RANK #438 / 996 · POP 129,480 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
Skagit County, Washington, is widely recognized for its annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which draws visitors each April to witness expansive fields of blooming tulips. Located in the northwest corner of Washington State, the county sits roughly 60 miles north of Seattle and south of Vancouver, British Columbia. This position allows for commutes to both major cities, with Amtrak and express bus services available from Mount Vernon. The community offers a blend of rural landscapes and access to urban amenities. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Puget Sound to the west, providing opportunities for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring areas like Deception Pass State Park and North Cascades National Park.
Life in Skagit County appeals to families, retirees, and remote workers seeking a balance of natural beauty and community. The county seat, Mount Vernon, along with towns like Anacortes and Sedro-Woolley, offer distinct community characters. Seven public school districts serve the county, including Anacortes, Burlington-Edison, and Mount Vernon School Districts. The local economy is supported by agriculture, with the Skagit Valley known for its fertile lands and diverse crops. Beyond agriculture, the county has seen investment in energy sectors, alongside established industries such as specialized manufacturing, maritime trades, and tourism.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Goldeneye Energy Storage
Tenaska (Goldeneye Battery Storage, LLC)
|
$250M | Proposed |
|
Mount Vernon Battery Storage
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$230M | Under Construction |
|
Sounder Energy Storage BESS
Sounder Energy Storage
|
$200M | Proposed |
|
Skagit Habitat for Humanity Affordable Homes (Anacortes, Mount Vernon, La Conner)
Skagit Habitat for Humanity
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Skagit County has a Boom Town Index score of 56/100, ranking #438 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.8% and a median household income of $82,029, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Skagit County is $444,300 with median rent at $1,350/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1846, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.8%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.39% of Skagit County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.