It is part of the Lewiston, ID-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The name Asotin is derived from a Nez Perce language term meaning "eel creek.

[5] In 1931, Herbert Niccolls Jr., a 12-year-old, was convicted of the murder of the Asotin County sheriff.

[7] Asotin is located south of Clarkston, on the west bank of the Snake River.

[8] This region experiences very warm and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C).

24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.