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Vashon, WA

Frequently asked questions

Vashon, WA

Vashon is a census-designated place (CDP) in King County, Washington, United States. It covers an island alternately called Vashon Island or Vashon–Maury Island, the largest island in Puget Sound south of Admiralty Inlet. The population was 10,624 at the 2010 census and the size is 36.9 square miles (95.6 km²).

The island is connected to West Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula to the north and Tacoma to the south via the Washington State Ferries system, as well as to Downtown Seattle via the King County Water Taxi. The island has resisted the construction of a fixed bridge to preserve its relative isolation and rural character.  Vashon Island is also known for its annual strawberry festival, sheepdog trials, and agriculture.

Vashon Island sits in the midpoint of southern Puget Sound, between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. In the nearby Pacific Ocean, roughly 170 miles (270 km) west of Vashon Island, lies the 700-mile (1,130 km) tectonic boundary known as the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and as such, Vashon Island is one of many areas at risk for earthquakes or related natural disasters. The Cascadia Subduction Zone last saw a major rupture in 1700, but the potential of the zone could cause one of the worst natural disasters in the history of North America.

Up until the late 1700s, Vashon and Maury Islands were inhabited solely by American Indians, and there is evidence of human activity on Vashon Island dating back 10,000 to 12,000 years. Historical data from the era when the first Native Americans settled Vashon–Maury Island is limited. Some of the Native peoples known to have lived on Vashon Island were the Marpole culture from about 7,000 years ago, the Salish about 1,000 years ago, and the Sqababsh (known in Chinook Wawa as the S'Homamish) starting about 500 years ago, the latter of which established 5 known major village sites. The Tulalip Indians is another tribe that populated the villages along the shores of both islands. Fishing was abundant in the cold saltwater of the central Puget Sound basin, helping Native American tribes to thrive. Moreover, the many waterways and inlets provided easy travel by way of canoe.

The first non–Native American to explore and the first to chart this island was Captain George Vancouver, during his surveys of the Puget Sound area with the British Royal Navy. The island was named on May 28, 1792, by Vancouver after his friend James Vashon of the Royal Navy. Starting in 1824, different explorer and settler groups stayed on Vashon Island.

Maury Island, immediately to the southeast of Vashon, was named in 1841 by then Lt. Charles Wilkes in honor of William Lewis Maury, an officer in the United States Exploring Expedition. Maury was naturally separated from Vashon by a narrow passage, until local landowners decided to build an earth bridge, or isthmus, linking them together in 1916, thus creating the hamlet of Portage. Therefore, the two-piece isle was renamed Vashon-Maury Island. Between the two sections, it covers nearly 37 square miles (96 km²).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Vashon CDP has a total area of 80.8 square miles (209.3 km²), of which 36.9 square miles (95.6 km²) comprise the island and 43.9 square miles (113.6 km²) are the waters of Puget Sound surrounding the island.

To the west Vashon Island is separated from the Kitsap Peninsula by the Colvos Passage. The Dalco Passage separates Vashon Island from Tacoma to the south. Neighborhoods of Vashon Island include Magnolia Beach, which had a post office from 1908 to 1953, and Raeco, with a post office from 1907 to 1911.

Vashon places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Vashon Medical Clinic offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Vashon Athletic Club offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Start your wellness journey at the Vashon Studio where you can join classes that range from beginner to advanced levels. For those who prefer outdoor activities. For those who prefer outdoor activities, Point Robinson Park provides beautiful trails perfect for hiking and connecting with nature. If you're looking for a more immersive experience, consider the Vashon Veterans Retreat Center which offers wellness retreats focusing on mindfulness and holistic health. Rejuvenate with a massage at Vashon Natural Medicine, offering a range of therapeutic treatments. Enjoy a relaxing day at Lavender Hill Farm, where you can wander through fields of lavender and participate in wellness workshops.

Top sites in Vashon WA include Jensen Point Park, Maury Island Marine Park, Lavender Hill Farm, and Dockton Park.

Population: 10,939 (2022). Elevation:381 ft (116 m). Area: 37 square miles. ZIP Code: 98070. Area code: 206. 

FAQs

Is Vashon, WA expensive?

Vashon, Washington's cost of living is 31% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area. Vashon's housing expenses are 54% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 6% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 23% higher than the national average. Vashon has grocery prices that are 25% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Vashon is 30% higher than the national average.

Is Vashon, WA a good place to live?

Vashon is in King County. Living in Vashon offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Vashon there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Vashon and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Vashon are highly rated.

What is the median household income in Vashon, WA?

In 2022, Vashon, WA had a population of 10.9k people with a median age of 52.1 and a median household income of $103,222. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Vashon, WA grew from 10,886 to 10,939, a 0.487% increase and its median household income grew from $94,123 to $103,222, a 9.67% increase. The economy of Vashon, WA employs 5.06k people. The largest industries in Vashon, WA are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (757 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (643 people), and Manufacturing (633 people), and the highest paying industries are Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($155,613), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($155,025), and Public Administration ($129,063).

Sources

King County

Wikipedia

Payscale

Niche

Data USA

Jensen Point Park

Maury Island Marine Park

Lavender Hill Farm

Dockton Park

Vashon Medical Clinic

Vashon Athletic Club

Vashon Studio 

Point Robinson Park

Vashon Veterans Retreat Center

Vashon Natural Medicine

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