Cities and Towns in Whitman County, Washington

Founded in 1871, Whitman County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Whitman County was formed from Stevens County. The city of Colfax is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Whitman County has a population of 47,973 and area of 2,159 square miles (5,592 km²).

List of all cities in Whitman County, WA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Albion, WA	99102	509
Belmont, WA	99104	509
Colfax, WA	99111	509
Colton, WA	99113	509
Diamond, WA	99111	509
Endicott, WA	99125	509
Farmington, WA	99104	509
	99128	509
Garfield, WA	99130	509
Hay, WA	99136	509
Hooper, WA	99333	509
La Crosse, WA	99143	509
	99136	509
Lamont, WA	99017	509
Malden, WA	99149	509
Oakesdale, WA	99158	509
Palouse, WA	99161	509
Plaza, WA	99170	509
Pullman, WA	99163	509
	99164	509
Rosalia, WA	99170	509
Saint John, WA	99171	509
Sprague, WA	99017	509
Steptoe, WA	99174	509
Tekoa, WA	99033	509
Thornton, WA	99176	509
Uniontown, WA	99179	509
Washington State University, WA	99164	509

Major Cities and Towns in Whitman County, Washington

Pullman

Location and History

• Area: 19.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 35,000
• Zip Codes: 99163, 99164
• Latitude: 46.7302° N
• Longitude: 117.1792° W

Pullman, located in the southeastern corner of Washington State, is best known as the home of Washington State University (WSU). The city was founded in 1884, named after the famous railroad magnate George Pullman, and incorporated in 1888. Pullman’s early economy was driven by agriculture, particularly wheat farming, but it grew rapidly following the establishment of the university, which became a major educational and cultural force in the region. Pullman sits atop the Palouse Hills, a picturesque region known for its rolling wheat fields. Over the years, Pullman has developed into a vibrant college town, with a thriving tech industry and growing infrastructure, while still maintaining its agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pullman is home to Washington State University, one of the largest universities in the state, known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. The Pullman School District serves local K-12 education, with schools such as Pullman High School and Lincoln Middle School. Major landmarks in Pullman include the WSU Pullman Campus, which features the iconic Beasley Coliseum and Martin Stadium, hosting athletic events and university activities. McConnell Hall and the WSU Arboretum & Botanical Garden are also key attractions on campus. In addition, the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Palouse Country Fair. The city’s unique location in the Palouse region also offers hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly in areas like Kamiak Butte County Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Colfax

Location and History

• Area: 1.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,800
• Zip Codes: 99111
• Latitude: 46.4185° N
• Longitude: 117.3686° W

Colfax, the county seat of Whitman County, is situated in the Palouse region of southeastern Washington, along the Palouse River. The city was founded in the 1870s and named after Schuyler Colfax, the 17th Vice President of the United States. It was incorporated in 1881 and grew as an important transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural region, with the arrival of the railroad boosting its economy. Colfax’s history is deeply connected to wheat farming and the development of the Palouse region. Over the years, the city has maintained a small-town feel while serving as the administrative center for the county.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Colfax is served by the Colfax School District, which includes Colfax High School and Colfax Middle School. The city’s historical sites include the Whitman County Courthouse, built in 1912, which is a key architectural landmark. The Colfax Depot is another historic site, harking back to the city’s railroad roots. Lions Park is a popular spot for recreation, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The city is also home to the Palouse River and the nearby Colfax Heritage Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s role in the development of the region. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Snake River or visit Steptoe Butte State Park, which offers hiking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding agricultural landscape.

Albion

Location and History

• Area: 0.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 300
• Zip Codes: 99102
• Latitude: 46.7891° N
• Longitude: 117.2584° W

Albion, a small town located just south of Pullman in the Palouse region, has a rich agricultural history. Established in the 19th century, Albion was once a bustling community with several businesses and industries that supported local farming. Its location along the Almota Creek and proximity to the Palouse River made it an ideal spot for early settlers engaged in wheat farming and livestock. The town’s economy has always been tied to agriculture, and its early importance was as a trade center for nearby farmers. As time passed, Albion’s population declined, and it became a quiet rural community, though it remains an important part of Whitman County’s agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Albion is served by the Colton School District, which provides education to the surrounding rural areas, with the nearest high school being Colton High School. The town’s main attractions are its picturesque rural setting and historical landmarks such as the Albion Depot, a remnant of the town’s railroad history. Almota Creek offers beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities, including birdwatching and hiking. The Albion Historical Museum showcases the town’s agricultural and cultural history, and the surrounding Palouse region offers several natural landmarks, including Steptoe Butte State Park, which is just a short drive away, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys that define the area.

Tekoa

Location and History

• Area: 1.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 850
• Zip Codes: 99033
• Latitude: 47.3201° N
• Longitude: 117.2384° W

Tekoa is a small town located in the eastern part of Whitman County, nestled in the rolling hills of the Palouse. The town was founded in 1884 and incorporated in 1888. Tekoa’s name comes from the Tekoa River, which flows nearby, and is derived from a biblical reference meaning “a place of joy.” The town’s early growth was closely tied to the arrival of the railroad and its role as a regional transportation center for the wheat-growing Palouse region. Like many small towns in the area, Tekoa’s economy remains largely agricultural, but it has also embraced tourism, drawing visitors for its scenic beauty and rural charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tekoa is served by the Tekoa School District, which includes Tekoa High School and Tekoa Middle School. The town is home to a number of charming landmarks, such as the Tekoa Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s early railway days. Tekoa City Park offers recreational facilities, including a playground, sports fields, and picnic areas. The nearby Steptoe Butte State Park offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the Palouse region, and the Tekoa Historical Museum showcases artifacts from the town’s founding and early years. The Palouse River offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities, while the town itself hosts events such as the Tekoa Fall Festival, celebrating its local culture and history.

Rosalia

Location and History

• Area: 0.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 500
• Zip Codes: 99170
• Latitude: 47.1367° N
• Longitude: 117.5281° W

Rosalia is a small town located in the northern part of Whitman County, near the Palouse River and the border with Spokane County. The town was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1902. Named after Rosalia McNaught, the daughter of one of the town’s early settlers, Rosalia was originally a small farming and mining community. Its location along the railroad played a crucial role in its early development, and the town became a key trading post for the surrounding agricultural areas. As with many small towns in the Palouse, Rosalia’s economy remains primarily agricultural, with wheat and barley being the principal crops.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rosalia is served by the Rosalia School District, which includes Rosalia High School and Rosalia Middle School. Key landmarks in Rosalia include the Rosalia Depot, a historic building from the town’s early railroad days, and City Park, which provides a quiet space for local recreation. The nearby Palouse Falls State Park, about 30 miles away, is one of the most popular natural attractions in the area, featuring a dramatic waterfall and hiking trails. The town is also home to the Rosalia Heritage Museum, which preserves artifacts and displays that illustrate the town’s agricultural and railroading history. The town’s peaceful rural setting makes it a popular stop for those exploring the scenic beauty of the Palouse region.