settler. The county is known for its rolling hills, fertile Palouse region, and agricultural productivity, particularly in wheat and lentils. Washington State University, located in Pullman, is the county’s largest employer and a central part of its economy. In addition to agriculture and education, Whitman County has seen growth in research and technology industries linked to the university.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 50,000
- County Seat: Colfax
- Major Airports: Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 195, Washington State Route 26, Washington State Route 27
10. Lincoln County
Overview
Lincoln County, located in eastern Washington, covers 2,339 square miles. It is bordered by Spokane County to the east, Grant County to the southwest, and the Columbia River to the west. Established in 1883, the county was named after President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln County’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with wheat being the dominant crop. The county’s landscape consists of rolling hills and wide-open plains, typical of the Palouse region. With a sparse population, Lincoln County is one of the least densely populated counties in Washington, and its small towns are mostly centered around farming communities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- County Seat: Davenport
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 2, Washington State Route 28, Washington State Route 21