Longview-Kelso
RANK #417 / 996 NAT · #3 / 21 WA · POP 110,621
1YR FORECAST: +1.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Cowlitz County, Washington, is distinguished by its dramatic natural scenery, notably its proximity to Mount St. Helens, which offers hiking trails and geological exploration. Located in southwestern Washington, the county seat, Kelso, is approximately 48 miles from Portland, Oregon, and 125 miles from Seattle. The area is known as the "Land of Six Rivers," with the Cowlitz, Columbia, and Coweeman Rivers providing opportunities for kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The community offers a blend of rural and urban environments, with towns like Longview and Kelso serving as central hubs. Commuting within the Longview and Kelso area is supported by RiverCities Transit, while the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Transit Service offers options for rural residents.
Life in Cowlitz County often appeals to families, with a noticeable community focus. The economy, historically rooted in timber and milling, continues to have a strong manufacturing presence, particularly in paper and food manufacturing. This industrial base contributes significantly to the county's wages. Beyond manufacturing, there is growth in service and retail industries. The county has also seen investments in public facilities aimed at supporting economic development, including improvements to transportation infrastructure and commercial sites.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.6x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Landing on the Cowlitz Master-Planned Development
Undisclosed Developer
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
Mid I-5 Industrial Park Warehouse (Amazon Fulfillment Center)
Amazon (leasing from Trammell Crow Company)
|
$100M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cowlitz County scores 58/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#417). Median household income is $70,912 and job growth is running at +0.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Cowlitz County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $332,200 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.21 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,090/month on average.
Cowlitz County's population is growing — up +1.1% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.3%). Home values shifted +0.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.28% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Cowlitz County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.