Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Vashon Island, WA
Considering a move to Vashon Island, WA? This scenic island community is home to about 11,000 residents and boasts a relaxed lifestyle, with a median home price around $760,000 and typical rents near $2,200. Residents enjoy low violent crime (78 per 100K), a highly educated population, and beautiful Pacific Northwest weather with mild summers and lush greenery. With longer average commutes (42.5 minutes) but strong community spirit and good local schools, Vashon Island is perfect for those seeking tranquility and a close-knit atmosphere just a ferry ride from Seattle.
Demographics - Vashon Island, WA
Demographics - Vashon Island, WA
Vashon Island is a close-knit community of about 11,000 residents, with a median age of 52.1, reflecting its mature population. The island is predominantly White (89%) with a small percentage of non-English speakers, offering a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
11,000
Density:
240 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Vashon Island, WA?
Living on Vashon Island comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $760,000 and a cost of living index well above the national average. While housing and groceries are notably more expensive, utilities and healthcare costs remain relatively moderate for the region.
Median House Value:
$760,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.5
Grocery:
127.2
Housing:
191.0
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
133.0
Health Care:
116.7
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is Vashon Island, WA a safe place to live?
Vashon Island boasts very low violent crime rates, with only 78 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 1,070 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, making it an appealing choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,070
Crime Index:
1,148
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Vashon Island, WA year-round?
The island experiences classic Pacific Northwest weather, with mild summers reaching up to 77°F and cool, wet winters averaging 48°F. With around 38.6 inches of rainfall annually and 43% sunny days, Vashon offers lush, green scenery year-round.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Vashon Island features a well-educated and relatively affluent population, with household incomes averaging $96,400 and a poverty rate of just 7.1%. Most residents commute about 42.5 minutes to work, reflecting the island’s serene setting and its accessibility to the Seattle metro area.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$96,400
Family Income:
$118,000
Per Capita Income:
$51,900
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
5.3%
Commute Time:
42.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
53.1%
Education
How are the schools in Vashon Island, WA?
Vashon Island offers quality public and private schools, with small class sizes and a strong focus on academic achievement. Nearby colleges, such as South Seattle College and Highline College, are conveniently accessible by ferry, supporting a community with over half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Vashon High School
Street:
9600 SW 204th St
Phone:
206-463-9171
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
McMurray Middle School
Street:
9329 SW Cemetery Rd
Phone:
206-463-9168
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
The Harbor School
Street:
15920 Vashon Hwy SW
Phone:
206-567-5955
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
South Seattle College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
11 miles (via ferry)
Students:
6,800
Name:
Highline College
City:
Des Moines
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles (via ferry)
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Healthcare on Vashon Island is accessible, with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% of locals covered by health insurance. The island’s health center provides primary and urgent care, while major hospitals with emergency services are just a short ferry ride away.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Vashon Island Health Center (Neighborcare Health)
Address:
10030 SW 210th St, Vashon, WA 98070
Phone:
(206) 463-3671
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
St. Anne Hospital
Address:
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone:
(206) 244-9970
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Vashon Island, WA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $760,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 82.2%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, indicating a stable and desirable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$760,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access licensing and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, headquartered in Lacey. Most DMV needs, including vehicle registration and driver licensing, can be managed online or through regional offices.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
4500 10th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
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.