RANK #661 / 996 · POP 66,053 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%
Mason County, Washington, distinguishes itself with its extensive natural beauty, particularly the Hood Canal, a natural fjord offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and oyster picking. The county seat, Shelton, is the only incorporated city, with other notable communities including Belfair, Allyn, and Union. Located in western Washington, it is bordered by Kitsap, Thurston, and Grays Harbor counties, with the Olympic National Forest to its west. While many residents commute to nearby cities like Olympia and Tacoma, Mason Transit Authority provides bus services within the county and connections to regional transit hubs. The community offers a rural feel with abundant outdoor recreation, including over 270 miles of trails in the Olympic National Forest, numerous parks, and access to Puget Sound's shoreline.
Life in Mason County offers a blend of small-town living and access to natural amenities. The local economy, historically rooted in timber, has diversified to include aquaculture, healthcare, and technology. The Squaxin Island Tribe is a significant employer, operating various businesses. Recent economic developments include major investments in data centers, with projects underway that could bring new jobs and infrastructure to the area. The county also supports agriculture, including organic farming and Christmas tree cultivation, alongside tribal fisheries. Public schools serve the majority of K-12 students, with districts like Shelton School District being the largest.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.9x — 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Monarch Compute Campus (AI Data Center)
Nscale (in collaboration with Microsoft)
|
$500M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Mason County has a Boom Town Index score of 34/100, ranking #661 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.4% and a median household income of $74,388, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Mason County is $340,300 with median rent at $1,137/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2186, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.4%. Home values changed +0.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.68% of Mason County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.