South Bend
citySouth Bend, Washington, nestled in Pacific County, serves as the county seat and sits on the Willapa River. Known as the "Oyster Capital of the World," the city boasts a population of approximately 1,770 residents as of 2024. The town is recognized for its oyster production, scenic beauty, and small-town spirit. South Bend's economy is supported by farming, fishing, forestry, and healthcare occupations. The city has a large shellfish industry, particularly known for its oysters from Willapa Bay. Key landmarks include the historic Pacific County Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the quirky roadside attraction, the World's Largest Oyster. South Bend offers a unique blend of historical charm and natural attractions. The Willapa Hills Trail provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, while events like the Willapa Harbor Festival bring the community together. The city's history is preserved at the Pacific County Historical Society Museum, offering insights into the area's past.
South Bend, Washington
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 53-65625
- Country
- United States
- County
- Pacific County
- Region
- Pacific Northwest
- Elevation
- 10 ft
- Total Area
- 2.01 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.63 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.38 sq mi
- Latitude
- 46.66778
- Longitude
- -123.80056
- Climate
- Borderline Mediterranean/oceanic climate with pleasant summers and cool, wet winters.
- Notable Features
- Willapa River · Willapa Bay
- Neighboring Areas
- Raymond · Long Beach Peninsula
- Population (2020)
- 1,746
- Est. Population (2024)
- 1,770
- Median Age
- 47.9
- Median Income
- $45,000
- Poverty Rate
- 24.16%
- Family Households
- 64.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 64%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city includes White, Asian, Native American, Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other and multiracial populations. A significant percentage identifies as Hispanic.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- South Bend School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Water Department
- Unemployment Rate
- 8.2%
- Economic Profile
- Farming · Fishing · Forestry
- Employment Sectors
- Farming · Fishing · Forestry · Healthcare
- Major Employers
- Weyerhaeuser · Olympia Sportswear · Pacific Seafood Group
- Schools
- 4
- Students
- 622
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18:1
- School Districts
- South Bend School District
- Transportation
- Highway 101 · Willapa Hills Trail
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Wastewater collection · Solid waste disposal
- Major Facilities
- Robert Bush Memorial Park
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Willapa Hills Trail · Robert Bush Memorial Park
- Parks & Trails
- Willapa Hills Trail
- Founded
- 1875
- Incorporated
- 1890
- Named After
- South Bend curve in the Willapa River
- Historical Significance
- Served as a key transportation and economic hub in the late 19th century, transitioning from a boomtown to a stable community based on manufacturing, oystering, and fishing.
- Key Events
- Relocation of county seat from Oysterville in 1893 · Railroad completion in 1893 · Oyster industry revitalization in the 1930s