Walla Walla is the county seat of Walla Walla County, Washington, USA. As of
the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 29,6866. Walla Walla is
in the southeastern region of Washington, approximately 4.5 hours by car
from Seattle, Washington.
Whitman College, Walla Walla Community College, and the Washington State
Penitentiary are located in Walla Walla. Walla Walla College is located in
the adjacent town of College Place, Washington.
History
On September 1, 1836, Narcissa Whitman, one of the first white women to
settle west of the Rocky Mountains, arrived at Walla Walla, along with her
husband Marcus Whitman. Here they established the Whitman Mission in an
unsuccessful attempt to convert the local Native American tribes. Both were
killed by natives following a disease epidemic. Whitman College was
established in their honor.
Walla Walla was officially incorporated on January 11, 1862. As a result of
a gold rush, during this decade the city became the largest community in the
territory of Washington. Following this period, agriculture became the
city's primary industry.
Attractions
Walla Walla is home to a rapidly growing wine industry, as well as several
historical and cultural sites such as the Whitman Mission National Historic
Site and many historic houses dating from the turn of the century. Walla
Walla also supports 17 city parks and serves as a gateway to hiking, skiing,
and other outdoor activities in the nearby Blue Mountains (Oregon).
Transportation
Transportation to Walla Walla includes service by air from Seattle (via
Horizon/Alaska Air) and highway access primarily from U.S. Highway 12.
Washington State DOT is currently (2004) beginning the long-term process of
widening this road into a four-lane divided highway between Pasco,
Washington and Walla Walla. The city is also served by a local bus system.
Geography
Walla Walla is located at 46°3'54" North, 118°19'49" West (46.065094,
-118.330167).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of
28.0 km˛ (10.8 mi˛). 28.0 km˛ (10.8 mi˛) of it is land and 0.1 km˛ (0.04 mi˛)
of it is water. The total area is 0.18% water.
Demographics
As of the census1 of 2000, there are 29,686 people, 10,596 households, and
6,527 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,059.3/km˛
(2,744.9/mi˛). There are 11,400 housing units at an average density of
406.8/km˛ (1,054.1/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city is 83.79% White,
2.58% African American, 1.05% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 0.23% Pacific
Islander, 8.26% from other races, and 2.85% from two or more races. 17.42%
of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 10,596 households out of which 30.6% have children under the age
of 18 living with them, 46.4% are married couples living together, 11.0%
have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% are non-families.
31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.1% have someone
living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is
2.44 and the average family size is 3.08.
In the city the population is spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18,
15.2% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who
are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100
females there are 108.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there
are 109.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $31,855, and the median
income for a family is $40,856. Males have a median income of $31,753 versus
$23,889 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,792. 18.0% of
the population and 13.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the
total people living in poverty, 22.8% are under the age of 18 and 10.5% are
65 or older.
Historical Populations
1930 - 15,976
1940 - 18,109
1950 - 24,102
1960 - 24,536
1970 - 23,619
1980 - 25,619
1990 - 26,482
2000 - 29,686
