Pacific Pacific

Pacific County

Updated on: December 24, 2021
State
Washington
County Seat:
South Bend
Year Organized:
1854
Total Square Miles:
1223.384
Population:
21626 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
18

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Board of Commissioners
Size of Legislative Body:
3

Demographics

2018 Population:
21626
25 to 64 Years of Age:
47.84%
65 Years of Age and Older:
30.69%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$698.1 M
Labor Force:
8,403
Unemployment Rate:
6.90%

County Contact

300 Memorial Dr
County Courthouse
South Bend, WA, 98586-1105

http://www.co.pacific.wa.us

Pacific County is one of theU.S. state of Washington‘s counties. Based on its county map, Pacific positions, South of Grays Harbor County, West of Lewis County, Northwest of Wahkiakum County, and North of Clatsop County, Oregon. Its beautiful geographical features, mountains, beach, Island, Bays all remain an add-on and a tourist allurement.  

Under the 2020 census records, Pacific county had a total population of 23,365, giving a density rate of 19/sq mi (7/km2). In the space of 1,223 sq mi (3,170 km2), Pacific county splits into two grounds; 

  1. Land covering 933 sq mi (2,420 km2) 
  2. Water covering 291 sq mi (750 km2)

All through, Pacific county has been a recognised States oyster harvester contributing to 25% of the U.S’s total harvest. Other than oyster harvesting, other major economic activities comprise fishing, tourism, and forestry. 

County Seat 

Currently, South Bend city is Pacific County‘s county seat. Like the rest of Washington county seats, the city serves as a critical administration point, harbouring most of the region’s county offices. Its full incorporation was on September 27, 1890. As of the 2010 census, the city’s total population was 1,637, expected to grow in the next census.  

The name South Bend came from the city’s location along the Willapa River. Initially, however, the county seat was Oysterville, which was until 1893 when it was relocated to South Bend.  

South Bend majors in oyster production as well as scenery. It is this critical economic activity that runs it.  

History 

In the nineteenth century, Pacific County was part of the Oregon Territory 

Until December 19, 1845, Oregon’s provisional government created two counties to its north; Vancouver and Clark. In the present day, these two formed the Washington State.  

In 1849, Vancouver County changed its name to Lewis County. On February 4, 1851, Lewis County was subdivided off to become Pacific County since the counties retained their boundaries.  

In 1852, Oysterville became the first county seat, an unincorporated community. The incorporation of South Bend as the new county seat resulted from theft by the South Bend residents. County records from Oysterville were ferried across Willapa Harbor to South Bend, which finally led to the relocation in 1893. 

Currently, South bend holds the county seat position, with the largest city being Raymond. 

Administration 

The administrative role of Pacific county exists under the County Administrative Officer’s docket. The chief executive officer, the head, is always in charge of the Pacific county’s day-to-day running. Key among his mandated tasks include providing the following; 

  1. Overal administrative services
  2. Legislative services
  3. Technical assistance to the rest of county offices and departments

Other core duties comprise making decisions, ordinances, and policies based on Board of Pacific County Commissioners’ opinions. 

The sheriff department 

Pacific county features law enforcement departments on its legislative arm, including the sheriff’s office. The security team here works in close collaboration with the rest from federal and state departments to ensure ultimate security.  

Some of the critical crimes they manage include robbery, county lines, rape, murder, among others. Their presence is often spread throughout the towns and cities for an excellent security network.  

There are law courts and police custody/ jail in Pacific County. For the offenders, there is always judgement to face before being imprisoned.  

Pacific County Public records  

Under administration, the county upholds the Public Records Act (PRA) (RCW 42.56). These records are made accessible for all online. However, the essence is to have a well-managed administrative board working towards a more excellent solution for their subject.  

Who lives in Pacific County 

The county remains metropolitan, especially within most towns and cities. Nonetheless, the white is the dominating community. According to the 2010 population statistics, they constitute about 90% of the total population. 

The rest of the communities are Asians holding about 2.1%, Blacks 1.1% and others equally with similar low percentages. 

Transport 

The transport mode in Pacific County is quite flexible based on the multiple options available. The very basic one is the road. You will find various alternatives throughout many cities and towns, such as the Pacific Transit, covering five different routes and more.  

Equally, there are trains. This means it is reasonably affordable and reliable at the same time. Trains here transit the cities and towns connecting both the urban and remote sections of the county.  

Another option is flight. The two significant Airports in the region offer convenient flights to various parts within and without the county.  

Note: Some of these transport means might need reservations based on the travel status at the moment. There is more significant traffic during the holiday periods; hence early preparation is vital.  

Tourist Attraction sites: Things to do in Pacific County 

When you have some free time in Pacific county, here are some things you can do or places you can visit. 

  1. Wildlife refuge

A typical one is Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Apart from the animals, you will be seeing, the overall view is fantastic! You can spend some time here chilling in the tranquil air while recollecting yourself. 

  1. Attend Festivals

The very typical one on this is the Garlic Festival. It is all a mix of fun, food and learning a few things here and there about garlic. If you intend to deal in garlic, plenty of vendors come here – you may share your idea for advice with them.  

  1. Woohoo winery

An excellent place to enjoy wine is in the Woohoo winery. The firm holds various brands, new and old, that many would want to taste for an experience. Woohoo, the winery gives the best in this and remains a go-to place for many.  

  1. Ocean Shores Boat House

This is another best place to visit if you are on the ocean side. The environment is beautiful, with natural trees, ocean views and fantastic terrain. The Ocean Shores Boat House only tops it up by adding more stunning scenery.  

  1. Youngs river falls

There is plenty of fund hiking to this fantastic spot, the Young River Falls. The water and forest environment is beautiful and rejuvenating for those who want laxity. You can come here to witness this fantastic but straightforward feature in a group.  

Despite being small in size, Pacific County stands on its own as one of the U.S. WA counties with plenty of social and economic evolution; there is greater anticipation for the best future.