Skagit County, Washington
Encyclopedia
Skagit County is a county in the U.S. state
of Washington. It is named after the Skagit
Indian
tribe. As of 2010, the population was 116,901. It is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington
, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is at Mount Vernon
, which is also the county's largest city.
Skagit County was formed out of Whatcom County
on November 28, 1883.
, the county has a total area of 1920 square miles (4,972.8 km²), of which 1735 square miles (4,493.6 km²) is land and 185 square miles (479.1 km²) (9.65%) is water. Also Skagit is a river valley.
of 2000, there were 102,979 people, 38,852 households, and 27,351 families residing in the county. The population density
was 59 people per square mile (23/km²). There were 42,681 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.49% White
, 0.44% Black
or African American
, 1.85% Native American
, 1.49% Asian
, 0.16% Pacific Islander
, 7.17% from other races
, and 2.40% from two or more races. 11.20% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 13.9% were of German, 11.2% English
, 9.2% Norwegian, 8.2% Irish
and 6.7% United States
or American ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 38,852 households out of which 32.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.60% were married couples
living together, 9.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.30% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $42,381, and the median income for a family was $48,347. Males had a median income of $37,207 versus $26,123 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $21,256. About 7.90% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.50% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
The current Skagit County commissioners include Sharon Dillon, a Democrat from District 3, which encompasses Burlington east of Interstate 5, Sedro-Woolley, and the rest of eastern Skagit County; Ken Dahlstedt, a Democrat from District 2, which covers Mount Vernon, Conway, and south county; and Ron Wesen, a Republican from District 1, which includes Anacortes, La Conner, and that area of the county west of Interstate 5 and north of McLean Road.
to protect rockfish
and other groundfish
from overfishing
.
provides bus service in Skagit County. It also provides connections to Everett
, Bellingham
, Whidbey Island
and Camano Island
. Skagit Transit also operates the Guemes Island ferry
linking Anacortes, Washington
to Guemes Island
.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Washington. It is named after the Skagit
Skagit (tribe)
The Skagit are either of two tribes of the Lushootseed Native American people living in the state of Washington, the Upper Skagit and the Lower Skagit. They speak a subdialect of the Northern dialect of Lushootseed, which is part of the Salishan family. The Skagit River, Skagit Bay, and Skagit...
Indian
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
tribe. As of 2010, the population was 116,901. It is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The name "Anacortes" is a consolidation of the name Anna Curtis, who was the wife of early Fidalgo Island settler Amos Bowman. Anacortes' population was 15,778 at the time of the 2010 census...
, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Washington
Mount Vernon is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 31,743 at the 2010 census. It is one of two principal cities of and included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the county seat of Skagit County...
, which is also the county's largest city.
Skagit County was formed out of Whatcom County
Whatcom County, Washington
Whatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. Its name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." As of 2010, the population was 201,140. The county seat is at Bellingham, which is also the county's largest city...
on November 28, 1883.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 1920 square miles (4,972.8 km²), of which 1735 square miles (4,493.6 km²) is land and 185 square miles (479.1 km²) (9.65%) is water. Also Skagit is a river valley.
Geographic features
- Allan Island
- Burrows Island
- Cascade MountainsCascade RangeThe Cascade Range is a major mountain range of western North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. It includes both non-volcanic mountains, such as the North Cascades, and the notable volcanoes known as the High Cascades...
- Cypress IslandCypress Island (Washington)Cypress Island is the westernmost part of Skagit County, Washington and is about halfway between the mainland and offshore San Juan County. It is separated from Blakely Island to the west by Rosario Strait and from Guemes Island to the east by Bellingham Channel...
- Fir IslandFir Island (Washington)Fir Island is bounded by North and South Forks of the Skagit River and Skagit Bay of Puget Sound in the southwestern corner of Skagit County, Washington. Triangular in outline, east–west by north–south with an area of nearly , Fir Island is occupied by 195 families...
- Fidalgo IslandFidalgo IslandFidalgo Island is an island in Skagit County, Washington, located about north of Seattle. To the east, it is separated from the mainland by the Swinomish Channel, and from Whidbey Island to the south by Deception Pass...
- Guemes IslandGuemes IslandGuemes Island is a small island in western Skagit County, Washington state, USA. It is located north of the town of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island and is accessible by both private boat and by the Guemes Island ferry operated by Skagit County....
- Hart IslandHart Island (Washington)Hart Island is a minor island in Washington. It is located near the city of Sedro Woolley on the Skagit River, and is carved out by the Hart Slough. Debays Island is adjacent to Hart Island....
- Hope IslandHope Island State Park (Mason County, Washington)Hope Island State Park in Mason County, Washington is a marine camping park in the Washington State Park System. It consists of old-growth forest and salt marsh with a beach on Puget Sound. The island is reachable only by boat. Available activities include hiking, fishing, clamming,...
