Mason County, Washington

Mount Ellinor, Mount Washington Panorama

Mount Rainier over Totten Inlet

US 101

WA-3

WA-108

Mason County, Washington is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 66,768. The county seat is Shelton, which is also the county's largest city. Mason County is part of the Olympia-Tumwater, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Seattle-Tacoma, WA Combined Statistical Area. The county was officially created out of Thurston County on March 13, 1854, and was originally named Sawamish County before being renamed in honor of Charles H. Mason, the first Secretary of Washington Territory.

Geography

Mason County is located in the southwestern part of Washington state, encompassing a total area of 1,051 square miles, of which 959 square miles is land and 92 square miles (8.7%) is water. The county's geography is characterized by its rugged terrain, including parts of the Olympic Mountains and numerous lakes and rivers. The Hood Canal, a fjord forming part of the Puget Sound, borders the county on the northeast. Mason County is also home to parts of the Olympic National Forest and several state parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Mason County had a population of 66,768. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with significant Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino populations. The economy of Mason County is diverse, with major sectors including forestry, aquaculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has also seen growth in the retail and service industries in recent years.

Government and politics

Mason County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners, elected from single-member districts. The county operates under a commissioner-manager form of government, with the commissioners responsible for legislative functions and the county manager overseeing administrative operations. Politically, Mason County has been known to swing between the Democratic and Republican parties in both local and national elections.

Education

The county is served by several public school districts, including the Shelton School District, which is the largest. There are also various private schools and opportunities for higher education, including branches of Olympic College.

Transportation

Mason County's transportation infrastructure includes several major highways, such as U.S. Route 101, which provides access to the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific coast. Public transportation is available through Mason Transit Authority, offering bus services within the county and connections to neighboring areas.

Communities

Mason County includes one incorporated city, Shelton, and several unincorporated communities and census-designated places (CDPs), such as Belfair, Allyn, and Union. The county's diverse communities range from rural areas to more densely populated urban centers.

See also

• List of counties in Washington
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Mason County, Washington