Island County

Island County is located in the Salish Sea in the northwest part of Washington. The County is made up of several Islands, just as the name indicates. Camano and Whidbey are the two largest Islands. Other seven smaller Islands include; Minor, Strawberry, Baby, Ben Ure, Kalamut, Smith, and Deception.   

Island County was created from Thurston County by the legislature of Oregon Territory on December 22, 1852. Initially, the County was made of San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties. Island is Washington’s eighth oldest County.  

The County seat of Island County is Coupeville, while the largest city is Oak Harbor city. The map shows how County lines mark out towns and cities found in Island County. They include; Oak Harbor City, Clinton, Freeland, Ault Field, Camano, and Langley City.  

Island County Geography 

The County map shows several counties bordering Island County. For instance, Snohomish County borders the east, Kitsap County on the southwest, and Jefferson borders on the west. Similarly, Island County is bordered by San Juan County on the northwest, while the northern border is Skagit County.  

Island County occupies a total area of 517 sq mi (1,340 km2). The land covers 208 sq mi while 309 sq mi is water. The County receives an average of 24 inches of rain per year and 3 inches of snow. During summer, the temperatures jump to around 72 degrees and drop during winter to 37 degrees. The County has an elevation of between 195 to 2443 feet.  

Island County Demographics 

According to the latest United States Census Bureau, Island County has a population of 86,857 people. Island is Washington’s fifteen most populated County. 50.2% of the population are female, while 49.8% are male.  

5.6% of the population are children under five years, while 18.1% are under 18 years. Similarly, 25.2% are aged 65 years and over. The population has a median age of 44.2. The white (non-Hispanic) ethnic group is the largest in Island County, with 79.2%, while white (Hispanic) represents 5.4% of the population.  

Two other tribes(non-Hispanic) represent 3.61%, while 3.04% are African American. On the other hand, 90.03% of the Island County residents obtained their citizenship through birth while 7.39% through other means.  

Also, 2.58% of the people living in Island County are not citizens. The homeownership rate in the County is 71.5%, while 28.53 % of the residents are renters. 64.22 % of the homeowners used mortgages to purchase, while 35.78 % used other means. 

Island County Public Records 

Island County values its residents and strives to maintain a trustworthy relationship. In this regard, the County provides public records upon request to its residents for free or at a small fee. The County does not have a central place to store all public records. Instead, each department is responsible for its records and documents.  

The County government is organized into different departments and offices with elected officials. Each department or office is in charge of controlling and maintaining its records. So, to make any public record request, residents are advised to visit the specific public record office or department for assistance.  

For the officers to locate the record with ease, residents must identify the particular record they desire. Upon retrieval, the documents are produced within five working days. If more time is required to retrieve the information, the officer in charge notifies the resident. They also provide reasons for the delay and give new dates when the documents would be available.  

Island County Economy 

The unemployment rate in Island County is at 6.5% compared to 6.0% in the US. The County job market trend is increasing by 0.2%, and it has predicted the growth for the next ten years to be 40.3%. The average income for Island residents is $31,563 a year compared to $28,555 a year in the US.  

Also, the median household income is $59,107 a year compared to the US $53,482 a year. However, Island County families living in poverty stood at 5.6%. The employment rate increased by 8.45% between May 2020 and May 2021.  

The health care and social assistance sector is the leading employer with 13.3%. The manufacturing industry is second with 11.7%, while retail trade is second with 11.1%.   

Island County Offices 

Island county has several elected offices whose objective is to serve the residents diligently. Here are some of the County offices. 

Assessor. Island County assessor is responsible for appraising all properties at their actual market value. Bernie Upchurch is the County’s assessor. He is obligated to do his job in a fair and just manner.  

Auditor. Sheilah Crider is Island County’s auditor. Her office’s mission is to serve residents with integrity, professionalism, and accuracy. The auditor’s duties include handling the County’s accounting, election administration, licenses vehicles and vessels, and marriage license administration.  

Clerk. The clerk keeps superior court records safe and in an orderly manner. The clerk’s office is also responsible for preserving the judiciary’s integrity by ensuring separation of power between the three arms of government. Debra Van Pelt is Island County’s clerk. 

Commissioners. Melanie Bacon is the commissioner representing Whidbey Island, south of the Oak Harbor area. The commissioner representing the greater Oak Harbor area is Jill Johnson (R). Similarly, the north of the Oak Harbor area and Camano is represented by commissioner Janet ST. Clair(D). 

The commissioners ensure the health and safety measures for the residents are maintained, promote operational excellence of the County, and strengthen economic strengthening opportunities.  

Coroner. Robert Bishop is Island County’s coroner. He is in charge of investigating deaths that occur in his jurisdiction. He conducts his duty through scene investigation, medical records review, toxicology, and body examination. 

Prosecuting attorney. The prosecutor is responsible for prosecuting people who commit crimes in Island County in a just manner. He also provides legal advice to governing bodies. Greg Banks is the County prosecuting attorney.  

Sheriff. The sheriff provides community police services and ensures residents and visitors have a safe place to work, visit and live. 

Island County Offices by Type