Island County, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
86,836
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,551/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
42,744
0.8% year-over-year change

Island County population

How many people live in Island County

Island County is home to 86,836 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Island County locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
86,836
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
43,676
Female
49.7%
43,160
Value Percent YoY change
Male 43,676 50.3% 0.1%
Female 43,160 49.7% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Island County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.6% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
26.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,682 14.6% -1.1%
15 to 24 9,511 11% -4.3%
25 to 44 21,406 24.6% 1.0%
45 to 64 19,978 23% -0.9%
Over 65 23,259 26.8% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Island County, 90.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 4.9% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.1%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 78,251 90.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,149 7.1% 5.4%
Non-citizens 2,436 2.8% 9.1%
Racial breakdown
White
77.7%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
4.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
11.3%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 67,437 77.7%
Black or African American 1,969 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 874 1%
Asian 4,291 4.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 363 0.4%
Two or more races 9,802 11.3%
Other 2,100 2.4%

Households in Island County

A peek inside Island County households

Island County has 35,972 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
35,972
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,311
Family households
24,661
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,311 31.4% -1.4%
Family households 24,661 68.6% 2.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Island County

The housing landscape of Island County

Island County's housing consists of 42,744 units, with 78.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
42,744
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 33,650 78.7%
1 unit, attached 1,429 3.3%
2 units 1,126 2.6%
3 or 4 units 1,201 2.8%
5 to 9 units 1,020 2.4%
10 to 19 units 765 1.8%
20 to 49 units 588 1.4%
50 or more units 208 0.5%
Mobile home 2,720 6.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 37 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
716
69.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Island County

In Island County, the median construction year is 1991. About 3.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,368 3.2% -6.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 976 2.3% 5.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,747 6.4% 1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,066 7.2% -14.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,336 14.8% 3.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,121 14.3% -2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,045 23.5% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,776 18.2% 6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,593 8.4% 8.0%
Built in 2020 or later 716 1.7% 69.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Island County occupancy rates

Out of the 35,972 occupied housing units in Island County, 74.8% are owner-occupied, while 25.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
35,972
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,084
Owner occupied
26,888
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,084 25.2% 0.8%
Owner occupied 26,888 74.8% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
15.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Island County housing costs

Housing costs in Island County come to a median of $1,662 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,662.

Median housing costs per month
$1,662/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Island County
$1,662/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Island County

Island County education at a glance

About 28% of the population in Island County went to high school, while 26.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 20.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 916 1.3% 5.9%
High school diploma 20,093 28% -0.5%
College diploma 19,091 26.6% -1.8%
Associate degree 7,724 10.8% -0.2%
Bachelor's degree 14,621 20.4% 3.8%
Graduate degree 9,342 13% 1.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Island County

How much people earn in Island County

The average annual household income in Island County was $113,035 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,551, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Island County
$113,035/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Island County
$90,551/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Island County income by age

In Island County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,579. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $120,821 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $73,020, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,740 in earnings. Overall, 92.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $73,020 15.2%
25 - 44 $88,579 2.0%
45 - 64 $120,821 2.2%
Over 65 $76,740 4.0%
Above poverty level
77,373
Below poverty level
6,422
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 77,373 92.3% -0.3%
Below poverty level 6,422 7.7% 10.7%

Employment in Island County

Workforce and job types in Island County

The job market in Island County is powered by 32,728 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 58.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,728
-1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
25,378
Blue collar
7,350
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,378 77.5% -0.2%
Blue collar 7,350 22.5% -6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
58.2%
Governmental workers
21.1%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,467 13.6% -2.5%
Private companies 19,040 58.2% -2.9%
Governmental workers 6,903 21.1% 3.7%
Not for profit companies 2,318 7.1% -4.2%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-9.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Island County stands at 4.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Island County

How people get around in Island County

Commuting methods vary: 78.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 30,594 78.6% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 312 0.8% 50.7%
Railroad 187 0.5% 67.0%
Ferryboat 314 0.8% -24.5%
Motorcycle 123 0.3% -23.1%
Bicycle 157 0.4% -4.3%
Walk 1,422 3.7% 10.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Island County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98236 7,199 2,910 $94,362 $123,840
98239 7,656 3,453 $92,125 $115,816
98249 4,198 2,180 $99,519 $122,448
98253 2,311 1,226 $71,131 $106,447
98260 5,320 2,546 $101,987 $135,608
98277 40,917 16,142 $83,253 $102,967
98278 1,932 0 $0 $0
98282 17,303 7,515 $105,231 $119,894

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FAQs about Island County demographics 

What is the total population of Island County?

Island County has a total population of 86,836 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Island County?

The gender ratio in Island County is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (43,676 residents)
  • 49.7% females (43,160 residents)

What is the median age in Island County?

The median age in Island County is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Island County?

The age distribution in Island County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.6% (12,682 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (9,511 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (21,406 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (19,978 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.8% (23,259 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Island County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Island County is as follows:
  • White: 77.7% (67,437 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (1,969 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (874 residents)
  • Asian: 4.9% (4,291 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (363 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.3% (9,802 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (2,100 residents)

What percentage of the population in Island County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.1% of the population in Island County.

How many housing units are there in Island County?

There are 42,744 housing units in Island County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Island County and what is the average household size?

Island County has a total of 35,972 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Island County?

Island County has a median household income of $90,551, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Island County?

The employment rate is 95.7% in Island County, with a workforce of 32,728 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.5% (25,378 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.5% (7,350 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (4,467 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.2% (19,040 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.1% (6,903 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (2,318 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025