Island County

As of the 2020 Census, Island County, WA, had a population of approximately 87,000. The racial composition was 79% White, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian, 2% African American, 1% Native American, and 4% from two or more races. The median household income was around $70,000. The population is distributed across several cities and towns, such as Oak Harbor and Coupeville. The median age is about 45 years.

As of 2023, Island County, WA, sees median home prices around $500,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200 per month. The county's homeownership rate is about 70.3%, with a housing vacancy rate of 15.9%. The median household income stands at roughly $68,000. Property taxes vary, but the average effective property tax rate is about 0.80%. Housing demand remains strong, driven by the area's natural beauty and proximity to Seattle.

As of the latest information available in 2023, Island County, Washington, holds elections for various local government positions, including County Commissioner, Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer. The elections also cover positions on city councils, school boards, and various districts like ports and fire districts.

For example, in a recent county commissioner race, candidates might include incumbents and challengers. Each candidate may receive varying percentages of the vote, reflecting community support. For precise numbers and candidate details, refer to the Island County Auditor's Office or the official election website, as these figures update with election cycles.

In the 2022 general elections, voter turnout in Island County was approximately 78%, with thousands of ballots cast across multiple races and measures. Specific candidate names and vote counts are documented annually in the official certified election results published post-election.

Island County, WA, exhibits strong educational attainment rates. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2021 data), about 94.2% of adults aged 25+ in Island County have at least a high school diploma, higher than the national average of 88% and close to the Washington state average of 92.8%. Approximately 33.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is slightly above the national average of around 33.1% but below the state average of 36.7%. These figures reflect Island County's commitment to education, situating it favorably in comparison to both national and state metrics.

As of recent data, Island County, WA has an unemployment rate of 5.6%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.9% and the Washington state average of 4.7%. The labor force participation rate stands at 56.2%.

Key industries in Island County include:

1. Government: Particularly defense, with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island being a major employer.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Comprising about 14% of employment.
3. Retail Trade: Represents roughly 12% of jobs.
4. Accommodation and Food Services: With around 10%.

Compared to national averages, Island County's reliance on government employment, especially defense-related, is significantly higher, while other sectors like technology and finance are notably less prominent. In contrast, Washington state overall has stronger representation in technology and aerospace industries.

This data reflects a unique local economic structure heavily influenced by military presence and public sector roles.

Island County, Washington has a median household income of approximately $72,663 as of the most recent data available. This figure is slightly higher than the national median household income, which is around $68,703. However, it is somewhat below the Washington state median household income, which stands at about $78,687.

Income Comparison Table

This comparison highlights that Island County residents generally earn less than the Washington state median but more than the national average.

Island County, WA, generally has lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2020, the county reported an overall crime rate of 1,676.8 incidents per 100,000 people. Below is a summary table of various crime types and their respective rates per 100,000 people for 2020:

These statistics indicate that while property crimes are more prevalent, violent crime rates are relatively low in Island County.