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Anacortes, WA

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Anacortes, WA

Anacortes is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. The name "Anacortes" is an adaptation of the name of Anne Curtis Bowman, who was the wife of early Fidalgo Island settler Amos Bowman.  Anacortes' population was 17,637 at the time of the 2020 census. It is one of two principal cities of and included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Anacortes is known for the Washington State Ferries dock and terminal serving Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island. There is also a Skagit County-operated ferry that serves Guemes Island, a residential island located across the Guemes Channel, north of Anacortes.

Anacortes is within the historical territory of the Samish people. Anacortes was officially incorporated on May 19, 1891. In 1877, railroad surveyor and town founder Amos Bowman moved his family to the northern tip of Fidalgo Island. Bowman began promoting the area as an obvious terminus for the Northern Pacific Railway as it was built through the north Cascades to the Pacific. Bowman established the town's first newspaper, The Northwest Enterprise, to promote his vision of the New York of the West.

Seattle and Northern Company began building a rail line from the town in 1888. Real estate and development boomed from 1888 to 1890 as a result of the railroad rumors, and the Oregon Improvement Company posted $15 million in bonds to develop the town.

In 1891, the real estate bubble burst. Speculators lost money and the Oregon Improvement Company could no longer afford to complete tracks over the Cascades. The town failed to become the railroad terminus Bowman had envisioned. After the bust, the town became prominent for its fishing tradition, thriving canning industry, and timber mills. 

Anacortes is on Fidalgo Island. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.53 square miles (40.22 km²), of which 11.75 square miles (30.43 km²) is land and 3.78 square miles (9.79 km²) is water.

Anacortes is on Fidalgo Island. Rosario Strait and the San Juan Islands are to the West while to the South, Deception Pass separates Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. To the East, the Swinomish Channel separates Fidalgo Island from the mainland. The weather is milder than in other areas of the Pacific Northwest because it lies within the Olympic Mountain rain shadow. Fidalgo Island gets 21 inches of rain per year, only half as much as Seattle.

First known as Ship Harbor, Anacortes was established with a name and a post office in 1879 in the vain hope that it would be selected as the western terminus of the transcontinental railroad. The town was officially incorporated in 1891 shortly after the railroad bust, and became a lumber and fishing center.

In the 1950s, oil companies built big refineries near Anacortes. Two of the five refineries operating in Washington are located near the town. One is owned and operated by Marathon Petroleum (opened in 1955, it was originally built and owned by Shell Oil and later operated by Andeavor [formerly Tesoro]), operating as the Marathon Anacortes Refinery, the other was owned and operated by Shell Puget Sound Refinery Company (opening in 1957, and originally built and owned by Texaco). However, HollyFrontier has now bought the refinery. Refining remains the area's largest industry, but the economic base now includes yacht construction/shipbuilding, and tourism.

Anacortes places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Island Health offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Thrive Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. The Apothecary Spa is known for its serene atmosphere and therapeutic treatments. Tara Nurturing Massage Therapy specializes in personalized massage therapy sessions. Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center provides swimming facilities and fitness classes for all ages. Healthy Kneads Body Work offers therapeutic massages and bodywork sessions. Wellness for Life Clinic focuses on integrative medicine and wellness programs.

Top sites in Anacortes, WA are Deception Pass State Park, Cap Sante Marina, Seafarers Memorial Park, and Swinomish Casino & Lodge.

Population: 18,148 (2024). ZIP code: 98221. Area code: 360. Elevation: 23 ft (7 m). Area: 15.53 square miles (40.22 km²).

FAQs

Is Anacortes, WA expensive to live in?

Based on our Anacortes cost of living calculator, Anacortes is 8% more expensive than the national average and 5% less expensive to live in than the average city in Washington. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Anacortes are less affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Anacortes are less affordable than average in the United States. Housing costs in Anacortes are less affordable than average in the United States. Healthcare costs in Anacortes are less affordable than the US average.

What is the crime rate in Anacortes, WA?

With a crime rate of 34 per one thousand residents, Anacortes has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 30. Within Washington, more than 79% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Anacortes.

What is Anacortes, WA known for?

Anacortes is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. Anacortes is known for the Washington State Ferries dock and terminal serving Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island. There is also a Skagit County-operated ferry that serves Guemes Island, a residential island located across the Guemes Channel, north of Anacortes.

Sources

City of Anacortes

Wikipedia

Neighborhood Scout

Erieri

Deception Pass State Park

Cap Sante Marina

Seafarers Memorial Park

Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Island Health

Thrive Fitness

The Apothecary Spa

Tara Nurturing Massage Therapy

Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center

Healthy Kneads Body Work 

Wellness for Life Clinic focuses

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