Port Angeles
RANK #509 / 996 NAT · #5 / 21 WA · POP 77,333
1YR FORECAST: -0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
Clallam County, situated on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, is known for its diverse natural landscape, bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The county seat, Port Angeles, is the largest city, while Sequim is notable for its comparatively sunny climate. Commuting within the county is primarily done by private vehicle, though Clallam Transit provides bus services connecting towns like Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. The region offers extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking in Olympic National Park, exploring the Dungeness Spit, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Life in Clallam County often appeals to those seeking access to natural amenities, with many retirees drawn to areas like Sequim. The economy, historically tied to natural resources like timber and fishing, has seen growth in the service sector, including tourism. Government, healthcare, and hospitality are significant employers. Recent economic development efforts include a $4.2 million grant to advance indigenous forestry resource industrial development in Port Angeles and support for local businesses and childcare services.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Clallam County scores 48/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#509). Median household income is $66,108 and job growth is running at +0.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Clallam County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $353,600 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.19 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,093/month on average.
Clallam County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.3%). Home values shifted +0.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.52% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Clallam County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.