Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Anacortes, WA
Considering a move to Anacortes, WA? With a population of about 18,000, Anacortes features a charming coastal lifestyle, moderate commute times (21.5 minutes), and a median home price of $651,000. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate, great access to healthcare, highly rated schools, and a mild climate with cool, dry summers. The cost of living is above average, but you'll love the scenic beauty, vibrant community, and outdoor recreation that make this Pacific Northwest town stand out.
Demographics - Anacortes, WA
Demographics - Anacortes, WA
Anacortes is home to around 17,900 residents, offering a small-town feel with a population density of 1,450 people per square mile. The community has a median age of 50, reflecting a mature population, and is predominantly White, with over 90% of residents identifying as such. A modest percentage of non-English speakers adds some diversity to the area.
Population:
17,922
Density:
1,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.1%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Anacortes, WA?
The cost of living in Anacortes is higher than the national average, driven largely by a median home value of $651,000 and elevated housing costs. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also slightly above average, but utility expenses remain relatively moderate. Residents benefit from Washington's lack of state income tax, though sales taxes range up to 9%.
Median House Value:
$651,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
131.2
Grocery:
111.5
Housing:
165.0
Utilities:
92.3
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
111.8
Miscellaneous:
104.6
Crime
Is Anacortes, WA a safe place to live?
Anacortes offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 909 chance of experiencing such crime. Property crime rates are higher, with a 1 in 95 chance, but overall crime remains lower than in many similar-sized cities. This contributes to the area's appeal for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,160
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Anacortes, WA year-round?
The city enjoys a temperate climate with mild, dry summers where highs reach the low 70s, and cool winters averaging in the mid-40s. Annual rainfall is moderate at about 27 inches, and residents can expect sunshine roughly 42% of the year. These weather patterns support a variety of outdoor activities and contribute to Anacortes's reputation for scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
71°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Anacortes households generally enjoy financial stability, with a median household income of $80,250 and a relatively low poverty rate of 7.6%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times average just over 21 minutes, reflecting the city's manageable size. The area is characterized by a strong sense of community and low unemployment.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$80,250
Family Income:
$93,000
Per Capita Income:
$46,700
Income Male:
$59,000
Income Female:
$40,500
Poverty Rate:
7.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
38.7%
Education
How are the schools in Anacortes, WA?
Anacortes offers strong educational opportunities, with public schools like Anacortes High School and Anacortes Middle School maintaining favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The community also has private schooling options and is located just 16 miles from Skagit Valley College for higher education. This well-rounded educational landscape supports students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Anacortes High School
Street:
1600 20th St
Phone:
360-503-1300
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Anacortes Middle School
Street:
2202 M Ave
Phone:
360-503-1230
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Private Schools
Name:
Island View Elementary Christian School
Street:
2501 J Ave
Phone:
360-293-2183
Students:
115
Colleges
Name:
Skagit Valley College
City:
Mount Vernon
State:
WA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with Island Hospital providing comprehensive services and emergency care within the city. Anacortes boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 94% and a favorable ratio of physicians to residents. The community's overall health care index suggests reliable and accessible medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Island Hospital
Address:
1211 24th St, Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone:
(360) 299-1300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Anacortes, WA?
Anacortes features a robust housing market, with a median home price of $651,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,650. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a low foreclosure rate, indicating market stability. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, making Anacortes attractive for homeowners and investors.
Median Home Price:
$651,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing office located on 2nd Street in Anacortes. The office provides standard DMV services and helpful staff, with additional resources available online via the state website. This ensures convenient management of vehicle and licensing needs for city residents.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1321 2nd St, Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone:
(360) 293-6345
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.