Mason County, Washington
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Mason County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named for the first Secretary of Washington Territory, C.H. Mason. As of 2000, the population was 49,405. The county seat is at Shelton, the county's only city.
Mason County was formed out of King County on March 13, 1854. Originally named Sawamish County, it took its present name in 1864.[link][link]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,722 km² (1,051 mi²). 2,489 km² (961 mi²) of it is land and 233 km² (90 mi²) of it (8.56%) is water.Geographic features
Major highways
Adjacent counties
- Jefferson County, Washington - northwest
- Kitsap County, Washington - northeast
- Pierce County, Washington - east/southeast
- Thurston County, Washington - southeast
- Grays Harbor County, Washington - southwest
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 49,405 people, 18,912 households, and 13,389 families residing in the county. The population density was 20/km² (51/mi²). There were 25,515 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (26/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.46% White, 1.19% Black or African American, 3.72% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.45% Pacific Islander, 2.10% from other races, and 3.03% from two or more races. 4.78% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.There were 18,912 households out of which 28.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 26.50% from 25 to 44, 25.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 107.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,586, and the median income for a family was $44,246. Males had a median income of $37,007 versus $25,817 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,056. About 8.80% of families and 12.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.30% of those under age 18 and 4.90% of those age 65 or over.
Census-recognized communities
Other communities
- Allyn (part of Allyn-Grapeview CDP)
- Belfair
- Eldon
- Grapeview (part of Allyn-Grapeview CDP)
- Harstine
- Hoodsport
- Kamilche
- Lake Cushman
- Lilliwaup
- Matlock
- Potlatch
- Tahuya
- Union
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