Oak Harbor, WA
Population 24,396 · Washington
About Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 24,396 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,041 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oak Harbor features a median home value of $421,700, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. This places Oak Harbor in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,629, 40% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,545 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (4,490 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (5,237 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oak Harbor shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oak Harbor have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.9% of Oak 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 10.6% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 10.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oak Harbor, WA
Compared to national averages, Oak Harbor has a median household income of $72,041 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $421,700, which is 72% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,629 is 40% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Oak Harbor's income is 21% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 8% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Oak Harbor, WA?
Oak Harbor offers a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,041) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $421,700. However, Oak Harbor’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oak Harbor has a population of 24,396 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Oak Harbor with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Oak Harbor
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederickson | 24,219 | $107,241 | $455,900 | Compare |
| Bainbridge Island | 24,607 | $159,882 | $1,076,200 | Compare |
| North Lynnwood | 23,653 | $102,888 | $565,000 | Compare |
| Kenmore | 23,594 | $137,926 | $869,800 | Compare |
| Mercer Island | 25,282 | $202,359 | $1,884,200 | Compare |
| Eastmont | 23,486 | $139,346 | $696,800 | Compare |
| Mill Creek East | 25,461 | $183,466 | $840,100 | Compare |
| Union Hill-Novelty Hill | 23,272 | $181,820 | $1,174,100 | 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 Oak Harbor With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oak Harbor
What is the population of Oak Harbor, WA?
The population of Oak Harbor, WA is 24,396 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 Oak Harbor?
The median household income in Oak Harbor, WA is $72,041 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oak Harbor?
The median home value in Oak Harbor, WA is $421,700, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Oak Harbor?
The median monthly rent in Oak Harbor, WA is $1,629, which is 40% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak Harbor?
The unemployment rate in Oak Harbor, WA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oak Harbor, WA a good place to live?
Oak Harbor offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,396 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Oak Harbor, WA?
27.9% of residents in Oak Harbor aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Oak Harbor?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oak Harbor, WA: median home value is $421,700 (72% above national), median rent is $1,629/month, and median household income is $72,041. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Oak Harbor?
The poverty rate in Oak Harbor, WA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oak Harbor, WA?
Oak Harbor's population is 10.6% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 10.3% of residents are foreign-born.