San Juan Island Demographics
WHY DO PEOPLE MOVE HERE?
Personal security; clean environment; breathtaking beauty; wonderful, accessible beaches all year long; a real sense of community; no stop lights; we're in the sun belt; some of the best boating, fishing and diving in the world; we're close to cities, but still a small town; our growth rate manageable due to being on islands that are not as easy to access as other smaller communities; arts and recreation, restaurants; level of average education and technology.
These are just some of the reasons. Want to know more? Please e-mail, call, write, fax, or come in and see me.
WEATHER
The San Juan Islands average 247 sunny days annually. They are in the "Banana Belt", having the best 
weather in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most moderate climates in the world. Summer time temperatures are in the low 70's and winter time lows are in the high 30's and low 40's.
Rainfall averages 29 inches a year, about half of what falls in Seattle. There are often days when it will be raining in Seattle or Vancouver, but clear and sunny in the San Juans. This is primarily due to surrounding mountain ranges which keep moisture laden clouds at their sides and away from the islands.
Floods, hurricanes, blizzards and blistering heat are extremely rare events and when they do occur, they are mild compared to other parts of the country. Tornadoes are unknown in the islands.
BUSINESSES
With 2,021 registered businesses, San Juan County has the highest number of businesses per capita of any county in the state.
Unemployment was the 25th lowest of the states 39 counties, (and much of our unemployment has to do with many seasonal businesses). Average personal income is the highest in the state, however, many islanders make their money from dividends, interest and rent. The largest employers are in services, retail, construction, County government, miscellaneous businesses, manufacturing and wholesale trade.
The types of businesses range from the long standing tradition of commercial fishing to new world class high technology industries.
Business Association of San Juan Island
The Business Association of San Juan County offers many member benefits, one being the power of the collective community. But, you don't have to be a member to benefit from their web site which offers an array of information. Visit their site for travel tips, to become a member, live images and e-mail postcards.
San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce
Featuring Visitor and local information and a comprehensive listing of all Chamber Members.
San Juan County Government
County Governments in Washington State, including San Juan County, serve three major roles: State Agent, Regional Government and Local Government. Visit "the official county web site" for information on the elections, law, community service and more.
SCHOOLSSchools on San Juan Island are considered excellent due to the quality of teachers and administrative staff, the student/teacher ratio, student attitudes and involvement, parent and community participation, the curriculum, and sports, scholastic achievement and extra curricular programs.
San Juan Island School District
The mission of the San Juan Island School District is to educate students and to help them realize their full potential as responsible, productive, contributing members of society by providing an environment in which students are challenged, excellence is expected, and differences are valued. Visit their site for information about the district, school event schedules, or check up on homework.
San Juan County School Information
Spring Street School, San Juan Island
The mission of the Spring Street School is to provide capable young people in grades 6-12 with academic and personal challenge in a supportive setting. The school seeks, through an integrated approach to lifelong learning, to prepare students for the disciplined and compassionate exercise of the widest possible range of choices in life.
Children's House Montessori School, San Juan Island, 360-378-5255
Foxglove Preschool, San Juan Island, 360-378-4538
Head Start, San Juan Island, 360-378-6030
Lighthouse Preschool, San Juan Island, 360-378-4885
Paideia school, San Juan Island, 360-378-8322
COLLEGE
Skagit Valley Community College and Washington State University offer a great variety of courses and degrees to all ages through their modern extension facility in Friday Harbor. To find out more visit their sites:
Skagit Valley Community College
Washington State University
POPULATION
San Juan County is currently the fastest growing county in the state, per capita. There are approximately 12,400 people who reside full time in the islands and most of the population lives on the four larger islands served by the Washington State Ferry system, out of the 172 islands in total.
The links shown below provide descriptions and aerial images of most all islands in the San Juan Archipelagos.
Central - "Ferry Serviced" Island's
Includes: San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw Island's.
Outer - "Non-Ferry Serviced" Island's
Blakely, Brown, Center, Crane, Decatur, Frost, Henry, Johns, Obstruction, Pearl, Stuart, and Waldron Island's.
Privately Owned Island's
Canoe Island and Satellite Island, and a list of others.
Uninhabited Island's list
Marine State Park list
HISTORY - San Juan Islands
There is a great deal of fascinating history regarding the San Juan Islands that can be read within numerous published books.
The most notable historic period came about during what is known as the "Pig War", when the Americans and English disagreed as to who the islands belonged to and nearly went to battle over them to the point where military camps were constructed by the English on the north end of San Juan and by the Americans on the south end. It is called the Pig War because sides were drawn after an American shot an English pig that persisted to go into his garden.
English and American Camps are now National Historical Parks encompassing nearly 2,000 acres of waterfront with spectacular beaches and hiking trails.
TAX RATES
Visit the San Juan County Assessor web site for current information on tax rates.
BOATING AND FISHING
In San Juan County there are more boats per person than in any other county in the State of Washington and the Pacific Northwest is the boating capital of the world. The San Juan Islands are a boaters paradise for sailboats or motorboats, large or small. Their protected waters and the protected waters of adjacent areas in British Columbia provide endless adventure and exploration within one of the most physically beautiful environments in the world. There are numerous marine parks, islands and beaches available to the boater as well as many marinas.
San Juan Island – Bareboat Charters
Fishing Charters off San Juan Island
San Juan Island Sport Fishing
Salmon University
Invest in living a lifestyle!
Office Location: 105 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Mailing: PO Box 100, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Email: sambuck@sanjuanislands.com
Direct: (360) 317-6277 Office: (360) 378-2101 ext: 231
Toll Free: (800)451-9054 Fax: (360) 378-2998
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