| City: | Orcas, Washington |
| County: | San Juan County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:15:25 AM |
| Population: | 474 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 360 / 564 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 48.6165, -122.9095 |
| Land Area: | 6.188 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Orcas Island sits in Washington's San Juan Islands, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. With 474 year-round residents spread across 5.4 square miles, this remote island community balances permanent residents with a strong seasonal population. Of the 406 total housing units, 122 (30%) are used seasonally, creating a dramatic summer influx of visitors and second homeowners.
The Orcas post office maintains 359 PO Boxes for 259 occupied households, a 1.39 adoption rate that shows how this office serves beyond the immediate population. Island visitors, seasonal property owners, and residents scattered across rural roads all rely on the post office. Rural carrier routes reach just 2 distinct routes across the island's 68 named streets, but many islanders prefer the convenience of picking up mail in the village rather than waiting for rural delivery to remote properties.
Street names tell the island's story. White Beach Road, Grindstone Harbor Road, Foster Point Road, and Dolphin Bay Road trace the shoreline. Nature names dominate: Evergreen Way, Pine Ridge Drive, Mossy Meadow Way, Willow Creek Lane, and Sedum Hill Road. Some names capture local character: Uff Da Hill Road (a Scandinavian nod), Grey Havens Loop, and Time Bandit Trail.
The demographics fit a quiet, affluent island community. Median age: 57.8 years. Median home value: $926,800. Just 16 residents are under 18, and only 7 are in the 18-24 range. This isn't a family destination. It's where professionals and retirees go for solitude. Among workers, 17.8% work from home, and transportation/warehousing employs many (likely ferry workers and marine services). Educational attainment stands at 65.5% with bachelor's degrees or higher.
Orcas Island's post office has served the community since before ZIP codes existed (introduced before October 2004). General Delivery is available for those without established addresses, typical of isolated island communities. The ratio of 1.83 residents per household indicates mostly couples and singles, not families.
Street names blend coastal features (White Beach, Grindstone Harbor, Foster Point, Dolphin Bay) with nature themes (Evergreen, Pine Ridge, Willow Creek) and whimsical local character (Uff Da Hill, Grey Havens, Time Bandit Trail).
ZIP Code 98280 has 474 residents and 259 households (average 1.83 persons per household). The median age is 57.8 years, significantly older than the state (38.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.9% male and 51.1% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.9%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (87.6%, much higher than the state average of 66.6% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.5%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 474Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 442Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 76.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $80,192Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 259Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $1,031,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.83Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.33Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 342 | 352 | 373 | 368 | 415 | 456 | 434 | 417 | 438 | 384 | 394 | 398 | 427 | 442 |
| Decennial Census | 480 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 474 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 57.8
Male Median Age: 61.9
Female Median Age: 56
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 9 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 17 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 19 | 3 | 14 | 24 | 34 | 41 | 5 | 6 |
| Female | 5 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 7 | 13 | 25 | 19 | 37 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 14 |
| Total | 14 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 10 | 23 | 36 | 33 | 20 | 17 | 32 | 28 | 33 | 61 | 46 | 54 | 13 | 20 |
| White: | 415 | 91.81% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 12 | 2.65% |
| Asian: | 7 | 1.55% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 1.33% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.44% |
| Other: | 10 | 2.21% |
| Total: | 452 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 232 | 48.95% | 61.9 years |
| Females: | 242 | 51.05% | 56.0 years |
| Total: | 474 | 100% | 57.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 425 | 96.15% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 5 | 1.13% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 10 | 2.26% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 2 | 2.71% |
| Total Population: | 442 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 430 | 97.29% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 12 | 2.71% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $80,192, which is roughly equal to the national median ($80,734), is up $32,775 (69.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $26,525. Family households earn a median of $81,635 versus $74,013 for nonfamily households (a difference of $7,622). By gender, male median income is $132,344 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $132,344 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 39.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is a bit less than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (45.8%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $47,417 | $49,219 | $69,444 | $82,857 | $51,250 | $64,167 | $62,083 | $51,667 | $53,667 | $62,500 | $68,393 | $76,583 | $80,250 | $80,192 |
