Is Anacortes Safe, Pros and cons of living in Anacortes

Anacortes, Washington, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and small-town community, nestled on Fidalgo Island in the scenic Skagit Valley. Known for its access to the San Juan Islands and its maritime heritage, Anacortes presents an appealing destination for those seeking a balance between natural beauty and accessible amenities. The city’s strategic location and picturesque surroundings contribute to its desirability as a place to live and visit.

This profile delves into the various facets of life in Anacortes, exploring its safety, economic landscape, cost of living, and community features. By examining current data on crime rates, housing, employment, climate, schools, and demographics, this overview aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for anyone considering a move to this Washington gem. Anacortes is more than just a gateway to the islands; it’s a community with its own distinct character and offerings.

Is it Safe to Live in Anacortes?

Anacortes presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant careful consideration. The city’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a notable increase in property crime (15 per one thousand residents) compared to the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, violent crime rates in Anacortes are generally considered to be about average for communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Despite these statistics, Anacortes is described by some sources as boasting an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safer cities in the United States (as reported by Crime Explorer). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is cited as 1 in 1068, while property crime presents a higher risk at 1 in 67 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest area (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Anacortes reflects a significant increase in value compared to national averages. The median home price in Anacortes is approximately $767,000 (as reported by Redfin), which is 76% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). This median home value is also listed as $639,157 (as reported by Livability.com), indicating a competitive market for potential homeowners.

Rental prices in Anacortes are also above the national average. The average monthly rent is reported to be $2,094 (as reported by Redfin), with other sources indicating an average rent of $2,700 (as reported by Zillow). This is substantially higher than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,950 per month, while a two-bedroom can cost approximately $2,700 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Market Trends

The Anacortes housing market is characterized as very competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling relatively quickly (as reported by Redfin). In March 2026, home prices saw a year-over-year decrease of 5.1%, with a median sale price of $740,000 (as reported by Redfin). However, the median sale price per square foot has seen an increase of 1.5% over the past year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices have also experienced fluctuations, with a 1% decrease in the last month but a 23% increase over the past year (as reported by Zumper). The median listing price in Anacortes is currently $900K, with approximately 166 homes for sale, indicating a measured inventory level (as reported by Anacortes, WA Housing Market & Rental trends).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Anacortes is higher than both the national and Washington state averages. It is estimated to be 20% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). This figure is supported by other analyses that place the cost of living 11% higher than the national average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert) and 10% more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

While Anacortes is considered the 62nd most expensive city in Washington state (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert), it is noted as being less expensive than the average city in Washington by some metrics (as reported by Livability.com and ERI Economic Research Institute). Key components contributing to the higher cost of living include housing, groceries, and healthcare.

Key Expenses

Housing costs in Anacortes are significantly above the national average, estimated to be 76% higher (as reported by Redfin). Groceries are also more expensive, costing 9% more than the national average (as reported by Redfin). Healthcare expenses are also a factor, with costs reported as 17% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin).

Transportation costs are also noted as being more expensive than the United States average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The cost of food in Anacortes is also less affordable than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Job Market and Employment

Anacortes’s economy is robust, with a higher number of jobs per capita compared to both Skagit County and Washington state averages, positioning it as an employment center relative to its population (as reported by Economic Development – Anacortes, WA). The manufacturing sector, particularly petroleum and ship/boat building, plays a significant role in the local economy, contributing substantially to employment and wages (as reported by Economic Development – Anacortes, WA).

Healthcare is the largest industry by employment, accounting for 16% of jobs and contributing 14% of wages. Other significant sectors include educational services and retail trade, which together comprise a substantial portion of employment and wages (as reported by Economic Development – Anacortes, WA). However, a notable characteristic of the Anacortes job market is that a significant percentage of jobs are filled by workers who live outside of Anacortes (as reported by Economic Development – Anacortes, WA).

Major Employers

Several key industries and companies drive employment in Anacortes. The manufacturing sector, including petroleum refining and ship/boat building, is a major contributor. Companies like Tesoro Anacortes Refinery and Dakota Creek Industries are significant employers in these fields (as reported by Looking for Work in Anacortes? Start Here). Additionally, healthcare services are a large employer, with Island Hospital being a prominent institution (as reported by Looking for Work in Anacortes? Start Here).

The Anacortes School District is also a major employer, providing educational services to the community. Other notable employers include Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Washington State Ferries, and Trident Seafoods Corporation, contributing to the diverse economic landscape of the city (as reported by Looking for Work in Anacortes? Start Here).

