Island County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of 2000, the population is 71,558. The county seat is at Coupeville. Its name reflects the fact that it consists of just two islands, Whidbey and Camano. Island County was created out of Thurston County on January 6, 1853, by the legislature of Oregon Territory, and is the 8th oldest county in Washington. Island County originally encompassed what are now Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom County, and San Juan Counties.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,340 km² (517 mi²). 540 km² (208 mi²) of it is land and 800 km² (309 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 59.71% water.

The County is comprised two inhabited islands, Whidbey Island and Camano Island. It also includes the uninhabited islands of Hope, Pass, Deception, and Baby.

Geographic features

• Puget Sound
• Strait of Juan de Fuca
• Whidbey Island
• Camano Island

Adjacent counties

• Skagit County, Washington - northeast
• Snohomish County, Washington - east
• Kitsap County, Washington - southwest
• Jefferson County, Washington - west
• San Juan County, Washington - northwest

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 71,558 people, 27,784 households, and 20,254 families residing in the county. The population density is 133/km² (343/mi²). There are 32,378 housing units at an average density of 60/km² (155/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.17% White, 2.36% Black or African American, 0.97% Native American, 4.19% Asian, 0.44% Pacific Islander, 1.43% from other races, and 3.44% from two or more races. 3.97% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 27,784 households out of which 33.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.20% are married couples living together, 7.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.10% are non-families. 21.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 2.93.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.50% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 100.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $45,513, and the median income for a family is $51,363. Males have a median income of $35,331 versus $25,612 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,472. 7.00% of the population and 5.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.80% of those under the age of 18 and 4.40% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Recognised communities

• Ault Field (Proper name for Naval Air Station Whidbey Island)
• Camano
• Clinton
• Coupeville
• Freeland
• Langley
• Oak Harbor

Additionally, Camano Island is considered a community on its own, and shares postal facilities and a ZIP Code with Stanwood, Washington.