RANK #566 / 996 · POP 86,510 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Island County, Washington, distinguishes itself through its unique geography, being composed entirely of islands, including the prominent Whidbey and Camano Islands. Located north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is about 27 miles from the city. The county seat, Coupeville, is a historic seaport town on Whidbey Island, known for its 19th-century architecture and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The community offers a mild, temperate climate due to the moderating effects of water and sheltering mountains, with Central Whidbey receiving notably less rain than Seattle. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with 54 park facilities across the islands, offering extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with opportunities for boating, fishing, and beachcombing. Deception Pass State Park, with its cliffs, bluffs, and beaches, is a notable landmark.
Life in Island County is shaped by its island setting and the presence of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, the county's largest city. The Naval Air Station is a major employer and economic driver, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs. While many residents are retirees or part-time residents drawn to the scenery and quality of life, others commute to jobs outside the county, often utilizing the ferry system. Island Transit provides fare-free bus service across Whidbey and Camano Islands, including connections to ferry terminals. The county's economy, while influenced by the military, also sees activity in tourism, service industries, and real estate. Public education is served by districts such as Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and South Whidbey.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Island County has a Boom Town Index score of 43/100, ranking #566 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.1% and a median household income of $82,850, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Island County is $480,800 with median rent at $1,517/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1723, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.1%. Home values changed +0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.57% of Island County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.