Anacortes, Washington Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Anacortes, Washington is 17,490, with 48.9% male and 51.1% female. Anacortes has experienced steady population growth due to its location as a gateway to the San Juan Islands and its maritime economy.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1891
  • County: Skagit
  • Land area: 15.5 square miles
  • Population density: Approximately 1,128 people per square mile
  • Area code: 360
  • Zip codes: 98221

Geography and Location

Anacortes, Washington, is located on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, about 80 miles north of Seattle. The city is known for its bustling port and serves as the gateway to the San Juan Islands via the Washington State Ferries. Anacortes is surrounded by scenic waterways and offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The city’s historic downtown, marinas, and access to natural beauty make it a popular place for tourists and residents alike. The nearby Deception Pass State Park is one of Washington’s most visited state parks, known for its dramatic cliffs and bridge.

Demographics

Median resident age: 42.6 years
Median household income: $41,930
Median house value: $171,100

Population by Race

Races in Anacortes:

  • White Non-Hispanic (91.2%)
  • Hispanic (3.2%)
  • Two or more races (2.6%)
  • American Indian (2.4%)
  • Other race (1.5%)

Ancestries: German (18.5%), English (18.0%), Irish (13.6%), Norwegian (12.2%), Swedish (6.1%), Scottish (4.6%).

Elevation: 100 feet

Land area: 11.8 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Anacortes

  • High school or higher: 89.3%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 27.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 8.0%
  • Unemployed: 5.2%
  • Mean travel time to work: 21.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Anacortes city

  • Never married: 19.2%
  • Now married: 59.4%
  • Separated: 1.1%
  • Widowed: 8.0%
  • Divorced: 12.3%

5.0% Foreign born (1.6% Asia, 1.4% North America, 1.3% Europe, 0.9% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +2,929 (+25.2%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Anacortes:

  • ISLAND HOSPITAL (1211 24TH STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Anacortes:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Anacortes:

  • BELLINGHAM INTL (about 21 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Abbreviation: BLI)
  • SNOHOMISH COUNTY (PAINE FLD) (about 49 miles; EVERETT, WA; Abbreviation: PAE)
  • WILLIAM R FAIRCHILD INTL (about 66 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Abbreviation: CLM)

Other public-use airports nearest to Anacortes:

  • ANACORTES (about 3 miles; ANACORTES, WA; Abbreviation: 74S)
  • SKYLINE (about 5 miles; ANACORTES, WA; Abbreviation: 21H)
  • SKAGIT REGIONAL (about 15 miles; BURLINGTON/MOUNT VERNON, WA; Abbreviation: BVS)

Amtrak station near Anacortes:

  • 17 miles: BELLINGHAM (401 HARRIS AVE.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Anacortes:

  • WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 20 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
  • SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE (about 20 miles; MT VERNON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,420)
  • WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 22 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
  • EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 46 miles; EVERETT, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,970)
  • EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 54 miles; LYNNWOOD, WA; Full-time enrollment: 4,953)
  • SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 57 miles; SEATTLE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 4,526)
  • SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-NORTH CAMPUS (about 61 miles; SEATTLE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,489)

Schools

Public high schools in Anacortes:

  • ANACORTES HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 935; Location: 1600 20TH STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • LEARNING OPPORTUNITY CENTER (Students: 92; Location: 2801 COMMERCIAL AVENUE; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • RUNNING START (Students: 32; Location: 1600 20TH STREET; Grades: 11 – 12)
  • SECRET HARBOR (Students: 16; Location: 2200 M AVENUE; Grades: 07 – 12)

Private high school in Anacortes:

  • SECRET HARBOR SCHOOL (Students: 31; Location: 1809 COMMERCIAL AVENUE POB 440; Grades: 7 – 12; Boys only)

Public primary/middle schools in Anacortes:

  • ANACORTES MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 484; Location: 2202 M AVENUE; Grades: 07 – 08)
  • MOUNT ERIE ELEMENTARY (Students: 461; Location: 1313 41ST STREET; Grades: KG – 06)
  • ISLAND VIEW ELEMENTARY (Students: 434; Location: 2501 J AVENUE; Grades: KG – 06)
  • FIDALGO ELEMENTARY (Students: 414; Location: 13590 GIBRALTER ROAD; Grades: KG – 06)
  • WHITNEY ELEMENTARY (Students: 152; Location: 1200 M AVENUE; Grades: PK – 03)
  • PARENT PARTNER PROGRAM (Students: 88; Location: 2200 M AVENUE; Grades: KG – 12)
  • COOPERATIVES (Students: 12; Location: 2200 M AVENUE; Grades: KG – 12)
  • DECATUR ELEMENTARY (Students: 6; Location: DECATUR ISLAND; Grades: KG – 08)
  • SECRET HARBOR (Students: 1; Location: 1809 COMMERICIA AVE; Grades: PK – 12)

Libraries

Library in Anacortes:

  • ANACORTES (Operating income: $612,247; Location: 1220 10TH ST; 55,565 books; 2,349 audio materials; 2,255 video materials; 385 serial subscriptions)