Kelso, Washington
Sitting at the Confluence
Fun, Tight-Knit
Community
Originally named after Kelso, Scotland, this friendly city shares a border with Longview and is the County Seat of Cowlitz County. Kelso is a fun, tight-knit community which comes together regularly. Whether it is under the Friday night lights, helping one of our members in need, or at the yearly Highlander Festival or Tree Lighting, you will be sure to her “Let's Go Kelso!” exclaimed with smiles and pride.”
The City of Kelso is located at the confluence of the Cowlitz, Coweeman and Columbia Rivers. When you approach Exit 39 on Interstate 5, you are greeted with a cheery, bright yellow “K” on the hillside announcing your arrival in Kelso, Washington. The business and tourist travelers on I-5 and those traveling to the coast on State Route 4 provide an additional market for Kelso businesses. The average traffic volume on I-5 in Kelso is over 50,000 cars per day. The retail sales volume within the Kelso community is over $4250 million annually. Kelso is home to the greatest concentration of lodging in Cowlitz County.
Residents
There are 12,000 residents in Kelso. The secondary market area for Kelso businesses includes approximately 60,000 residents of adjacent areas. The greatest number of Kelso citizens works in the direct production and services sectors.
Location
Kelso sits at the confluence of three rivers along Interstate 5. It is a little more than 35 miles north of Vancouver, WA, 39 miles north of Portland, OR (45 miles from the Portland International airport), 125 miles south of Seattle, WA, and 80 miles east to the Pacific Ocean.​​
Infrastructure
Kelso is equipped with hard infrastructure for commercial and industrial projects that includes easy access to Interstate 5, an Amtrak station in downtown, Burlington Northern and Union Pacific freight service, the Southwest Washington Regional Airport which can accommodate up to a G-6 Leer jet, and navigable water access via the Columbia River. In addition to I- 5, Kelso is located at the junction of State Highways 4, 411, and 432 . Kelso also has affordable power, telecommunications, water, and sewer.
Community
The City of Kelso is robust with programs, parks, recreation, trails, quality of place initiatives, thriving schools, and a strong sense of community. One cannot miss the proud Hilander Stadium that overlooks Schroeder Field and Stewart Track, gorgeous Tam O’ Shanter Park that hosts hundreds of baseball and softball tournaments, golf course, museum, library, walking trails along the rivers and attractive commercial areas.
Something For Everyone
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to settle down in retirement, to raise a family, somewhere with proximity to larger cities, or just like being in the middle of it all, Kelso has something for everyone. With access to parks, trails, sports, world-class recreation, Interstate 5, rural and urban areas, Kelso has it all.
Positioned for Growth
Kelso’s central location, shovel-ready land, access to transportation, and a variety of zoning options makes it poised for unlimited growth for a variety of industries. With $98.6 million in school capital improvements underway and residential construction projects, Kelso is prepared for new neighbors and business opportunities.
