Friday Harbor, WA
Population 2,685 · Washington
About Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor is a small town located in Washington with a population of 2,685 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,954 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Friday Harbor features a median home value of $515,000, which is 110% above the national median of $244,900. This places Friday Harbor in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,571, 35% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,385 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (737 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (484 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Friday Harbor shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Friday Harbor have an average one-way commute time of 11.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.4% of Friday Harbor residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 14.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Friday Harbor, WA
Compared to national averages, Friday Harbor has a median household income of $69,954 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $515,000, which is 110% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,571 is 35% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Friday Harbor's income is 23% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 12% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Friday Harbor, WA?
Friday Harbor offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and a well-educated community where 36.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 11.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,954) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $515,000. However, Friday Harbor’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Friday Harbor has a population of 2,685 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Friday Harbor with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Friday Harbor
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fobes Hill | 2,683 | $132,250 | $777,100 | Compare |
| Leavenworth | 2,676 | $74,653 | $564,100 | Compare |
| Dayton | 2,695 | $71,687 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Peaceful Valley | 2,661 | $60,271 | $267,300 | Compare |
| Allyn | 2,656 | $107,823 | $527,200 | Compare |
| Big Lake | 2,648 | $119,000 | $659,800 | Compare |
| Colfax | 2,785 | $56,929 | $246,300 | Compare |
| Kingston | 2,585 | $99,345 | $448,600 | 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 Friday Harbor With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Friday Harbor
What is the population of Friday Harbor, WA?
The population of Friday Harbor, WA is 2,685 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Friday Harbor?
The median household income in Friday Harbor, WA is $69,954 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Friday Harbor?
The median home value in Friday Harbor, WA is $515,000, which is 110% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Friday Harbor?
The median monthly rent in Friday Harbor, WA is $1,571, which is 35% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Friday Harbor?
The unemployment rate in Friday Harbor, WA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Friday Harbor, WA a good place to live?
Friday Harbor offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,685 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Friday Harbor, WA?
36.4% of residents in Friday Harbor 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 Friday Harbor?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Friday Harbor, WA: median home value is $515,000 (110% above national), median rent is $1,571/month, and median household income is $69,954. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Friday Harbor?
The poverty rate in Friday Harbor, WA is 12.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Friday Harbor, WA?
Friday Harbor's population is 14.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.