San Juan County
San Juan County was established in 1873 and consists entirely of islands containing approximately 111,877 acres on 176 named islands and reefs with up to 743 at low tides. The largest islands are San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, Shaw and Waldron. San Juan County borders Canada at the intersection of Georgia Strait, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. Topographically, the islands are comprised of old bedrock covered by glacial drift and a thin layer of topsoil. On the larger islands, topography can range from barren, lichen covered rocks to prime farmland, lush meadows, old growth forests, inland lakes and sand dunes. The county has a desirable natural environment and wild life population. The surrounding waters contain orcas, whales, seals, porpoises, salmon and with many other types of fish and marine life.
The subject property is located on San Juan Island which is one of the four largest islands which make up San Juan County. The city of Seattle is located approximately 72 miles south with Vancouver, British Columbia located 52 miles to the north, Bellingham is located 30 miles to the northeast and Victoria, British Columbia is located 17 miles to the southwest at the south end of Vancouver Island.
As early as the 1890’s Friday Harbor on San Juan Island served as the commercial center for the San Juan Islands. In the early part of the twentieth century commercial products on the islands included pears, apples, cherries, peas, salmon, timber and lime which were shipped to domestic and foreign markets from the islands. With the decline of those industries by the 1930’s the economy of the islands entered into a 30 year period of decline. It was not until the early 1960’s that economic growth resumed spurred on by a growth in tourism and an influx of retirees. Over 20 percent of the San Juan population is over 65 years old.
For 2023 the county has a full time population estimate of approximately 18,394 residents according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management. The four islands served by Washington State Ferry service contain the majority of the county’s residences. The islands serviced by the state ferry system include San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw. During summer and holiday seasons the county population swells to an estimated 24,000. San Juan County experienced significant growth between 2012 and 2023 as the population of the county increased by around 14 percent.
Growth in population and demand for real estate along with the overall real estate market has resulted in increasing property values over the past 20 years. San Juan County is seventh in the state in assessed value per square mile and first among Washington counties in property tax level per capita. The county also ranks 12th in population density with 71.5 people per square mile.
Each of the four islands served by the Washington State Ferry system has separate school districts. Children living on three of the islands without state ferry service are schooled in small schools located on their respective islands. Friday Harbor is the only incorporated town in the county. The town encompasses an area of approximately one square mile and has a population of 2,420. Eleven of the county’s islands are designated state marine parks that are accessed by private or charter boats. State parks are also found on Orcas and San Juan Islands.
As of 2020, San Juan County had a labor force of 5,277, which represents a decline from 6,100 at the end of 1999. The Washington State Employment Security division reports an unemployment rate of 2.1 percent as of June of 2023. The largest employers include the accommodations and food service industry which makes up 21.8 percent of all jobs, retail and whole trade provides 13.8 percent of all jobs and government makes of 13.6 percent. Construction accounts for 11.8 percent of the county’s employment.
In recent years San Juan County has also become an attractive getaway for wealthy individuals who are attracted to the climate, remoteness and natural beauty of the ocean/island setting. Due to the large number of high end residences and increasing home values, San Juan County is now ranked as the highest county in actual property valuation per capita in the state.
Summary
San Juan County continues to experience moderate increases in population due to its quality of life. The relative remoteness of the islands and natural beauty within the county provides an expanding population base which creates demand for all types of real estate. Long term economic trends also appear to be positive within the region.