Franklin County, Washington
According to countryaah.com, Franklin County, Washington is located in the southeast region of the state and is bordered by Adams County to the north and Walla Walla County to the west. The county has an estimated population of 85,769 as of 2019, with about 95% of residents identifying as White (non-Hispanic) and 2.5% as Hispanic or Latino. The median age of residents in Franklin County is 38 years old, with a majority aged 25-44.
The largest city in Franklin County is Pasco which has a population of approximately 70,000 people. Other notable cities include Connell, Kahlotus, Mesa, Othello and West Richland which have populations ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 people each. The majority of Franklin County’s communities are small towns that are typically less than 10 square miles in size and have populations under 5,000 people.
The economy in Franklin County is mainly agricultural based with major crops being apples, potatoes and wheat. This area is also home to several manufacturing companies such as Tyson Foods Inc., Lamb Weston Inc., and Columbia Basin Potato Co-Op which provide local jobs for residents. In addition to these industries there are also several small businesses located throughout the county that provide goods and services to local residents including restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations etc.
In terms of education levels in Franklin County most adults have a high school diploma or equivalent (82%). About 15% have some college experience but no degree while only 3% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher level of education. The unemployment rate here is slightly lower than the average for Washington at 4%.
Franklin County provides an ideal setting for those looking for an escape from city life without sacrificing access to basic amenities like grocery stores or medical facilities. Its rural atmosphere combined with its moderate cost of living makes it an attractive place for those who want a slower paced lifestyle without having to compromise on quality or convenience.
History of Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County, Washington is situated in the southeastern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The county was formed in 1883 from a portion of Walla Walla County and named for Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.
The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans who relied on fishing and gathering for sustenance. In 1805, Lewis and Clark passed through this region, followed by fur traders in the 1820s. Soon after, settlers began arriving in search of fertile land suitable for farming and cattle ranching.
In 1862, construction began on a military road connecting Fort Walla Walla with Fort Benton in Montana. This road opened up Franklin County to further settlement and development as it became easier for people to move into the area. During this time period, many small towns were established throughout Franklin County such as Connell, Kahlotus, Mesa, Othello and West Richland which are still around today.
The majority of early settlers were farmers who grew crops like wheat, apples and potatoes which are still major agricultural products in Franklin County today. The construction of irrigation systems beginning in 1910 allowed farmers to expand their operations even further by utilizing water from rivers like the Columbia River Basin which flows through the county.
Throughout much of its history Franklin County has been an agricultural center but more recently it has become home to several manufacturing companies such as Tyson Foods Inc., Lamb Weston Inc., and Columbia Basin Potato Co-Op which provide jobs for local residents. These industries combined with small businesses throughout the county have helped create a diversified economy that is beneficial to all residents here.
Today, Franklin County is home to nearly 86 thousand people who enjoy its rural atmosphere without sacrificing access to amenities like grocery stores or medical facilities. Its moderate cost of living makes it an attractive place for those looking for a slower paced lifestyle without having to compromise on quality or convenience.
Major cities and towns in Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County, Washington is home to a number of small towns and cities that provide an array of services for its 86 thousand residents. The largest city in the county is Pasco, located in the south-central portion of the county. Pasco is home to a number of businesses and industries, including Tyson Foods Inc., Lamb Weston Inc., and Columbia Basin Potato Co-Op. This city is also the location of the Franklin County Courthouse, several schools, and numerous parks.
The second largest city in Franklin County is Connell. This rural town has a population of just over 4 thousand people and is known for its agricultural production. Its main crops are wheat, apples, potatoes, and alfalfa which are all grown using irrigation systems from nearby rivers like the Columbia River Basin. Connell also boasts a number of recreational opportunities such as golf courses, parks, and trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Kahlotus is another small town located in Franklin County with a population just under 500 people. This town was once an important stop on the Old Oregon Trail and was eventually chosen as one of two sites for a new railroad station in 1895 when it began to be settled by farmers looking to take advantage of its fertile soil for crops like wheat and potatoes. Kahlotus still serves as an important hub for local farmers today due to its proximity to other agricultural centers throughout the area.
Mesa is another small town with just over 1 thousand residents located near Connell in Franklin County’s northwest corner. This town was established in 1892 when it became an important stopping point on the Northern Pacific Railroad line that linked Spokane with Pasco at that time. Today, Mesa remains an important center for agriculture due to its fertile soil which produces high yields of wheat, apples, potatoes, barley and other crops each year.
Othello is yet another rural community located within Franklin County’s boundaries with approximately 8 thousand residents living there today. Othello was first settled by pioneers who arrived on horseback from Eastern Washington during the late 19th century but has since become known as an important agricultural center due to its high yields of wheat and potatoes each year thanks to efficient irrigation systems from nearby rivers like Yakima River Basin or Columbia River Basin which flow through this area annually providing much needed water resources for local farmers here too.
Finally, West Richland rounds out our list as one last small community located within Franklin County’s boundaries with around 14 thousand residents living there today too. This city was founded by homesteaders who arrived during World War II when they purchased land from nearby farms at very low prices due to wartime shortages at that time period. West Richland has since become known as an important center for agriculture production thanks again largely due to these efficient irrigation systems from nearby rivers like Yakima River Basin or Columbia River Basin which flow through this area annually providing much needed water resources for local farmers here too.
Population in Franklin County, Washington
According to Act-Test-Centers, Franklin County is located in the southeastern corner of Washington State and has a population of 78,163 people as of 2019. The county seat is Pasco, which is also the largest city in the county. Franklin County is primarily an agricultural area, with about half of its land used for farming. The other half is made up of forested areas, rivers, and urban centers. The population has been steadily growing since 2000, with Pasco having the largest growth rate at 19%. There are also many smaller towns in the county such as Connell and Kahlotus that have seen population growth over the past few years.
The majority of the population in Franklin County identifies as white (76%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (17%), Asian (3%) and African American (1%). In addition to this, there are a variety of other ethnicities represented in smaller numbers such as Native American, Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern. Additionally, there are a large number of immigrants living in Franklin County who have come from all over the world to seek employment opportunities or start their own businesses. These immigrants represent a variety of cultures and backgrounds that contribute to the unique diversity found within Franklin County.
