Anacortes, WA
Population 17,837 · Washington
About Anacortes, WA
Anacortes is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 17,837 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,788 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Anacortes features a median home value of $647,700, which is 164% above the national median of $244,900. This places Anacortes in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,609, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,598 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (5,557 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (2,395 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Anacortes shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Anacortes have an average one-way commute time of 23.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.7% of Anacortes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Anacortes, WA
Compared to national averages, Anacortes has a median household income of $89,788 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $647,700, which is 164% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,609 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Anacortes's income is 1% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 41% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Anacortes, WA?
Anacortes offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,788, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 45.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $647,700. However, Anacortes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Anacortes has a population of 17,837 with a median age of 49.5 years. Compare Anacortes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Anacortes
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | 17,577 | $90,258 | $622,000 | Compare |
| Camano | 17,535 | $100,124 | $600,300 | Compare |
| Fairwood CDP (King County), Washington | 18,437 | $119,013 | $658,000 | Compare |
| Centralia | 18,457 | $52,387 | $267,600 | Compare |
| West Richland | 17,126 | $118,056 | $404,300 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 17,040 | $52,181 | $225,100 | Compare |
| Washougal | 16,945 | $100,916 | $492,100 | Compare |
| Ellensburg | 18,913 | $49,888 | $357,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Anacortes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Anacortes
What is the population of Anacortes, WA?
The population of Anacortes, WA is 17,837 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Anacortes?
The median household income in Anacortes, WA is $89,788 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Anacortes?
The median home value in Anacortes, WA is $647,700, which is 164% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Anacortes?
The median monthly rent in Anacortes, WA is $1,609, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Anacortes?
The unemployment rate in Anacortes, WA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Anacortes, WA a good place to live?
Anacortes offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,837 and a median age of 49.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Anacortes, WA?
45.7% of residents in Anacortes aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Anacortes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Anacortes, WA: median home value is $647,700 (164% above national), median rent is $1,609/month, and median household income is $89,788. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Anacortes?
The poverty rate in Anacortes, WA is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Anacortes, WA?
Anacortes's population is 3.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.