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Woodland

city

Woodland is a city situated in both Cowlitz and Clark counties in Washington State, with the majority of its residents residing in Cowlitz County. As part of the Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area, Woodland offers a blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban centers. The population was 6,531 at the 2020 census, and recent estimates place it around 6,470 in 2026. Woodland's economy is diverse, with manufacturing, retail trade, educational services, and construction playing significant roles. The city serves as an employment hub, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Its strategic location along the I-5 corridor provides a strong foundation for economic growth through regional connectivity and access to major markets. Known as the southern gateway to Mount St. Helens, Woodland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city is also known as the home of Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, adding to its distinctive character. With a rich history rooted in the early settlement of the Lewis River Valley, Woodland continues to evolve while maintaining its community spirit.

Woodland, Washington

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
53-79625
Country
United States
County
Cowlitz
Geography
Region
Pacific Northwest
Elevation
30 ft
Total Area
4.25 sq mi
Land Area
4.11 sq mi
Water Area
0.14 sq mi
Latitude
45.904559
Longitude
-122.743991
Climate
Warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C). Very cold, wet, and overcast winters.
Notable Features
Lewis River · Horseshoe Lake · Mount St. Helens
Neighboring Areas
Vancouver · Longview · Kelso
Demographics
Population (2020)
6,531
Est. Population (2026)
6,470
Median Age
42.1
Median Income
$81,193
Poverty Rate
12.85%
Family Households
65.5%
Owner-Occupied
56.2%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Woodland includes 78.6% White, 7.18% other race, and smaller percentages for Native American, Black or African American, Asian and multiracial populations.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
7 members
School District
Woodland Public Schools
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Community Development
Economy
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
Economic Profile
Residential · Commercial · Industrial
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Educational Services · Construction · Accommodation and Food Services
Major Employers
Brown Strauss Steel
Education
Schools
7
Students
2,404
Teachers
134
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
School Districts
Woodland Public Schools
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate 5 · State Route 503 · Rail Service
Utilities
Municipal Water · Sewer · Stormwater
Major Facilities
None specified
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Horseshoe Lake Park · Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens · Lewis River
Parks & Trails
Horseshoe Lake Park · City Park
History
Founded
1850
Incorporated
1906
Named After
The wooded setting
Historical Significance
Early trading center in the Lewis River Valley and gateway to Mount St. Helens.
Key Events
Christopher Columbus Bozarth opened a store and named it Woodland. · Woodland was platted by A.W. Scott in 1889. · The Lewis River bridge was built in 1913. · The Woodland Fire Department was organized in 1925.