Anacortes
cityAnacortes is a city located on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, Washington. As of 2024, the estimated population is around 18,148. Known as a maritime community, Anacortes balances its industrial and commercial sectors with a dedication to preserving its natural environment. The city serves as a gateway to the San Juan Islands via the Washington State Ferry system. Anacortes' economy has evolved from its early reliance on lumber and fishing to include oil refining, yacht construction, tourism, and technology. Two oil refineries operate near the city. Healthcare, manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services are key employment sectors. The city also supports a thriving arts scene, recognized by its designation as a Washington State Creative District. Anacortes offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community. With its rich history, access to outdoor activities, and a growing focus on arts and culture, Anacortes provides a high quality of life for its residents and attracts visitors year-round.
Anacortes, Washington
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 53-01990
- Country
- United States
- County
- Skagit County
- Region
- Pacific Northwest
- Elevation
- 13 ft
- Total Area
- 15.53 sq mi
- Land Area
- 11.75 sq mi
- Water Area
- 3.78 sq mi
- Latitude
- 48.512604
- Longitude
- -122.612671
- Climate
- Anacortes has a mild maritime climate with cool, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Temperatures typically range from 37°F to 71°F.
- Notable Features
- Fidalgo Island · San Juan Islands · Puget Sound · Swinomish Channel
- Neighboring Areas
- Guemes Island · La Conner · Oak Harbor · Burlington · Mount Vernon
- Population (2020)
- 17,637
- Est. Population (2024)
- 18,148
- Median Age
- 50.5
- Median Income
- $91,951
- Poverty Rate
- 7.28%
- Family Households
- 64.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 69.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2024, Anacortes was 85% White, 5.9% Hispanic, and 5.8% Two or More Races.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Anacortes School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Industrial · Commercial · Tourism · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Marathon Petroleum · Shell Puget Sound Refinery · Island Hospital
- Students
- 2,400
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18:1
- School Districts
- Anacortes School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Skagit Valley College (NW Career & Technical Academy program) · Western Washington University (Shannon Point Marine Center)
- Transportation
- Washington State Ferries · Skagit County Ferry (Guemes Island) · Highway bridges to mainland and Whidbey Island
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Island Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Anacortes Community Forest Lands · Mount Erie Park · Washington Park · Deception Pass State Park
- Parks & Trails
- Anacortes Community Forest Lands trails · Washington Park · Over 20 city parks
- Founded
- 1879
- Incorporated
- 1891
- Named After
- Anne Curtis Bowman, wife of founder Amos Bowman
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from a fishing and lumber town to a center for oil refining, tourism, and the arts, reflecting the changing economy of the Pacific Northwest.
- Key Events
- Established as Ship Harbor in 1860s · Renamed Anacortes in 1877 · Railroad speculation boom in 1890s · Oil refineries built in the 1950s