Nespelem is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 180 at the 2020 census. The town is located on the Colville Indian Reservation. The name Nespelem is derived from a local Native American term meaning "large flat meadow".

History

thumb|upright=1|Nespelem in 1900

Nespelem was founded by the Yakama leader Chief Kamiakin and officially incorporated on April 15, 1935. It is the site of a historic Nez Perce cemetery, which was the original burial ground of Chief Joseph.

Climate

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Nespelem has a dry-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dsb" on climate maps.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 236 people, 75 households, and 53 families residing in the town. The population density was . There were 77 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 10.6% White, 0.4% African American, 80.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.3% from other races, and 7.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.8% of the population.

There were 75 households, of which 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 24.0% were married couples living together, 29.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 17.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.3% were non-families. 17.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 3.55.

The median age in the town was 30 years. 29.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 15.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.6% were from 45 to 64; and 8.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 52.5% male and 47.5% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census,

References

Further reading

  • Ray, Verne Frederick. The Sanpoil and Nesplem: Salishan Peoples of Northeastern Washington. New Haven: Reprinted by Human Relations Area Files, 1954.