Why Choose Cowlitz County?
Location, Location, Location!
Cowlitz County is conveniently located on the deep-draft navigation channel of the mighty Columbia River. It is situated on I-5, 45 miles north of Portland, Oregon and a two-hour drive from Seattle. It is also home to transcontinental rail lines.
Location, Location, Location!
Diverse Industry
Cowlitz County is home to companies in the fields of technology and manufacturing, and is a leader in the natural resource industries. Many available properties come shovel-ready, with access to infrastructure for nearly any kind of business you can dream up.
Diverse Industry
Workforce
Cowlitz County has a diverse blend of skilled labor, including a talented manufacturing workforce. Strong partnerships with local and regional educational institutions allow us to further develop the workforce needed for new and existing industries.
Workforce
Education
Cowlitz County’s local high schools boast a 95% graduation rate, while award-winning Lower Columbia College offers many 2- and 4-year degree options. They directly partner with industry in Cowlitz County to fortify our workforce.
Education
Access to Quality Healthcare
Cowlitz County is home to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, multiple privately owned medical and dental offices, free or reduced-cost health clinics, and access to specialized hospitals less than an hour away.
Access to Quality Healthcare
Transportation
Cowlitz County has multiple access points to I-5, two deep-water ports on the Columbia River, the Southwest Washington Regional Airport, the Kelso Train Station, as well as mainline railroads utilized by both Burlington Northern Sante Fe and Union Pacific. Kelso and Longview are served by River City transit, and all cities have dedicated ongoing active transportation efforts to create countywide connectivity.
Transportation
Affordable Advantage
Cowlitz County benefits from Washington State’s business-friendly tax environment, including no corporate tax, no personal income tax, no unitary tax or taxes on dividends, interest, or capital gains. Potential for financing packages and tax incentives for those choosing to locate within Cowlitz County are available. Additionally, Cowlitz County boasts median home prices and low cost of living indexes.
Affordable Advantage
Recreation/Tourism
Cowlitz County is home to multiple parks, world-class fishing, hunting, water-based recreation, access to world-famous Mount St. Helens, hiking, biking, revitalized downtown areas, and historical locations including the Lewis and Clark trail. We are home to the Cowlitz Black Bears, a successful amateur baseball team in the West Coast League. We host the nationally known Babe Ruth World Series, Squirrel Fest, sQuatch Fest, and many other festivals that bring thousand through our doors every year. Add in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and we are one of a kind.
Recreation
and Tourism
Community
Cowlitz County is home to neighborhoods of friendly, giving people who take pride in where they live, work, and play. Our community bands together to support one another, our events, schools, teams, healthcare workers, and public servants. Cowlitz County shows up.
Community
Live, Work, Play
The CEDC creates opportunities to foster success and economic growth in Cowlitz County. With thriving communities, a strong business environment, and diverse recreational opportunities, Cowlitz County has everything and more.
CEDC
The CEDC promotes economic development and quality of life in our community by creating, retaining, and expanding high-quality jobs, facilitating growth, and helping provide a stable tax base and thriving economy.
Do Business
Cowlitz County has a strong business environment, conveniently located in SW Washington, with access to a range of transportation alternatives, giving your business an affordable advantage.
Ports
As the main source of industrial property in Cowlitz County, our three ports have both the infrastructure and expertise needed for successful development.
Cowlitz Co.
Cowlitz County and its encompassing communities provide exemplary quality of life for individuals and families of all ages
Recreation
Cowlitz County has something for everyone – biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, sports, festivals, arts, theater and so much more!
Contact Us
1452 Hudson Street
U.S. Bank Building, Suite 208
P.O. Box 1278
Longview, WA 98632