Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shaw Island, WA
Considering a move to Shaw Island, WA? This peaceful, close-knit community of about 240 enjoys a relaxed pace, with a median home price around $690,000 and average rents near $1,350. Residents benefit from low crime rates, beautiful mild summers (highs in the low 70s), and an easy 21-minute average commute. While the island has a small public school and limited amenities, nearby Friday Harbor provides healthcare and higher education options, making Shaw Island perfect for those seeking tranquility and scenic island living.
Demographics - Shaw Island, WA
Demographics - Shaw Island, WA
Shaw Island is a quiet, close-knit community of approximately 240 residents, with a notably mature median age of 55. The population is predominantly White, and the area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a low population density, which contributes to its peaceful and spacious atmosphere.
Population:
240
Density:
22 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.0
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shaw Island, WA?
Living on Shaw Island comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value around $690,000 and rents near $1,350 per month. Utilities and services are moderately priced, while state taxes and everyday expenses reflect the island's desirable yet remote location.
Median House Value:
$690,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$760
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
129.0
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
145.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
118.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Shaw Island, WA a safe place to live?
Shaw Island is considered very safe, with a low violent crime rate and property crime chances much lower than in most urban areas. Residents enjoy a strong sense of security, contributing to the area’s laid-back lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
50
Property Crimes Per 100k:
410
Crime Index:
460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 240
Weather
What is the weather like in Shaw Island, WA year-round?
The island experiences mild, comfortable weather year-round, with summer highs in the low 70s and winter lows rarely dipping below the mid-30s. Annual rainfall is moderate at 27 inches, and about 45% of days are sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
72°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Local households on Shaw Island have a median income of about $64,000, with a low unemployment rate and a poverty rate below 10%. The community is highly educated, and most residents commute just over 20 minutes, reflecting the island’s relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$64,000
Family Income:
$75,000
Per Capita Income:
$35,000
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
9.0%
Non English Speakers:
5.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
21.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.0%
Bachelors or More:
38.0%
Education
How are the schools in Shaw Island, WA?
Shaw Island offers a small public school with an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio, ideal for personalized education. For higher education and additional schooling options, residents rely on nearby Friday Harbor, which is accessible by ferry.
Public Schools
Name:
Shaw Island School
Street:
44 School Rd
Phone:
360-468-2570
Students:
12
Student Teacher Ratio:
6.0
Colleges
Name:
Skagit Valley College - San Juan Center
City:
Friday Harbor
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles (by ferry)
Students:
300
Healthcare
While Shaw Island itself does not have major medical facilities, residents have convenient access to PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in nearby Friday Harbor. Most locals are covered by health insurance, and the area is served by a solid number of physicians per capita.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
Address:
1117 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone:
(360) 378-2141
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shaw Island, WA?
The housing market on Shaw Island is characterized by high owner occupancy and a median home price of $690,000. Homes have appreciated steadily in value, and rental options are limited but relatively affordable for the region.
Median Home Price:
$690,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
88.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle licensing and registration services for Shaw Island are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with resources available both online and at their main office in Olympia.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.