Island County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Washington
The population of Island County, Washington is 86,747 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $88,358, the median home value is $535,300, and the median age is 44.5.
The population of Island County has grown 9.9% since 2010 (78,700 → 86,478), a +0.68% annualized rate.
86,747
Population
+0.68%
Annual growth
416
People / sq mi
$88,358
Median Income
$535,300
Median Home Value
Island County covers 208 sq mi of land at 416.1 people per square mile.
About Island County, WA
Island County is a county in Washington with a population of 86,747. It ranks #15 among counties in Washington by population. The median age is 44.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Island County is $88,358, above the US median of $74,580. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $535,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,631. The homeownership rate of 74.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Island County reflects 35.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.9 minutes each way.
Island County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Island County had a population of 78,700 in 2010 and 86,478 in 2024, a 9.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 87,581 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.68%.
86,478
Population (2024)
78,700
Population (2010)
87,581
Peak (2021)
0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 78,700 |
| 2011 | 78,970 |
| 2012 | 79,086 |
| 2013 | 78,266 |
| 2014 | 78,777 |
| 2015 | 80,135 |
| 2016 | 81,826 |
| 2017 | 83,362 |
| 2018 | 84,391 |
| 2019 | 85,344 |
| 2020 | 87,007 |
| 2021 | 87,581 |
| 2022 | 86,744 |
| 2023 | 86,369 |
| 2024 | 86,478 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.5
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
26.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 26.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $88,358$-6,594 vs state |
| Mean household income | $110,452 |
| Per-capita income | $46,226 |
| Poverty rate | 4.3%-2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Island County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
69.7%
Public transit
13.8%
Work from home
26.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$535,300+$15,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,631
Median rent
74.6%
Homeownership rate
42,398
Total housing units
83.8%
Occupied
16.2%
Vacant
25.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
97.3%
With broadband internet
53.6%
Foreign-born
15.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
90.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.9%
High School+
35.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Island County, Washington has a population of 86,747 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 416 people per square mile.
The population of Island County has grown 9.9% since 2010 (78,700 → 86,478), a +0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Island County, Washington is $88,358, with mean (average) household income of $110,452 and per-capita income of $46,226. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Island County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.4%), Black or African American (2.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Island County, Washington is 44.5 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Island County is $535,300 and median monthly rent is $1,631. 74.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 42,398 total housing units, 16.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Island County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Island County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
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Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.