Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bainbridge Island, WA
Considering Bainbridge Island, WA for your next move? With a population of about 26,000 and median home prices around $1.1 million, this scenic island offers upscale living, top-rated schools, and some of the highest educational attainment rates in the state. Residents enjoy a low crime rate (54 violent crimes per 100K), mild summers, and convenient ferry access to Seattle, though average commutes run over 42 minutes. Explore Bainbridge’s excellent schools, vibrant community, and beautiful natural surroundings as you plan your relocation.
Demographics - Bainbridge Island, WA
Demographics - Bainbridge Island, WA
Bainbridge Island is home to nearly 26,000 residents, with a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature and established community. The population is predominantly White (83.2%) with a notable Asian community and nearly 10% speaking a language other than English at home. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a comfortable population density, making it attractive for those seeking a tranquil suburban lifestyle.
Population:
25,936
Density:
875 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
7.4%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bainbridge Island, WA?
Living on Bainbridge Island comes with a premium, as the median home value exceeds $1.1 million and the overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average at 163.4. While groceries and transportation are higher than average, utilities remain fairly affordable. Residents benefit from Washington’s lack of state income tax, though housing costs are a major consideration for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$1,125,000
Gross Rent:
$2,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,040
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
163.4
Grocery:
128.7
Housing:
244.5
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
123.4
Health Care:
118.6
Miscellaneous:
110.8
Crime
Is Bainbridge Island, WA a safe place to live?
Bainbridge Island boasts a very low crime rate, with only 54 violent crimes per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer communities in the region. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 1,850, and property crime rates are also well below national levels. This safe environment is a key draw for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
54
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,015
Crime Index:
1,069
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,852
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Bainbridge Island, WA year-round?
Bainbridge Island experiences mild, temperate weather with cool winters averaging 35–45°F and pleasant summers reaching up to 78°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, offering a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. This balanced weather is ideal for those who appreciate moderate seasonal changes without extreme temperatures.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Residents of Bainbridge Island enjoy a high standard of living, reflected by a median household income of $142,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.6%. The community is highly educated, with over 98% having completed high school and more than 72% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Commutes average around 42 minutes, often including scenic ferry rides to Seattle, and public transit is used by a notable 14% of locals.
Median Income:
$61,500
Household Income:
$142,000
Family Income:
$164,000
Per Capita Income:
$73,900
Income Male:
$87,000
Income Female:
$66,000
Poverty Rate:
3.6%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$2,280
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
14.2%
Commute Time:
42.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.4%
Bachelors or More:
72.4%
Education
How are the schools in Bainbridge Island, WA?
Bainbridge Island is known for its excellent educational opportunities, featuring highly rated public schools like Bainbridge High and several private options. The area also offers convenient access to higher education, with Olympic College in Bremerton nearby and Seattle Pacific University just a ferry ride away. High educational attainment rates contribute to the community’s reputation as a top choice for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Bainbridge High School
Street:
9330 NE High School Rd
Phone:
206-842-2634
Students:
1,275
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School
Street:
9347 NE Sportsman Club Rd
Phone:
206-780-6600
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
The Island School
Street:
8553 NE Day Rd
Phone:
206-842-0400
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
Olympic College
City:
Bremerton
State:
WA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
8,200
Name:
Seattle Pacific University
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles (via ferry)
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Bainbridge Island offers strong healthcare access, with 95% of residents insured and a high physician-to-population ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people. While there are local medical centers, including Virginia Mason Bainbridge Island Medical Center, major hospital services are available nearby in Bremerton. The overall healthcare quality index of 80.2 ensures residents have access to reliable care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Virginia Mason Bainbridge Island Medical Center
Address:
380 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone:
(206) 842-5632
Type:
Primary & Specialty Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
St. Michael Medical Center
Address:
2520 Cherry Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310
Phone:
(360) 744-8800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
80.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bainbridge Island, WA?
The housing market on Bainbridge Island is competitive, with a median home price of $1,125,000 and owner-occupancy rates near 78%. Rental vacancies are low at just under 3%, and the market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 6.3% over the past year. These trends reflect high demand for homes in this desirable island community.
Median Home Price:
$1,125,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Bainbridge Island residents are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in nearby Renton. The department provides all standard licensing and registration services, and residents can access resources or schedule appointments through the official state website. This ensures efficient DMV support for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
2000 Benson Rd S, Ste 200, Renton, WA 98055
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.