- Kiket IslandKiket IslandKiket Island is a small islet in Washington, co-owned by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Located less than four miles northwest of the town of LaConner in Skagit County, Washington, Kiket is connected to Fidalgo Island by a tombolo,...
- Pass Island
- Samish IslandSamish IslandSamish Island is an unincorporated community in Skagit County, Washington, United States. It lies on an island with the same name, which is located off the northwest coast of the Washington mainland...
- Sauk RiverSauk River (Washington)The Sauk River is a tributary of the Skagit River, approximately long, in northwestern Washington in the United States. It drains an area of the high Cascade Range in the watershed of Puget Sound north of Seattle. The river is a popular destination for fly fishing...
- Sinclair IslandSinclair Island (Washington)Sinclair Island is an island in the state of Washington, USA. It is a part of, and lies off the western shore of mainland Skagit County. The island has a land area of 4.109 km² and is home to only a few private residents....
- Skagit Island
- Skagit RiverSkagit RiverThe Skagit River is a river in southwestern British Columbia in Canada and northwestern Washington in the United States, approximately 150 mi long...
- Vendovi IslandVendovi IslandVendovi Island is an island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Located in Skagit County, Washington, USA, Vendovi Island lies across Samish Bay from mainland Skagit County, between Guemes Island and Lummi Island. Vendovi Island has a land area of and a population of two persons was...
- Mount Buckner, highest point in Skagit County
Major highways
Interstate 5Interstate 5 in WashingtonInterstate 5 in Washington is a highway in the U.S. state of Washington that extends from its border with Oregon to its border with Canada...
State Route 9
State Route 20
Adjacent counties
- Whatcom County, WashingtonWhatcom County, WashingtonWhatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. Its name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." As of 2010, the population was 201,140. The county seat is at Bellingham, which is also the county's largest city...
- north - Okanogan County, Washington - east
- Chelan County, Washington - southeast
- Snohomish County, WashingtonSnohomish County, WashingtonSnohomish County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Snohomish tribe. Since 2000, the county's population has grown from 606,024 to 713,335 residents , making it one of the fastest-growing in the state, ranking third in overall population after King and...
- south - Island County, WashingtonIsland County, WashingtonIsland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. In 2010 census, its population was 78,506. Its county seat is Coupeville, while its largest city is Oak Harbor....
- southwest - San Juan County, Washington - west
National protected areas
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestMount Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestThe Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington extends more than along the western slopes of the Cascade Range from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. Forest headquarters are located in the city of Everett....
(part) - North Cascades National ParkNorth Cascades National ParkNorth Cascades National Park is a U.S. National Park located in the state of Washington. The park is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Several national wilderness areas and British Columbia parkland adjoin the...
(part) - Ross Lake National Recreation AreaRoss Lake National Recreation AreaRoss Lake National Recreation Area is a US National Recreation Area located in north central Washington just south of the Canadian border. It is the most accessible part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex which also includes North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National...
(part) - Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (part)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 102,979 people, 38,852 households, and 27,351 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 59 people per square mile (23/km²). There were 42,681 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.49% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.44% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.85% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.49% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.16% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 7.17% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.40% from two or more races. 11.20% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 13.9% were of German, 11.2% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 9.2% Norwegian, 8.2% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 6.7% United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
or American ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 38,852 households out of which 32.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.30% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $42,381, and the median income for a family was $48,347. Males had a median income of $37,207 versus $26,123 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $21,256. About 7.90% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.50% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Skagit County's government is headed by three commissioners, in the system laid out in the state constitution for all counties without charters. Commissioners are "nominated" in the primary by their district, but then are elected in the general by a county-wide vote. Commissioners are therefore said to represent the entire county, not just their district.The current Skagit County commissioners include Sharon Dillon, a Democrat from District 3, which encompasses Burlington east of Interstate 5, Sedro-Woolley, and the rest of eastern Skagit County; Ken Dahlstedt, a Democrat from District 2, which covers Mount Vernon, Conway, and south county; and Ron Wesen, a Republican from District 1, which includes Anacortes, La Conner, and that area of the county west of Interstate 5 and north of McLean Road.
County conservation efforts
In 2006, the Skagit County Marine Resources Committee commissioned a study to evaluate establishing one or more no-take marine reservesMarine Protected Area
Marine Protected Areas, like any protected area, are regions in which human activity has been placed under some restrictions in the interest of conserving the natural environment, it's surrounding waters and the occupant ecosystems, and any cultural or historical resources that may require...
to protect rockfish
Sebastes
Sebastes is a genus of fish in the family Sebastidae , most of which have the common name of rockfish. Most of the world's almost 110 Sebastes species live in the north Pacific, although two live in the south Pacific/Atlantic and four Sebastes is a genus of fish in the family Sebastidae (though...
and other groundfish
Groundfish
Groundfish are fish that live on, in, or near the bottom of the body of water they inhabit. Some typical saltwater groundfish species are sole, flounder, and halibut....
from overfishing
Overfishing
Overfishing occurs when fishing activities reduce fish stocks below an acceptable level. This can occur in any body of water from a pond to the oceans....
