San Juan County Public RecordsWashington

San Juan County, WA had 14,974 registered voters in 2023. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, as well as ballot measures. In the 2020 presidential election, 76.7% of votes went to the Democratic candidate. There are four in-person polling locations, though the county primarily uses vote-by-mail. Key local issues include housing affordability and environmental protection. San Juan County elections are administered by the Auditor’s Office. Voter turnout often exceeds 80%. The county tends to favor Democratic candidates, though there is also a visible Green Party presence.

As of the 2020 Census, San Juan County, WA, had a population of 17,788. The median age is about 55 years, making it one of Washington’s oldest counties. Gender distribution is roughly balanced, with 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The county is predominantly White (89.7%), with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino (5.7%), Asian (1.5%), Native American (1.1%), and Black or African American (0.4%). The area has a notably older, less diverse population compared to state averages.

San Juan County, WA has 10 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving roughly 2,000 students. About 96% of adults are high school graduates, and 49% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—well above state averages. School districts like San Juan Island and Orcas Island maintain average test scores slightly higher than the state mean. Adult education is supported through local organizations and Skagit Valley College. Schools are known for safe environments, reporting very low incident rates, and offer diverse programs including AP courses, arts, and STEM initiatives to foster comprehensive student development.

San Juan County, WA, had an employment-population ratio of about 51.9% in 2022. The leading industries include accommodation & food services (19.5%), retail trade (12.1%), and construction (10.3%). Most workers are employed in management, business, and science occupations (31.8%). About 72% of employed residents work within the county, while 28% commute outside. The average commute time is 17.5 minutes. The unemployment rate was approximately 4.4% as of early 2023.

San Juan County, WA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $925,000 as of 2024—a 6% increase year-over-year. Median rent is approximately $2,200 monthly. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes, waterfront properties, and modest condos, with neighborhoods like Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Roche Harbor popular among residents. Property taxes average 0.70% of assessed value, notably lower than the national average. Limited rental inventory and rising property values reflect strong demand, especially in scenic and waterfront areas.

San Juan County, WA, is known for its low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 9.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly below Washington’s average of 32.9 per 1,000. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, remain rare, with fewer than 10 cases annually. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages community reporting and transparency. Property crimes, mainly theft and burglary, make up the majority of offenses. Overall, San Juan County is considered one of Washington's safest regions.