Okanogan, Washington

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For the Canadian region, see Okanagan.

Okanogan (pronounced [oʊkəˈnɑgən]) is a city in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,484 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Okanogan County^GR6.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 Sister City
5 External links

[edit] History

Okanogan was officially incorporated on October 29, 1907. Located near the geographic center of Okanogan County, the town of Okanogan has come a long way from its modest beginnings as a trading post established north of Salmon Creek by Frank "Pard" Cummings. Chartered in 1907, Okanogan became the county seat of Okanogan County (the largest county in Washington) in 1914. The City of Okanogan has the flavor of yesterday and amenities of today. Okanogan embraces its authentic historic aspects including the wonderful, unique architecture in the courthouse, downtown buildings, churches, and homes.

World-renowned photographer Frank Matsura came to the Okanogan in 1890. He recorded the area’s rich cultural history. Many of Matsura's early photos of the Okanogan area can be viewed at the Okanogan County Museum located .5 miles North of downtown Okanogan.

Okanogan is home to Peter J. Goldmark who ran for Congress in 2006.

[edit] Geography

Okanogan is located at 48°22′0″N, 119°34′52″W (48.366694, -119.581139)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 km² (1.9 mi²). 4.7 km² (1.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (2.14%) is water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,484 people, 909 households, and 599 families residing in the city. The population density was 524.1/km² (1,354.8/mi²). There were 997 housing units at an average density of 210.4/km² (543.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 80.60% White, 0.36% African American, 8.17% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 6.64% from other races, and 3.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.10% of the population.

There were 909 households out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% 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 3.06.

In the city the population was spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,994, and the median income for a family was $33,947. Males had a median income of $31,143 versus $20,822 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,849. About 20.2% of families and 24.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.9% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.