.
Transportation
Skagit TransitSkagit Transit
Skagit Transit is the municipal transit provider in Skagit County, Washington. It operates 11 fixed-route bus routes, as well as providing vanpools for commuters and Dial-a-Ride transit for disabled riders.-Skagit Station:...
provides bus service in Skagit County. It also provides connections to Everett
Everett, Washington
Everett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
, Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
, Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is one of nine islands located in Island County, Washington, in the United States. Whidbey is located about north of Seattle, and lies between the Olympic Peninsula and the I-5 corridor of western Washington...
and Camano Island
Camano Island
Camano Island is a large island in the Possession Sound portion of Puget Sound, located in Island County, Washington, between Whidbey Island and the mainland. The body of water separating Whidbey Island and Camano Island is called Saratoga Passage. Camano Island is separated from mainland...
. Skagit Transit also operates the Guemes Island ferry
Guemes Island ferry
The Guemes Island ferry is a ferry route in Washington State that runs between Anacortes, Washington and Guemes Island across the Guemes Channel.-History:...
linking Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The name "Anacortes" is a consolidation of the name Anna Curtis, who was the wife of early Fidalgo Island settler Amos Bowman. Anacortes' population was 15,778 at the time of the 2010 census...
to Guemes Island
Guemes Island
Guemes Island is a small island in western Skagit County, Washington state, USA. It is located north of the town of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island and is accessible by both private boat and by the Guemes Island ferry operated by Skagit County....
.
Incorporated cities and towns
- AnacortesAnacortes, WashingtonAnacortes is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The name "Anacortes" is a consolidation of the name Anna Curtis, who was the wife of early Fidalgo Island settler Amos Bowman. Anacortes' population was 15,778 at the time of the 2010 census...
- BurlingtonBurlington, WashingtonBurlington is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population is 8,388 as recorded by the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
- ConcreteConcrete, WashingtonConcrete is a town in north-central Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 705 at the 2010 census. The town of Concrete is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Early history:...
- HamiltonHamilton, WashingtonHamilton is a town in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 301 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
- La ConnerLa Conner, WashingtonLa Conner is a town in Skagit County, Washington, United States with a population of 891 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. In the month of April, the town annually hosts the majority of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival...
- LymanLyman, WashingtonLyman is a town in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 438 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
- Mount VernonMount Vernon, WashingtonMount Vernon is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 31,743 at the 2010 census. It is one of two principal cities of and included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the county seat of Skagit County...
- Sedro-WoolleySedro-Woolley, WashingtonSedro-Woolley is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 10,540 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
Census-recognized communities
- AlgerAlger, WashingtonAlger is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 403 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.Alger is located along Old Highway 99...
- Bay ViewBay View, WashingtonBay View is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 696 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Big LakeBig Lake, WashingtonBig Lake is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,835 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
- Clear LakeClear Lake, WashingtonClear Lake is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,002 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- ConwayConway, WashingtonConway is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. First settled in 1873 by Thomas P. Jones and Charles Villeneuves, its population was 91 at the 2010 census...
- EdisonEdison, WashingtonEdison is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 133 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Lake CavanaughLake Cavanaugh, WashingtonLake Cavanaugh is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 167 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
- Lake McMurrayLake McMurray, WashingtonLake McMurray is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 192 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
- MarblemountMarblemount, WashingtonMarblemount is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 203 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- RockportRockport, WashingtonRockport is a census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The population was 109 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
Other communities
- Allen
- AvonAvon, WashingtonAvon, Washington is a former pioneer town in Skagit County, Washington. It is now an unincorporated community. It is located on the western side of the large bend in the Skagit River above Mount Vernon.-History:...
- Birdsview
- Big Rock
- BowBow, WashingtonBow is an unincorporated community in Skagit County, Washington. It is located near the towns of Bay View, Edison, Burlington, and Mount Vernon. Bow is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area.Bow overlooks Samish Bay....
- Blanchard
- Cedardale
- Day Creek
- Dewey Beach
- Fidalgo
- Fir
- Fishtown
- Guemes Island
- Hickson
- Hoogdal
- Milltown
- Padilla
- Punkin Center
- Rexville
- Samish IslandSamish IslandSamish Island is an unincorporated community in Skagit County, Washington, United States. It lies on an island with the same name, which is located off the northwest coast of the Washington mainland...
- Similk Beach
- Summit Park
- Urban
- Whitney