Snohomish County
County
Aerial view of the Snohomish River delta, including portions of Everett, Lake Stevens, and Marysville
Flag Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Washington
Washington's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 48°02′N 121°43′W / 48.04°N 121.71°W / 48.04; -121.71
Country	United States
State	Washington
Founded	January 14, 1861
Named for	the Snohomish people
Seat	Everett
Largest city	Everett
Government
• County Executive	Dave Somers
Area
• Total	2,196 sq mi (5,690 km2)
• Land	2,087 sq mi (5,410 km2)
• Water	109 sq mi (280 km2)  5.0%
Population  (2020)
• Total	827,957
• Estimate  (2023)	844,761
• Density	384/sq mi (148/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
Area code	206, 360, 425, 564
Congressional districts	1st, 2nd, 8th
Website	snohomishcountywa.gov

Snohomish County (/snoʊˈhoʊmɪʃ/) is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. With a population of 827,957 as of the 2020 census,^[1] it is the third-most populous county in Washington, after nearby King and Pierce counties, and the 72nd-most populous in the United States. The county seat and largest city is Everett. The county forms part of the Seattle metropolitan area, which also includes King and Pierce counties to the south.

The county's western portion, facing Puget Sound and other inland waters of the Salish Sea, is home to the majority of its population and major cities. The eastern portion is rugged and includes portions of the Cascade Range, with few settlements along major rivers and most of it designated as part of Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. Snohomish County is bound to the north by Skagit County, to the east by Chelan County, to the south by King County, and to the west by Kitsap and Island counties.

Snohomish County was created out of Island County on January 14, 1861, and is named for the indigenous Snohomish people.^[2] It includes the Tulalip Indian Reservation, which was established by the 1855 Point Elliott Treaty, which relocated several indigenous Coast Salish groups to the reservation. The county seat was originally at the city of Snohomish until an 1897 election moved it to Everett. Since the mid-20th century, areas of Snohomish County have developed into an aerospace manufacturing center, largely due to the presence of Boeing in Everett, as well as bedroom communities for workers in Seattle.

Snohomish County now has 18 incorporated cities and 2 towns with their own local governments, in addition to developed unincorporated areas. It is connected to nearby areas by roads (including Interstate 5), railways, and transit systems. The county government is led by a five-member county council and chief executive elected by voters to four-year terms.

Etymology

"Snohomish" comes from the name of the largest Native American tribe in the area when settlers arrived in the 19th century. The name is spelled Sduhubš (Sdoh-doh-hohbsh) in the Lushootseed language and has a disputed meaning with unclear origins. Indian agent Dr. Charles M. Buchanan, who spent 21 years with the Tulalips, once said that he had "never met an Indian who could give a meaning to the word Snohomish". Chief William Shelton, the last hereditary tribal chief of the Snohomish tribe, claimed that it meant "lowland people", a name associated with the tribe's location on the waters of the Puget Sound; other scholars have claimed "a style of union among them", "the braves", or "Sleeping Waters".^[3][4]

The name is also used for the Snohomish River, which runs through part of the county, and the City of Snohomish, the former county seat that was renamed after the formation of the county.^[4][5] The current spelling of the name was adopted by the Surveyor General of Washington Territory in 1857, with earlier documents and accounts using alternative spellings. John Work of the Hudson's Bay Company recorded the name "Sinnahmis" in 1824, while the Wilkes Expedition of 1841 used "Tuxpam" to describe the Snohomish River. The same river was named "Sinahomis" by Captain Henry Kellett in 1847, and was accepted by the U.S. government for several years.^[4]

History

Snohomish County was originally inhabited by several Coast Salish groups, predominantly settled along the western coastline and near the region's rivers. The Snohomish were the largest group and occupied an area from present-day Warm Beach to Shoreline, while Stillaguamish lived in the Stillaguamish River basin.^[2] The region was first charted and named by European explorers in the late 18th century, beginning with Captain George Vancouver and his British expedition. Vancouver arrived in Puget Sound and Port Gardner Bay on June 4, 1792, landing near present-day Everett.^[2]

The Treaty of Point Elliott was signed at present-day Mukilteo on January 22, 1855, marking the cession of Coast Salish territories in the Puget Sound lowlands. The Tulalip Indian Reservation was established to house the remaining tribes, including the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish.^[2] Snohomish County was created out of Island County's mainland areas and the northernmost portion of King County on January 14, 1861.^[6] The separation from Island County was the result of a petition by settlers to the territorial legislature that cited the difficulty of travel to Coupeville on Whidbey Island, the county seat at the time.^[7]

