Moving to Kitsap County
Moving to Kitsap County-The Ultimate Guide
Kitsap County Population
The population of Kitsap County is around 276,000 and growing at a rate of 0.08% over the past year. In southern Kitsap there is a large Navy presence. Bangor Navy Base is where we hide the submarines and Bremerton Navy Base is where the big ships are. There are 4 main cities, Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard and Poulsbo. There are many unincorporated places in Kitsap County also such as Kingston, Hansville, Gorst and Silverdale.
Kitsap County Demographics
The following was taken from the 2010 census (Wikipedia) updates will be added when available
2010 census[edit]
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 251,133 people, 97,220 households, and 65,820 families residing in the county.[13] The population density was 635.9 inhabitants per square mile (245.5/km2). There were 107,367 housing units at an average density of 271.9 per square mile (105.0/km2).[14] The racial makeup of the county was 82.6% white, 4.9% Asian, 2.6% black or African American, 1.6% American Indian, 0.9% Pacific islander, 1.6% from other races, and 5.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.2% of the population.[13] In terms of ancestry, 21.3% were German, 14.4% were Irish, 13.8% were English, 7.1% were Norwegian, and 4.2% were American.[15]
Of the 97,220 households, 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.3% were non-families, and 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.97. The median age was 39.4 years.[13]
The median income for a household in the county was $59,549 and the median income for a family was $71,065. Males had a median income of $52,282 versus $38,499 for females. The per capita income for the county was $29,755. About 6.1% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.[16]
Kitsap County Weather
Parts of Kitsap, mostly North, are in the Sequim (pronounced squim) rain shadow. Average rainfall is about 29 inches per year in North Kitsap and 44 inches per year for central and south Kitsap County. Kitsap County is a peninsula with Puget Sound to the east and Hood Canal to the west. We have 4 seasons here! Yes, it can get a little breezy.
Companies Headquartered in Kitsap County
The US Navy has 2 bases in Kitsap. One for the big ships and one for the Trident submarines.
Amazon recently opened a new distribution center in Bremerton. There are many smaller businesses that service Kitsap County. Maybe Google will be here one day!
Jobs in Kitsap County
What kind of work would you like to do in Kitsap County? Do you want a career, part time? Well you’ll find plenty of all of it in Kitsap County. Not only do people work here, they also take one of the many ferries to Seattle to work.
There are also many agencies who can help you find that perfect employment opportunity such as Work Source, Olympic Peninsula Personnel, Express Employment Professionals and more.
Average Home Price in Kitsap County
Since Kitsap County is so diverse we have diverse properties to go with the population. On average a stick built house will sell for about $550k, a condo $405K and a manufactured home $115K. There are plenty of homes for more, not a lot for less. Since the community is surrounded by salt water, anything with a view of that water comes with a hefty price. No matter you taste there will be something here for you.
Kitsap County Commute Times
What can be said about commute times, they vary. Traffic is usually a breeze so its just a matter of where you are going. Since most of Kitsap is spread out sometimes you’ll need to travel 30-60 minutes. If you’re going to take a ferry that changes a lot BUT you can get things done while on the ferry. Kitsap is almost an island so if you want to leave its going to cost you, unless you leave through Shelton. You will be heading south for sure.
The Tacoma Narrows bridge takes you into Tacoma. Some may have seen old news reels about “Galloping Gerty”, that’s the old Tacoma Narrows bridge. The high winds still go right across the two bridges but there is no more galloping. Leaving Kitsap via the Tacoma Narrows bridge will cost you $6. The ferries also cost money. You’ll pay just under $20 each way in your car. If you walk on from Kitsap, its free of charge, coming back its $8.50. Now there is another way to leave Kitsap and that is via the Hood Canal Bridge. That one is free to cross and will land you onto the Olympic Peninsula. That’s where the Olympic National Park is.
Best Restaurants in Kitsap County
There aren’t as man restaurants in Kitsap per capita as there are on the “mainland”. There are no Ruth’s Chris over here but we do have a Grub Hub in Kingston. Silverdale and Bremerton have the usual franchised restaurants such as Applebees, Red Lobster, Olive Garden. In Kingston is a great Greek restaurant with authentic food. A low key lifestyle with low key food.
Kitsap County Nightlife
If you just want a beer there are plenty of places. If you’re looking for dancing your best bet will be one of the casinos. The Point has music and dancing. Clearwater also has music and dancing. Now that the masks are coming off there is entertainment most weekends.
Family-Friendly Activities in Kitsap County
Did someone say hiking? There are so many trails in Kitsap to hike and explore. https://www.visitkitsap.com/trail-maps
Boating and fishing are also a big thing. People store their water vehicles at home, in storage and at moorage. Here is a list of public boat slips
Outdoor Activities in Kitsap County
People in Kitsap County are outdoor people. So there are tons of things to do. You can hike, you can boat, fish, kayak, paddle board, dig for clams, sail, swim…the list goes on. About the only thing you can’t do is snow ski and mountain climb, then again if you drive a couple of hours you can do that too!
Kitsap County Housing Affordability
The “experts” say that housing is more affordable now than it was decades ago. How does that work? If you compare the cost of living now with previous years, the cost of housing is a much smaller percentage than a long time ago. As for Kitsap being affordable, yes its affordable. Not the biggest reason people move here though. You will get more bang for your buck in Kitsap County compared to King or Snohomish Counties.
Kitsap County Public School Districts
There are 5 school districts in Kitsap, North, Bainbridge Island, Central, Bremerton & South. This las year has given everyone challenges. Here are links to each district’s “report card”
Central Kitsap School District
Highest Rated Public Schools in Kitsap County
Like most statistics this one is very subjective. Highest rated in academics may not be highest rated in sports or graduation rates. Its up to you to decide. Here is a quote from a web site called Public School Review.
“Kitsap County, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Washington public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 61% statewide average). Schools in Kitsap County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Washington public schools.”
Kitsap County Neighborhoods
Many, many neighborhoods to choose from in Kitsap. We’ve got mansions on acreage and on the beach. If your style is a little more down to earth we’ve got those too. What’s your priority? Do you need to be close to shopping? Kitsap Mall is in Silverdale. How about schools? Got horses, we’ve got that too. A boat? There are lots of public and private moorage facilities.
Hansville has a picturesque marina in Driftwood Key. Of course there is fresh water boat launces as well as salt water. Silverdale has a larger salt water marina and boat launch.
Downtown Poulsbo looks as if you have flown away to Norway! The store fronts are all painted in Norwegian tradition.
East Bremerton has Kitsap Fairgrounds for rodeos and concerts and all the “fair food” you want.
Did I mention that Kitsap County is across Puget Sound from Seattle? Just a ferry ride away. There are 3 “fast ferries” which are foot traffic only that leave from Edmonds, Port Orchard and Bremerton. Currentyly only 3 vessels, two more coming!
Kitsap County Real Estate
Real Estate is as diverse as the population. Again we have modest homes all the way to mansions. You’ll find a home you love here.
Homes for Sale in Kitsap County
You’ll find a FEW homes for around $250,000 and from there the sky is the limit!
