Elections
Skagit County, WA, has approximately 87,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in primary, general, and special elections, primarily via mail-in ballots, with five in-person voting centers available. In the 2022 general election, turnout was about 62%. The Skagit County Auditor's Office oversees elections, ensuring compliance and addressing issues like ballot security and election misinformation. Democrats and Republicans are the main parties competing, with recent results showing close splits (2020 presidential: 49% Democrat, 48% Republican). Key local issues include agricultural policy and environmental regulation. Detailed results and polling site info are available at skagitcounty.net.
Demographics
As of 2023, Skagit County, WA has an estimated population of 132,000. The median age is 41 years. Females make up about 50.1% and males 49.9% of the population. Racially, the county is 75% White, 19% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, 2% Native American, and 2% other races or multiracial. The county shows moderate diversity, with the Hispanic or Latino population being the fastest growing group.
Education, Employment and Housing
Skagit County, WA, hosts about 35 public schools, including 10 high schools, and has a high school graduation rate of approximately 83%. Roughly 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools average a GreatSchools score of 5/10, reflecting mixed academic performance. School districts offer adult education and career training programs. Safety initiatives include resource officers and mental health support, contributing to below-average state-reported incidents. Specialized programs, such as STEM and dual-credit courses, enhance educational opportunities for students and adult learners alike.
As of 2023, Skagit County, WA has an employment rate of approximately 60.4%. The leading industries are manufacturing (18.5%), healthcare & social assistance (14.2%), and retail trade (11.1%). Major occupation types include production (12.7%), office & administrative support (12.4%), and sales (9.9%). About 79.6% of residents commute by car, with an average commute of 25.5 minutes. While 67% work within the county, roughly 33% commute to neighboring areas, notably Snohomish and Whatcom Counties.
Skagit County, WA, features a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values near $495,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,400. Housing types range from single-family homes to apartments, with popular neighborhoods including Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Anacortes. The market has seen property values rise around 7% year-over-year. Property tax rates average 0.9% of assessed value. The combination of rural landscapes and vibrant small towns offers diverse living options.
County Crime & Safety
Skagit County, WA, reported a crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000 residents in 2023, with property crimes (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft) making up about 79% of cases. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 21%, with 225 violent crimes reported last year. The County Sheriff’s Office encourages online and anonymous reporting. Skagit’s overall crime rate is slightly below the Washington state average, but urban centers like Mount Vernon experience higher incidents. Local police actively collaborate with the community to improve safety and quick response times.
Popular names
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Smith
- David Johnson
- Mark Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Jones
- David Anderson
- James Johnson
- Maria Garcia
- Mary Johnson
- Robert Taylor
- Jose Garcia
- John Anderson
- Richard Johnson
- Christopher Smith
- Linda Johnson
- Melissa Jones
- Michael Anderson
- Michael Nelson
- Robert Miller
- Jacob Johnson
- James Brown
- James Miller
- John Smith
- Steven Johnson
- David Smith
- Heather Smith
- James Smith
- Jennifer Brown
- John Cox
- Jose Rodriguez
- Kevin Anderson
- Maria Martinez
- Michael Smith
- Richard Smith
- Robert Peterson
- Teresa Johnson
- Brian Smith
- David Jones
- David Nelson
- David Rodriguez
- David Wilson
- James Anderson
- James Walker
- John Combs
- Jose Hernandez
- Larry Jensen
- Mark Jones
- Mary Jones
- Megan Anderson
- Patricia Johnson
- Paul Johnson
- Robert Anderson
- William Johnson
- Brian Johnson
- Chris Smith
- Christopher Johnson
- David Miller
- David White
- Elizabeth Jones