Orcas, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
367
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,192/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
314
-4.8% year-over-year change

Orcas population

How many people live in Orcas

Orcas is home to 367 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Orcas locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
367
3.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
186
Female
49.3%
181
Value Percent YoY change
Male 186 50.7% 4.5%
Female 181 49.3% 2.8%
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 Orcas is 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.3% are children under 15, then 2.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12.8% of the population, while another 27.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 48.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
61.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.3%
15 to 24
2.4%
25 to 44
12.8%
45 to 64
27.2%
Over 65
48.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 34 9.3% 25.9%
15 to 24 9 2.4% 80.0%
25 to 44 47 12.8% -25.4%
45 to 64 100 27.2% 3.1%
Over 65 177 48.2% 9.3%
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 Orcas, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 353 96.2% 4.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12 3.3% 33.3%
Non-citizens 2 0.5% -71.4%
Racial breakdown
White
89.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 328 89.4%
Asian 10 2.7%
Two or more races 23 6.3%
Other 6 1.6%

Households in Orcas

A peek inside Orcas households

Orcas has 201 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.2% are families, while the remaining 40.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
201
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
82
Family households
119
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 82 40.8% 0.0%
Family households 119 59.2% -1.6%
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 Orcas

The housing landscape of Orcas

Orcas's housing consists of 314 units, with 97.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
314
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 307 97.8%
1 unit, attached 4 1.3%
2 units 2 0.6%
Mobile home 1 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Orcas

In Orcas, the median construction year is 1978. About 3.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11 3.5% 57.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 22 7% 37.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 32 10.1% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17 5.4% -5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 94 29.8% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15 4.8% -40.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 59 18.7% -21.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 59 18.7% 3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7 2.2% 16.7%
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.

Orcas occupancy rates

Out of the 201 occupied housing units in Orcas, 83.6% are owner-occupied, while 15.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 36% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
201
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
32
Owner occupied
168
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 32 15.9% 3.2%
Owner occupied 168 83.6% -2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
36.0%
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.

Orcas housing costs

Housing costs in Orcas come to a median of $1,403 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,906.

Median housing costs per month
$1,403/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 Orcas
$1,906/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 Orcas

Orcas education at a glance

About 11.4% of the population in Orcas went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 2.7% earned an associate degree and 36.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 38 11.4% -7.3%
College diploma 64 19.2% -1.5%
Associate degree 9 2.7% -18.2%
Bachelor's degree 122 36.6% 16.2%
Graduate degree 100 30% -4.8%
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 Orcas

How much people earn in Orcas

The average annual household income in Orcas was $116,970 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,192, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Orcas
$116,970/year
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Orcas
$80,192/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Orcas income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,813 overall. Overall, 92.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $112,813 15.0%
Over 65 $78,750 0.6%
Above poverty level
338
Below poverty level
28
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 338 92.4% 2.4%
Below poverty level 28 7.6% 16.7%

Employment in Orcas

Workforce and job types in Orcas

81.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 26% run their own businesses, 47.1% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
97
Blue collar
22
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 97 81.5% -6.7%
Blue collar 22 18.5% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
26%
Private companies
47.1%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 31 26% 14.8%
Private companies 56 47.1% -15.2%
Governmental workers 17 14.3% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 15 12.6% 0.0%

Transportation in Orcas

How people get around in Orcas

Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 15% 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 77 82.8% -9.4%
Ferryboat 2 2.2% 0.0%
Walk 14 15% 0.0%
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 Orcas by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98280 442 242 $80,192 $117,057

Explore more communities

FAQs about Orcas demographics 

What is the total population of Orcas?

Orcas has a total population of 367 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 +3.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Orcas?

The gender ratio in Orcas is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (186 residents)
  • 49.3% females (181 residents)

What is the median age in Orcas?

The median age in Orcas is 61.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Orcas?

The age distribution in Orcas is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.3% (34 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.4% (9 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12.8% (47 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.2% (100 residents)
  • Over 65: 48.2% (177 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Orcas?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Orcas is as follows:
  • White: 89.4% (328 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (23 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (6 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Orcas.

How many housing units are there in Orcas?

There are 314 housing units in Orcas, reflecting a -4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Orcas has a total of 201 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Orcas?

Orcas has a median household income of $80,192, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Orcas?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.5% (97 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.5% (22 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 26% (31 residents)
  • Private companies: 47.1% (56 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (17 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.6% (15 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