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate for the Mount Vernon-Anacortes MSA has shown a downward trend, decreasing from 6.4% in 2017 to 4.9% in 2023 (as reported by FRED). As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in Washington state was 5.1%, while the national rate was 4.3% (as reported by Employment Security Department – WA.gov). This indicates a relatively stable labor market.

The average annual salary in Anacortes is reported to be around $56,317 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), though other sources suggest a median household income of $91,951 (as reported by Livability.com and US Census Bureau). The average annual pay is noted as $44,174.00 (as reported by CityRating.com), indicating a range in salary data depending on the source and methodology.

Climate and Weather

Anacortes experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with summers that are generally short, comfortable, and dry, while winters are colder, wetter, and mostly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature typically fluctuates between 37°F and 71°F throughout the year, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 27°F or above 78°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The warmest period in Anacortes spans about 2.9 months, from mid-June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 66°F. August is the hottest month, with an average high of 70°F and a low of 53°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cooler season lasts for approximately 3.3 months, from mid-November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 50°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 38°F and highs of 45°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Cloud Cover

Anacortes receives an average annual rainfall of 28 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in cloud cover. The clearer part of the year typically begins in mid-June and lasts for about 3.6 months, with August being the clearest month, averaging 67% clear or partly cloudy skies (as reported by Weather Spark).

The cloudier period commences in early October and extends for approximately 8.4 months, concluding in mid-June. January is generally the cloudiest month, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies occurring around 71% of the time (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual snowfall of 3 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Anacortes is served by the Anacortes School District, which provides education for students from elementary through high school. The public schools in Anacortes are generally highly rated, with several receiving positive reviews on platforms like Niche. Anacortes High School, for instance, is rated A- on Niche and has received a 9/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com).

Anacortes High School has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1, and state test scores indicate that 60% of students are proficient in math and 87% in reading (as reported by Niche). Anacortes Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1, with 58% of students proficient in math and 58% in reading (as reported by Niche).

School Performance

Elementary schools in Anacortes also receive commendations. Fidalgo Elementary School and Island View Elementary School are recognized among the best public elementary schools in Washington (as reported by Niche). Mount Erie Elementary School also holds a high rating (as reported by Niche).

Niche rankings, which are based on analysis of U.S. Department of Education data and user reviews, place Anacortes among the top locations for public schools in Washington state. Anacortes High School is ranked #55 out of 432 public high schools in Washington (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Anacortes has a population of approximately 17,966 people, making it the 79th most populated city in Washington state out of 628 cities, according to the most current US Census data (as reported by Livability.com and US Census Bureau). The projected population for 2026 is around 18,385, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 1.2% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

The racial composition of Anacortes is predominantly White, accounting for 85% of the population. Other significant demographic groups include Hispanic residents at 5.9%, and individuals identifying with Two or More Races at 5.8% (as reported by Livability.com). The city has a high rate of US citizenship, with 98.5% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA).

Age and Income

The median age of residents in Anacortes is 50.5 years, indicating a population that skews older compared to the national average (as reported by US Census Bureau and World Population Review). This is consistent with many residents being retirees. The median household income in Anacortes was reported as $91,951 in 2024 (as reported by Livability.com and World Population Review).

Despite the strong median income, 5.2% of Anacortes families live below the poverty line (as reported by Livability.com). The average per capita income is approximately $61,999 (as reported by World Population Review).

Pros and Cons of Living in Anacortes

Pros

Anacortes offers a high quality of life with its beautiful coastal setting and access to outdoor recreation, including boating and exploring the nearby San Juan Islands (as reported by Livability.com). The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community, with many residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). The public school system is highly rated, providing excellent educational opportunities for families (as reported by Niche).

The city boasts a diverse economy with major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and maritime industries, offering various employment opportunities. Anacortes also benefits from a generally pleasant climate, with comfortable summers and mild winters, averaging 28 inches of rainfall annually (as reported by Livability.com).

Cons

The cost of living in Anacortes is notably higher than the national average, particularly in housing, which is significantly more expensive than the national median (as reported by Redfin and Livability.com). While violent crime rates are average, property crime rates are higher than the national average, which is a consideration for safety (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Although Anacortes is an employment center, a substantial number of jobs are filled by commuters from outside the city, which can impact the local economy’s direct benefit to residents. The median age of the population is also higher, suggesting a larger retiree demographic, which may influence the social and economic dynamics of the community.