Jefferson Jefferson

Jefferson County

Updated on: December 23, 2021
State
Washington
County Seat:
Port Townsend
Year Organized:
1854
Total Square Miles:
2183.142
Population:
31234 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
14

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
31234
25 to 64 Years of Age:
46.60%
65 Years of Age and Older:
36.85%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$957.3 M
Labor Force:
12,156
Unemployment Rate:
5.80%

County Contact

PO BOX 1220
County Courthouse
Port Townsend, WA, 98368-0920

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

Jefferson County is located in Washington State, US., and was named after Thomas Jefferson. He was a lawyer, statesman, architect, diplomat, Founding Father, and philosopher.  

He made history when he became the first U.S.Secretary of states. Thomas also served as the second Vice President under George Washington and later as the third President of the United States of America.  

The Oregon legislature cut a portion of Thurston County and the northern part of Olympic Peninsula to form Jefferson County lines. It was formed in 1852 on December 22.  

The county map shows Clallam County borders Jefferson County on the Northwest, Island County on the Northeast, and San Juan County on the Northeast. To the South of Jefferson County, you will find Kitsap County on the Southeast,  Mason County on the South/Southwest, and Grays Harbor on the South/Southeast. 

The county seat is Port Townsend which is also the only incorporated city. It is known for its scenery, marine center, annual cultural occasions, and the 19th Century Victorian buildings.   

Cities and towns 

The cities and towns you will find in Jefferson County are Port Townsend, Brinnon, Queets, Quilcene, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock-Irondale, and Marrowstone. 

Climate 

Jefferson County’s yearly best places comfort index is 7.3(10=best), placing it among the favorite places to live in Washington State based on the climatic conditions. Jefferson County gets 2 inches of snow and 27 inches of rain per year, while the US gets 28 inches and 38 inches annually.  

You get to enjoy 159 sunny days annually. August, July, and September are the best months, while December and January are the least favorable in Jefferson County. In July, you will experience summer highs of 73 degrees and winter lows of 35 degrees in January. 

Topography  

Jefferson County covers a total area of 5,654 km2, most of which is covered with coniferous forest. The height of the County lies between 0 to 3,400 feet above sea level.  

Demographics  

Jefferson County’s population was 32,977 as of the 2020 US Census. Regarding race, 91.1% of the population is white, 2.2% is Alaskan Native or American Indian, 1.1% is black, and 2.2% is Native Hawaiian, Asian, or Other Pacific Islander.  

Of the population, 2.9% are under five years, 11.8% are under 18 years, 37.9% are 65 years and above. 51.1% are female as of 2019. 

Labour Force and Unemployment 

In 2020 the labor force was 12,885, up from 12,835 in 2019. The County’s labor force has been steadily on the rise since 2014. On the other hand, the unemployment rate was 9.6% in 2020, up from 5.6% in 2019. Like in most parts of the world, this increase is attributed to the Covid 19 pandemic.  

Health 

In Jefferson County, Jefferson Healthcare is the largest employer, with about 850 employees, 25 physicians, and mid-level professionals. The County boasts of an award-winning Healthcare System. 

Economy 

In the 1880s, Jefferson County’s economy mainly thrived on natural resources extraction, including fishing and logging. It has since changed over the years. By the beginning of the 20th century, the economy was more inclined to fish processing, shipbuilding, and sawmills. 

Jefferson County engages in both industrial and agricultural economic activity. The County’s terrain and climate support the maritime sector and healthy forest products. Fish processing, ship and boat building and maintenance, and lumber are some of the industrial revenue earners of the County.  

In agriculture, there is tree farming, organic farming, and aquaculture. Jefferson County is known for good bread and artisan cheese. Properly maintained infrastructure such as state highways, ferry terminals, airports, and ports support the robust economy.  

Taxes 

The minimum sales tax rate is 6.5% in Jefferson County, which is the sales tax collected by Washington State. Jefferson County does not collect extra sales tax as a County. However, the cities contain an additional maximum of 2.6%, adding up to a maximum of 9.1%. The County’s property tax rate is 0.82%, with a median home value of $311,100. 

Education 

The Jefferson County population is pretty educated. From 2015 to 2019, 95.1% of the population aged 25 and older had attained high school education, compared to 88% of the US population.  

44.3% of the population had attained a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 32.1% of the US population in 2015 to 2019. 

The County also has a Board of Education that ensures that every student gets customized education. It has set structures to ensure that everyone’s education goal is fulfilled.  

Politics 

Jefferson County is a relatively liberal County. Since 2000 the County has consistently voted democratically. In the 2020 presidential election, 69.4% of the residents voted democrat against 28.0% and 2.7% who voted republican and independent, respectively.  

Recreation and Attraction Sites 

The County is home to several beaches including, Adelma Beach, Port Hadlock-Irondale, Oil City, Indian Island, Dabob Bay, etc. 

You can also enjoy camping and parks at Chimacum, Brinnon, and Marrowstone Island. Also, go fishing at Quilcene and the Hood Canal.  

Jefferson County Offices 

  • County Administrator 

The Board of County Commissioners appoints the Jefferson County Administrator. The offices’ responsibilities include carrying out the board’s policies, resolutions, directives, ordinances, and decisions.  

The office is in Port Townsend, 1820 Jefferson St. You can reach them at +1 360-385-9382. 

  • County Courthouse 

You will find the County Courthouse in Port Townsend on 1820 Jefferson St. or reach them at +1 360-385-9100. 

  • County Sheriff Office 

The Sheriff’s Office, headed by Joe Nole, is responsible for enforcing the law. The County Sheriff Office is in Port Hadlock-Irondale, 81 Elkins Rd. You can contact the office at +1 360-385-3831 or 911 for emergency reporting. 

  • County Assessor 

The County Assessor is responsible for physical inspection, appraisal, and revaluation of real property every six years. He is also in charge of annual property review and update.  

You will find the office in Port Townsend, WA 98368. Jeff Chapman heads the office, and you can reach him on +1 360-385-9105. 

  • Jefferson County Auditor 

The County auditor is tasked with accounting, budget, public records, vehicle/vessel licensing, passport applications, marriage licensing, disabled parking, and voter registration.  

Rose Ann Carroll manages it, and you can reach her at +1 360-385-9228. The office is located in Port Townsend, 1820 Jefferson Street. 

Visit their website for more information on the County offices.