RANK #727 / 996 · POP 275,411 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.1%
The Kitsap Peninsula, home to Kitsap County, offers a distinctive blend of maritime heritage and natural beauty, often highlighted by locals. Named for Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe, the county boasts over 250 miles of saltwater coastline with views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Towns like Poulsbo, known as "Little Norway" for its Scandinavian roots, provide unique cultural experiences. Commute options to Seattle include multiple ferry routes, with passenger-only fast ferries from Bremerton taking about 30 minutes. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking in Green Mountain State Forest, and exploring parks like Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.
Life in Kitsap County appeals to families and those seeking a quieter pace than nearby urban centers. The county's five public school districts, including Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, offer a range of educational programs. The economy is significantly shaped by its public sector, with Naval Base Kitsap being a major employer for both military and civilian personnel. Beyond the military presence, the region is seeing investment in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and technology, contributing to a diversifying economic landscape.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Seabrooke Renewable Energy Facility
Undisclosed (local utilities planning)
|
$200M | Proposed |
|
Agate Storage Project (Battery Energy Storage System)
BrightNight
|
$170M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Kitsap Mall Redevelopment (Former Macy's)
Rhino Investments Group
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Kitsap County New Residential Construction (Multiple Communities)
Various Home Builders
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kitsap County has a Boom Town Index score of 27/100, ranking #727 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $93,675, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Kitsap County is $463,000 with median rent at $1,635/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2023, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.15% of Kitsap County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.