| Median Family Income | $55,000 | $49,896 | $90,417 | $101,500 | $100,625 | $122,500 | $109,583 | $105,357 | $90,833 | $93,472 | $78,281 | $85,417 | $98,125 | $81,635 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $27,321 | $41,875 | $60,250 | $41,250 | $0 | $27,256 | $29,563 | $29,797 | $31,875 | $55,536 | $63,875 | $69,342 | $72,171 | $74,013 |
| Median Male Income | $36,875 | $38,958 | $66,042 | $83,889 | $110,938 | $101,429 | $93,750 | $86,250 | $78,750 | $68,250 | $94,821 | $121,042 | $137,813 | $132,344 |
| Median Female Income | $32,625 | $21,250 | $65,417 | $67,750 | $65,556 | $0 | $35,714 | $35,893 | $39,583 | $0 | $66,250 | $51,667 | $65,000 | $0 |
| Employed: | 144 | 36.27% |
| Unemployed: | 7 | 1.76% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 246 | 61.96% |
| Total: | 397 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 66 | 45.83% |
| Service: | 28 | 19.44% |
| Sales and Office: | 23 | 15.97% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 15 | 10.42% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 12 | 8.33% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 144 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $1,031,300, which is considerably higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $315,600 (44.10%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $539,100. The median gross rent is $1,906, which is markedly greater than the national median ($1,413), is up $1,235 (184.05%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,018. Of occupied housing, owners make up 83.88% (37.44% with a mortgage, 62.56% free-and-clear) and renters 16.12% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 36.15%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $715,700 | $806,000 | $830,400 | $758,700 | $579,500 | $527,200 | $511,100 | $461,700 | $492,200 | $743,600 | $713,900 | $858,100 | $926,800 | $1,031,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 3 | 7.69% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 8 | 20.51% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 8 | 20.51% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 20 | 51.28% |
| Total: | 39 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $671 | $917 | $695 | $967 | $1,083 | $850 | $908 | $917 | $888 | $950 | $1,453 | $1,781 | $1,719 | $1,906 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 76 | 31.40% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 127 | 52.48% |
| Renter Occupied: | 39 | 16.12% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 242 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 242 | 63.85% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 137 | 36.15% |
| Total Housing Units: | 379 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 375 | 98.94% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 3 | 0.79% |
| Other Units: | 1 | 0.26% |
| Total Housing Units: | 379 | 100% |
In 2024, 68.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 99.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 4.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 52.70%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 7.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 1.60 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.60 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (50.65%). College enrollment is 35.06%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 4 | 1.03% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 31 | 7.95% |
| Some college, no degree: | 77 | 19.74% |
| Associate's degree: | 11 | 2.82% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 147 | 37.69% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 120 | 30.77% |
| Total: | 390 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 386 | 98.97% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 267 | 68.46% |
| Private Insurance: | 348 | 58.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 231 | 38.50% |
| No Insurance: | 21 | 3.50% |
| Total: | 600 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 579 | 96.50% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 7.1% | 7.8% | 6.7% | 6.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 6.3% | 8.9% | 9.1% | 9.9% | 7.7% | 8.1% | 5.5% | 7.7% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 39 | 50.65% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 11 | 14.29% |
| College or graduate school: | 27 | 35.06% |
| Total: | 77 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 50 | 64.94% |
ZIP Code 98280 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 13 business establishments, employing about 78 people with an annual payroll of $4,119,000. USPS data shows 0 residential mailboxes and 1 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 390Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 13Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $803,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $4,119,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 78Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 98280 is located in San Juan County, Washington, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Washington's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 98280. It covers 6.188 sq mi of land and a water area of 5.8 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 6.188 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 5.8 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1015.02 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 98280 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.