Cowlitz County, WA
City of Kelso
Sitting Among the Confluence
The Kelso Train Depot
The Highlander Festival is a highlight every September
Fun,Tight-Knit Community
Originally names after Kelso, Scotland, this friendly city borders Longview and sits along the Cowlitz and Coweeman Rivers. 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 “We are Kelso?” exclaimed with smiles and pride.”
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 direct production services sector.
Kelso sits among the convergence of three rivers on Interstate 5 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, 80 miles east to the Pacific Ocean.
Kelso is equipped with hard infrastructure for commercial and industrial projects through 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.
Additionally, 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 incredible upgrades to retail areas.
Positioned For Growth
Kelso’s central location, shovel-ready land, access to transportation and variety of zoning options and locations 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.
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.
Live, Work, Play
Do Business
Cowlitz County has a strong business environment, centrally located within 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
Recreation
Cowlitz County has something for everyone – biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, sports, festivals, arts, theater and so much more!
Cowlitz Economic Development Council
Staff
Membership
Board of Directors