The new county was the first in Washington to have its boundaries defined by a land survey rather than natural boundaries.^[8] The territorial legislature designated Mukilteo, the area's largest settlement, as the temporary county seat in January 1861. The county government was permanently moved to Cadyville, later Snohomish, following an election on July 8.^[6][9] Residents north of the Snohomish River later proposed to be moved into Skagit County due to difficult travel to the county seat at Snohomish.^[10] After the incorporation of the city of Everett in 1893, the city's leaders attempted to move the county seat from Snohomish. A countywide general election on November 6, 1894, chose to relocate the county seat to Everett, amid controversy and allegations of illegal votes. After two years of litigation between the cities of Snohomish and Everett, the county seat was officially relocated to Everett in December 1896.^[11]

One of the first county censuses was taken in 1862 by Sheriff Salem A. Woods. Early important pioneers in the Snohomish County region included E. F. Cady of Snohomish, Emory C. Ferguson of Snohomish and Isaac Cathcart.

The early economy of Snohomish County relied on natural resources, namely timber and mining, alongside agriculture. The region was connected by railroads at the end of the 19th century, which also created new towns that experienced major population booms as emigrants arrived from other parts of the United States. The county was among the largest New Deal aid beneficiaries in Washington due to its troubled economy during the Great Depression; the Works Progress Administration built major projects around Snohomish County, while the Civilian Conservation Corps developed wilderness and recreational areas around several work camps.^[2]

During World War II, the county had several shipyards and airplane factories established to supply the United States Armed Forces. Several existing and new airfields were converted into military use, which would continue beyond the war.^[2] A post-war population boom brought new suburban development to Snohomish County, where bedroom communities were built alongside new highways to Seattle. In 1967, Boeing began construction of an aircraft assembly plant—the world's largest building—in Everett for its Boeing 747 program. The U.S. Navy located a major homeport in Everett that opened in 1994.^[2]

Geography

Snohomish County is part of the Puget Sound region of Western Washington, bordered to the south by King County, to the west by Puget Sound and other inland waters, to the north by Skagit County, and to the east by the Chelan County at the crest of the Cascade Range.^[12][13] According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total square area of approximately 2,196 square miles (5,690 km²), of which 2,087 square miles (5,410 km²) is land and 109 square miles (280 km²), or 5.0%, is water.^[14] It is the 13th largest county in Washington by land area and is larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island.^[12][15]

The county's surface is covered by plains and rolling hills in the west, where the majority of settlements are, and mountainous terrain in the east. The Cascade Range passes through the eastern part of the county and is largely protected from development as part of the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. The mountain range includes the highest point in Snohomish County: Glacier Peak, at 10,541 feet (3,212.90 m) above sea level.^[16] Several major rivers originate in the Cascades and flow west towards Puget Sound and other parts of the Salish Sea, including the Stillaguamish and Snohomish (fed by the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers). These rivers form several valleys used for agriculture that occasionally flood during major weather events, such as atmospheric rivers.^[17][18]

Climate

The lowland areas of western Snohomish County generally has a temperate Mediterranean climate similar to the rest of the central Puget Sound region with dry summers and wet winters.^[16] The county's weather is heavily influenced by maritime systems, pushed by prevailing westerly winds but dampened by the Olympic Mountains. The mean monthly temperatures for the county range from 20 to 40 °F (−7 to 4 °C) during the winter and 55 to 65 °F (13 to 18 °C) in the summer.^[18] The record highest temperatures were set during a June 2021 heat wave, with highs of up to 109 °F (43 °C) recorded in several areas.^[19] Annual precipitation ranges from 35 inches (89 cm) in the west to 180 inches (460 cm) in the upper elevations of the Cascades; the majority of the region's precipitation falls between October and March. The county's lowlands also has an average annual snowfall ranging from 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm).^[18] The Puget Sound Convergence Zone, a known meteorological phenomenon, runs through southwestern Snohomish County and causes narrow bands of precipitation.^[20]

