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Oak Harbor, WA

Frequently asked questions

Oak Harbor, WA

Oak Harbor is a city located on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington, United States. The population was 22,075 at the 2010 census. Oak Harbor was incorporated on May 14, 1915.

The Lower Skagit people have inhabited Oak Harbor and the nearby Crescent Harbor since time immemorial. There were several villages in the vicinity, and the modern settlement of Oak Harbor was built over one such village.

In the early 1850s, two settlers staked claims where the city now stands—Zakarias Martin Toftezen, a shoemaker from Norway; C.W. Sumner from New England. Irish and Dutch immigrants also arrived and settled in the area. Oak Harbor was named for the area's Garry Oak trees and was incorporated in 1915 with a population of 401. Houses and businesses sprouted up along the shores of Oak Harbor as the pioneers relied entirely on water transportation until the 1900s. For the next 30 years, steamers and freighters carried passengers and freight from the Island to the mainland and back as well as Fidalgo Island to the north. The city grew following the completion of the Deception Pass Bridge on July 31, 1935, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on September 21, 1942. The bridge, which linked Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island and the mainland, was a Public Works Administration project built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A nearby state park with 4,100 acres (17 km²) of forest, campsites, and trails was also developed.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.47 square miles (24.53 km²), of which, 9.42 square miles (24.40 km²) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km²) is water. Access to the island by land is only available by driving through Deception Pass. Other ways to travel to Whidbey Island include flying or utilizing a ferry service. The Mukilteo-Clinton ferry provides service connecting the southern end of Whidbey Island and just north of Seattle, WA, while the Coupeville-Port Townsend ferry connects to the Olympic peninsula.

Surveys of shorelines throughout the Puget Sound region have indicated that 58% are "unstable". Average retreat rates range from one to eight centimeters per year and shores in the Puget Sound area, composed of unconsolidated sediment, erode 10 to 100 times faster than rocky shorelines.

Oak Harbor places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. WhidbeyHealth Medical Center and Skagit Regional Health offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Thrive Community Fitness Oak Harbor offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Start your wellness journey with a workout at North End Fitness, a well-equipped gym offering a range of fitness classes. For a refreshing outdoor experience, explore the scenic trails at Joseph Whidbey State Park. Enhance your mental well-being by joining a session at the Whidbey Island Holistic Health Association, which offers various holistic therapies. Enjoy a relaxing massage at Seaside Spa and Salon. Harbor Square Athletic Club is another great option for fitness activities, including swimming and tennis.

Top sites in Oak Harbor, WA are Deception Pass State Park, Windjammer Park, Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, and Fort Nugent Park.

Population: 24,163 (2024). ZIP codes: 98277–98278. Area code: 360. Area: 9.47 square miles (24.53 km²). Elevation: 92 ft (28 m).

FAQs

What is Oak Harbor, WA known for?

Oak Harbor is the largest city on Whidbey Island, located on the North end of the island. Whidbey Island is home to Windjammer Park and is known for its gorgeous ocean views. Oak Harbor is also home to the Garry Oak Gallery which is Oak Harbor’s first artist cooperative, and the Whidbey Playhouse which is a local theater run by volunteers. If you’re looking for recreational activities Oak Harbor has plenty of options; bowling, golf, swimming, nature walks, hiking, bird watching, wine tasting, and more.

What is the crime rate in Oak Harbor, WA?

Oak Harbor has an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Oak Harbor is 1 in 104. How does Oak Harbor fare compared to other communities in Washington of all population sizes? Oak Harbor's crime rate is lower than approximately 72% of Washington communities.

Is Oak Harbor, WA a good place to live?

Oak Harbor is in Island County. Living in Oak Harbor offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Oak Harbor, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Oak Harbor and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Oak Harbor are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Oak Harbor

Niche

Oak Harbor Chamber

Neighborhood Scout

Deception Pass State Park

Windjammer Park 

Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum 

Fort Nugent Park

WhidbeyHealth Medical Center

Skagit Regional Health

Thrive Community Fitness Oak Harbor

North End Fitness

Joseph Whidbey State Park

Whidbey Island Holistic Health Association

Seaside Spa and Salon

Harbor Square Athletic Club

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.