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Mount Vernon, WA

Frequently asked questions

Mount Vernon, WA

Mount Vernon is the most populous city in, and county seat of, Skagit County, Washington, United States. A central location in the Skagit River Valley, the city is located 51 miles (82 km) south of the U.S.–Canada border and in between Vancouver, British Columbia (located 80 miles [130 km] to the north) and Seattle (60 miles [97 km] to the south). The population was 35,219 at the 2020 census, making it the 35th most-populous city in Washington, with a larger 62,966 people living in its urban area. It is one of two principal cities of and included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area, covering most of Skagit County.

Mount Vernon and its surrounding areas are known for its annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which has Mount Vernon hosts a street fair downtown once a year, with millions of tulips grown in the Skagit Valley every year. Between the 2000 and 2020 census, Mount Vernon grew by 34.3% and is a prominent location in Northwestern Washington, connected to neighboring communities via Interstate 5 and Amtrak (with Skagit Station).

Jasper Gates and Joseph Dwelley first settled on the banks of the Skagit River, where the city of Mount Vernon now lies, in 1870. Later on, Harrison Clothier came to the community in 1877 to teach school and join in business with a former student, E.G. English. They were later recognized as the city's founders and pioneer businessmen. A post office was established in November 1877 with Clothier appointed postmaster. The city was named after Mount Vernon, the plantation estate and resting place of George Washington. The two men laid out the city's first plan while the area was still heavily timbered.

Mount Vernon's first industry was logging; camps were set up to log the townsite. The community grew quickly following the loggers, and hotels and saloons opened up along the Skagit River next to English & Clothiers' store. While poised to grow, river access to the community was stymied by a massive and ancient log jam in the river which prevented large ships from being able to port. Mail carriers instead had to paddle canoes downstream to nearby Skagit City which enjoyed a brief period of prosperity thanks to this obstacle. The mining activity at nearby Ruby Creek spurred growth for a short time in 1880, gaining the city a new hotel, but little else was accomplished when the mines proved to be shallow. More logging operations were established but were not profitable due to the low price of logs at the time. By 1881, Mount Vernon's permanent population was a modest 75.

Growth in the 1880s was steady. In 1882, the Odd Fellows Lodge was established, followed by the first newspaper in 1884, The Skagit News. The first church, Baptist, was also established in 1884 but would not build a permanent building for several years. In November 1884, Mount Vernon's future was secured when it was chosen for the new Skagit County seat, taking the designation from La Conner. The Odd Fellows building, built the following year, served the county's needs until a permanent building was built.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.61 square miles (32.66 km²), of which, 12.30 square miles (31.86 km²) is land and 0.31 square miles (0.80 km²) is water.

Health and wellness are integral to the community's identity in Mount Vernon. Skagit Valley Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. The Skagit Riverwalk Park offers scenic trails for walking and jogging, while local fitness centers and wellness programs cater to the community's health needs. Start your wellness journey at the Mount Vernon Trail for a scenic hike or bike ride. For a rejuvenating spa experience, visit Spero Skin Spa Salon. Skagit Valley Family YMCA provides fitness classes, swimming, and wellness programs for all ages. Tri-Dee Arts offers creative workshops that can be therapeutic and relaxing.

Top sites in Mount Vernon are Roozengaarde, Lincoln Theatre (1926), Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Headquarters, and Tulip Town.

Population: 35,259 (2023). ZIP codes: 98273, 98274. Area code: 360, 564. Elevation: 180 ft (54.9 m). Area: 12.61 square miles (32.66 km²).

FAQs

Is Mount Vernon, WA expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Mount Vernon, WA is the same as the state average and 18% higher than the national average. Mount Vernon, WA housing is 36% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 8% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 13% more in Mount Vernon, WA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 13% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 23% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 13% pricier in Mount Vernon, WA.

What is the crime rate in Mount Vernon, WA?

With a crime rate of 32 per one thousand residents, Mount Vernon 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 31. Within Washington, more than 78% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Mount Vernon.

What is Mount Vernon WA known for?

Mount Vernon, named for the plantation estate and resting place of George Washington, is known for its annual Tulip Festival Street Fair, which is part of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. In addition to agriculture and tulips, tourism and a growing service industry support the local economy. Notable historical buildings include the Historic Lincoln Theatre on First Street in downtown Mount Vernon was originally built in 1926 as a vaudeville and silent movie house.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Mount Vernon

Rentcafe

Neighborhood Scout

Forbes

Roozengaarde 

Lincoln Theatre (1926) 

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Headquarters 

Tulip Town

Skagit Valley Hospital

Skagit Riverwalk Park

Mount Vernon Trail

Spero Skin Spa Salon

Skagit Valley Family YMCA

Tri-Dee Arts

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