Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oak Harbor, WA
Thinking of moving to Oak Harbor, WA? With a population of about 24,600, this family-friendly city offers scenic coastal living, a moderate cost of living, and a median home price around $444,000. Enjoy relatively short 20-minute commutes, access to highly rated local schools, and a calm atmosphere with low violent crime (171 per 100K). Oak Harbor’s mild climate, close-knit community, and access to outdoor recreation make it a great place for newcomers seeking a Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Demographics - Oak Harbor, WA
Demographics - Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor is home to about 24,600 residents with a youthful median age of 30.9, reflecting a vibrant and diverse community. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a population that is predominantly White, with notable Asian and other ethnic groups representing nearly 30% combined. Around 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the cultural richness of the area.
Population:
24,622
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.9
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.2%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
8.4%
Others:
18.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oak Harbor, WA?
Oak Harbor’s cost of living is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost index of 110.2 and median home values around $444,000. Monthly rents average $1,500, while utilities and everyday expenses remain relatively affordable for Washington. Residents enjoy no state income tax, but should expect slightly elevated costs for housing, groceries, and healthcare.
Median House Value:
$444,000
Gross Rent:
$1,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.2
Grocery:
108.3
Housing:
124.5
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
108.7
Miscellaneous:
103.5
Crime
Is Oak Harbor, WA a safe place to live?
Oak Harbor maintains a low violent crime rate of 171 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals. Property crime is more common, with a rate of 1,570 per 100,000, but overall, the city provides a secure environment compared to many urban areas. Residents have a 1 in 585 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a generally safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
171
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,570
Crime Index:
1,741
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 585
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Oak Harbor, WA year-round?
Oak Harbor experiences a mild, temperate climate with cool winters averaging 35–46°F and pleasant summers ranging from 52–73°F. The city receives about 22 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 42% of the year. This consistent weather supports outdoor activities and a comfortable Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Local households in Oak Harbor typically earn about $68,100 annually, with a median income just under $39,000 and a family income of $81,700. The area has a relatively low poverty rate of 10.5% and an average commute of just over 20 minutes, fostering a tight-knit, accessible community. High educational attainment and a diverse population contribute to a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$68,100
Family Income:
$81,700
Per Capita Income:
$33,500
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$36,300
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.8%
Rent:
$1,500
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.6%
Education
How are the schools in Oak Harbor, WA?
Oak Harbor offers strong public and private educational options, including well-regarded schools like Oak Harbor High School and Hillcrest Elementary. Higher education is easily accessible via Skagit Valley College’s Whidbey Island campus, with larger universities such as Western Washington University within commuting distance. The city’s educational system supports families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Oak Harbor High School
Street:
1 Wildcat Way
Phone:
360-279-5800
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Hillcrest Elementary School
Street:
1500 NW 2nd Ave
Phone:
360-279-5400
Students:
490
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Private Schools
Name:
Oak Harbor Christian School
Street:
675 E Whidbey Ave
Phone:
360-675-2831
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Skagit Valley College - Whidbey Island Campus
City:
Oak Harbor
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
Western Washington University
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to quality healthcare, including the nearby WhidbeyHealth Medical Center, which offers emergency and general services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 93% of residents insured, the city supports good health outcomes. The healthcare index of 76.2 suggests services are accessible and affordable for most locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
WhidbeyHealth Medical Center
Address:
101 North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone:
(360) 678-5151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oak Harbor, WA?
The Oak Harbor housing market features a median home price of $444,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,500, making it relatively affordable for the region. Just under half of residents own their homes, and a low vacancy rate signals steady demand. Home values have appreciated by 3.7% over the past year, indicating a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$444,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Oak Harbor residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing located in nearby Coupeville. The local DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and ID services, with additional resources available through the state website. This convenient location supports the needs of new and existing drivers in the area.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
419 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone:
360-678-5111
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.