Washington / San Juan County

Moving to Orcas, WA

Thinking of making a move to Orcas, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Orcas, WA

Considering a move to Orcas, WA? This welcoming community of 5,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $850,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Orcas's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Orcas, WA

Orcas has a population of 5,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 54 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 1% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,000
Density
90 per sq mi
Median Age
54.0
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.0%
Black
0.7%
Asian
2.4%
Others
8.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Orcas, WA?

The cost of living in Orcas is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 146.0. Median home values are around $850,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$850,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$980
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
146.0
Grocery
123.0
Housing
190.0
Utilities
112.0
Transportation
106.0
Health Care
109.0
Miscellaneous
116.0

Crime

Is Orcas, WA a safe place to live?

Orcas is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 85 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 122. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
85
Property Crimes Per 100k
820
Crime Index
905
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 122

Weather

What is the weather like in Orcas, WA year-round?

Orcas experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 74°F and cold winters dipping to 37°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
37°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
74°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.5%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 44% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$84,500
Family Income
$96,000
Per Capita Income
$41,500
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$40,000
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Non English Speakers
7.1%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.0%
Bachelors or More
43.5%

Education

How are the schools in Orcas, WA?

Orcas offers quality education options, with public schools like Orcas Island School and Orcas Island Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Skagit Valley College - San Juan Center and Western Washington University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Orcas Island School
Street
100 Scholars Ln
Phone
360-376-3181
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5
Name
Orcas Island Middle School
Street
45 E School Rd
Phone
360-376-6272
Students
140
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1

Private Schools

Name
Islands Adventist School
Street
159 C St
Phone
360-376-4055
Students
45

Colleges

Name
Skagit Valley College - San Juan Center
City
Friday Harbor
State
WA
Distance
17 miles
Students
350
Name
Western Washington University
City
Bellingham
State
WA
Distance
62 miles
Students
16,500

Healthcare

Orcas residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Island Hospital and PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 92.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Island Hospital
Address
1211 24th St, Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone
(360) 299-4200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
92.5%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Orcas, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $850,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 76%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Orcas offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$850,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
76.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Orcas handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
PO Box 9048, Olympia, WA 98507-9048
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Orcas, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Orcas, review the core fields on this page: population 5,000, median home value $850,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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