Adams County, Washington

Adams County
Adams County Courthouse (erected 1941) in 2014
Adams County Courthouse (erected 1941) in 2014
Map of Washington highlighting Adams County
Location within the U.S. state of Washington
Map of the United States highlighting Washington
Washington's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°59′N 118°34′W / 46.99°N 118.56°W / 46.99; -118.56
Country United States
State Washington
FoundedNovember 28, 1883
Named forJohn Adams
SeatRitzville
Largest cityOthello
Area
 • Total1,930 sq mi (5,000 km2)
 • Land1,925 sq mi (4,990 km2)
 • Water4.9 sq mi (13 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total20,613
 • Estimate 
(2022)
20,961 Increase
 • Density10/sq mi (4/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional districts4th, 5th
Websitewww.co.adams.wa.us

Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,613.[1] The county seat is at Ritzville, and its largest city is Othello. The county was formed out of Whitman County in November 1883[2] and is named after John Adams, the second President of the United States.

Adams County's two most populous cities are Ritzville and Othello. Ritzville is located in the northeastern corner of the county at the junction of I-90 and US 395, making it a popular stop for travelers. Ritzville is an hour's drive from Spokane. Othello is located in the southwestern panhandle of the county.

  1. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  2. ^ "Milestones for Washington State History — Part 2: 1851 to 1900". HistoryLink.org. March 6, 2003.