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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Island County: the median home is valued at $535,300. With 86,747 residents, Island County is a county in Washington. It ranks #15 among counties in Washington by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $88,358, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.3% — below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $535,300, with typical rent around $1,631.
About 35.7% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. A solid 13.8% of workers are based at home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Island County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
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.