Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Samish Island, WA
Considering a move to Samish Island, WA? This peaceful coastal community has a small population of about 700, offering scenic views, a relaxed pace, and a median home price around $735,000. Residents enjoy low crime rates (violent crime just 90 per 100K), short 29-minute commutes, and access to reputable schools and healthcare in nearby towns. With mild summers, a high owner-occupied housing rate, and a tranquil lifestyle, Samish Island is ideal for those seeking natural beauty and quiet living.
Demographics - Samish Island, WA
Demographics - Samish Island, WA
Samish Island is a close-knit community of about 700 residents, with a median age of 57, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, and the gender balance is nearly even, making it a welcoming place for retirees and those seeking a peaceful environment.
Population:
700
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Samish Island, WA?
Living on Samish Island comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $735,000 and a cost of living index of 128. While there is no state income tax in Washington, residents should expect higher housing and grocery costs compared to national averages.
Median House Value:
$735,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$690
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
9.0% (sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
128
Grocery:
117
Housing:
143
Utilities:
98
Transportation:
110
Health Care:
104
Miscellaneous:
103
Crime
Is Samish Island, WA a safe place to live?
Samish Island enjoys a low crime rate, with only 90 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,100 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also relatively uncommon, contributing to the area's reputation as a safe, tranquil community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,190
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Samish Island, WA year-round?
The island experiences mild, maritime weather, with summer highs around 75°F and winter lows seldom dipping below 35°F. Rain is moderate, averaging 29 inches annually, and about 41% of days are sunny, making for a comfortable, temperate climate year-round.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
Residents benefit from a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $81,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Most locals are well-educated, with over 94% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 29 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$81,500
Family Income:
$94,000
Per Capita Income:
$48,500
Income Male:
$53,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
29.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.5%
Education
How are the schools in Samish Island, WA?
Families on Samish Island have access to quality education, including top-rated public schools like Edison Elementary and private options such as Skagit Adventist Academy. Additionally, Skagit Valley College is just 12 miles away, offering higher education opportunities nearby.
Public Schools
Name:
Edison Elementary School
Street:
5834 Bow Hill Rd, Bow, WA 98232
Phone:
360-757-3386
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Private Schools
Name:
Skagit Adventist Academy
Street:
530 N Section St, Burlington, WA 98233
Phone:
360-755-9261
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Skagit Valley College
City:
Mount Vernon
State:
WA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Samish Island residents have convenient access to major medical facilities like Skagit Valley Hospital and Island Hospital, both offering emergency services within a short drive. The community boasts high health insurance coverage at 94.8%, ensuring quality healthcare is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Skagit Valley Hospital
Address:
1415 E Kincaid St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Phone:
(360) 428-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Island Hospital
Address:
1211 24th St, Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone:
(360) 299-1300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Samish Island, WA?
The housing market is predominantly owner-occupied, with 82.5% of homes owned and a median home price of $735,000. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and rental options are limited but available with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,850.
Median Home Price:
$735,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle licensing and registration through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the nearest full-service office located in Olympia. Online services are also available for added convenience.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
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.