Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Friday Harbor, WA
Thinking of moving to Friday Harbor, WA? This charming island town of about 2,550 offers a tranquil lifestyle with a median home price of $700,000 and average rent around $1,650. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (95 per 100K), short 12-minute commutes, and a mild climate with 53% sunny days each year. With highly rated schools, easy access to scenic coastal beauty, and a close-knit community, Friday Harbor is perfect for those seeking a safe, relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Friday Harbor, WA
Demographics - Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor is a small town with a population of about 2,550, predominantly White (over 90%) and a median age of 49, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming island atmosphere.
Population:
2,550
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Friday Harbor, WA?
The cost of living in Friday Harbor is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $700,000 and a cost of living index of 140.5. Residents should expect higher housing and grocery costs, but benefit from Washington's lack of state income tax.
Median House Value:
$700,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
140.5
Grocery:
127.0
Housing:
190.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Friday Harbor, WA a safe place to live?
Friday Harbor boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 95 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime is more common but still below many urban areas, supporting a peaceful, small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,175
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Friday Harbor, WA year-round?
The climate in Friday Harbor is mild year-round, featuring cool summers with highs in the low 70s and winters rarely dropping below freezing. The area receives about 25.7 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine on over half the days each year.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $66,800, and the community enjoys a high educational attainment, with over 94% holding a high school diploma. Commutes are brief, averaging just over 12 minutes, reflecting the town's laid-back island lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$66,800
Family Income:
$75,200
Per Capita Income:
$35,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
9.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
12.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.7%
Bachelors or More:
42.0%
Education
How are the schools in Friday Harbor, WA?
Friday Harbor offers well-rated public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and is home to the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories. Families benefit from a strong educational environment in both K-12 and higher education options.
Public Schools
Name:
Friday Harbor Elementary School
Street:
95 Grover St
Phone:
360-378-5209
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Friday Harbor Middle/High School
Street:
45 Blair Ave
Phone:
360-378-5215
Students:
357
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Paideia Classical School
Street:
285 Carter Ave
Phone:
360-378-8324
Students:
40
Colleges
Name:
University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories
City:
Friday Harbor
State:
WA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Friday Harbor residents have access to quality healthcare, including the PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, a critical access hospital with emergency services. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, healthcare is convenient and accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
Address:
1117 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone:
(360) 378-2141
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Friday Harbor, WA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $700,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,650. Most homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$700,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Friday Harbor are provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Mount Vernon, with easy access to online resources for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
2021 Division St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone:
360-416-7563
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.