Flora and fauna

Approximately 68 percent of land in Snohomish County is classified as forestland, which is predominantly located in the eastern portions. These forests are dominated by conifer species such as Douglas firs, hemlocks, and cedars, with pockets of deciduous species in logged areas.^[16][18]

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 827,957 people, 306,828 households, and 211,519 families residing in the county.^[26] The population density was 396.8 people per square mile (153.2 people/km²). There were 321,523 housing units at an average density of 146.4 units per square mile (56.5 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 66.1% white, 12.3% Asian, 3.54% black or African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 5.4% other races, and 10.8% from two or more races.^[27] Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 11.6% of the population.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 713,335 people, 268,325 households, and 182,282 families residing in the county.^[28] The population density was 341.8 people per square mile (132.0 people/km²). There were 286,659 housing units at an average density of 137.3 units per square mile (53.0 units/km²).^[29] The racial makeup of the county was 78.4% white, 8.9% Asian, 2.5% black or African American, 1.4% Indigenous, 0.4% Pacific islander, 3.8% from other races, and 4.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 9.0% of the population.^[28] In terms of ethnicity, 20.3% reported German ancestry, 12.6% Irish, 12.2% English, 8.2% Norwegian, and 3.6% American heritage.^[30]

Of the 268,325 households, 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.1% were non-families, and 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.12. The median age was 37.1 years.^[28]

The median income for a household in the county was $66,300 and the median income for a family was $77,479. Males had a median income of $56,152 versus $41,621 for females. The per capita income for the county was $30,635. About 5.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.^[31]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 606,024 people, 224,852 households, and 157,846 families residing in the county. The population density was 290 people per square mile (110 people/km²). There were 236,205 housing units at an average density of 113 units per square mile (44 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 85.6% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 5.8% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.9% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. 4.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 16.2% were of German, 10.0% English, 8.8% Irish, 8.4% Norwegian and 6.6% United States or American ancestry.^[32]

There were 224,852 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the county, 27.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.5% was from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $53,060, and the median income for a family was $60,726. Males had a median income of $43,293 versus $31,386 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,417. About 4.9% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Snohomish County is a home rule charter county with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial.^[33] The county government's powers and structure is defined by a charter that is updated every 10 years with amendments that are presented to voters for approval.^[34] The county executive and council seats are partisan positions with four-year terms; other positions elected by voters are generally non-partisan. Most county offices have a term limit of three terms.^[35]

County Executive

The county executive is Dave Somers, a Democrat. Somers is a former Snohomish County Councilmember and took office as county executive on January 4, 2016, having won the seat from incumbent and fellow Democrat John Lovick.^[36]

The county executive seat was chartered in the 1979.^[37] The first county executive was conservative Democrat^[37] Willis Tucker of Snohomish from 1980 to 1992.^[37] Following Tucker, the next county executive was Democrat^[38] Bob Drewel from 1992 to 2004,^[37][39] followed by Democrat Aaron Reardon from 2004 to 2013.^[40] Reardon resigned on May 31, 2013, amid a series of political scandals, and was replaced by former Snohomish County Sheriff and state legislator John Lovick for the remainder of his term.^[41][42]

County Council

The county council has five members who are elected to four-year terms, each representing a geographical district that is redrawn every 10 years. As of 2023^[update], its members are:^[43]

• Nate Nehring (R) – district 1
• Megan Dunn (D) – district 2
• Strom Peterson (D) – district 3
• Jared Mead (D) – district 4
• Sam Low (R) – district 5

Courts

The judicial branch of the county government is divided between two courts: the Superior Court and District Court.^[33] The number of judges in each court is set by the state legislature as recommended by a panel of judges and analysis of the courts.^[44] The Superior Court has 17 judges elected to four-year terms and primarily handle major cases, including those that involve felonies and juveniles, as well as some civil cases.^[45] The District Court has nine judges that handle infractions, small claims, and domestic violence; it is divided into four geographical divisions.^[46]

Politics

Snohomish County has been a reliably Democratic county in recent presidential elections (albeit to a lesser degree than neighboring King County and Seattle). It has voted Democratic all but four times since 1932, with those four occasions being national Republican landslides in which the GOP candidate won over 400 electoral votes. It has not voted for a Republican since George H. W. Bush in 1988.

The county's primary elections were historically held in June, but were moved to August in 2008. In the years since, turnout has been under 45% except for 2020; during odd-numbered years with municipal and local races, turnout has been under 27%.^[47]