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 2,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $695,000 and average rents near $1,650. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (41% 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 2,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 53 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,500
Density
35 per sq mi
Median Age
53.1
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.0%
Black
0.5%
Asian
1.2%
Others
10.3%

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 127.0. Median home values are around $695,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$695,000
Gross Rent
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$650
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
127.0
Grocery
117.0
Housing
153.0
Utilities
98.0
Transportation
120.0
Health Care
113.0
Miscellaneous
106.0

Crime

Is Orcas, WA a safe place to live?

Orcas is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 59 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 154. 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
59
Property Crimes Per 100k
650
Crime Index
709
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,695
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 154

Weather

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

Orcas experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 72°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 28 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 41% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
44°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
72°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches
28 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
41%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,000 and a low poverty rate of 8.1%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$46,500
Household Income
$67,000
Family Income
$88,500
Per Capita Income
$40,000
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$38,000
Poverty Rate
8.1%
Non English Speakers
6.5%
Rent
$1,650
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
1.2%
Commute Time
18.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.5%
Bachelors or More
41.0%

Education

How are the schools in Orcas, WA?

Orcas offers quality education options, with public schools like Orcas Island Elementary School and Orcas Island Middle/High 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. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Orcas Island Elementary School
Street
557 School Rd
Phone
360-376-2286
Students
170
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5
Name
Orcas Island Middle/High School
Street
557 School Rd
Phone
360-376-2286
Students
210
Student Teacher Ratio
12.2

Private Schools

Name
Orcas Christian School
Street
107 Enchanted Forest Rd
Phone
360-376-6683
Students
60

Colleges

Name
Skagit Valley College – San Juan Center
City
Friday Harbor
State
WA
Distance
9 miles (by ferry)
Students
500

Healthcare

Orcas residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Orcas Island Medical Center and PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Orcas Island Medical Center
Address
7 Deye Ln, Eastsound, WA 98245
Phone
(360) 293-3101
Type
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services
No
Name
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
Address
1117 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone
(360) 378-2141
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Orcas, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $695,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.9%. Orcas offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$695,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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
123 4th Ave, Olympia, WA 98501
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 2,500, median home value $695,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,650, commute time 18.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 41%.

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