Median Income
$67,017
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$361,900
28% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
141/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population584
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density499/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,017
Per Capita$28,222
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,664M
Commute16 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$361,900
Ownership89.4%
Zillow$821,981
Housing Units185
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent141/100K
Property8,388/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking10.6%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain49.9 in/yr
Sunny Days233/yr
Elevation12 ft (4 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+74.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 57%
Commute16 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Bow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bow receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Bow has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bow is $67,017, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bow is $361,900, 28% above the national median. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bow is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,388 per 100,000, 328% above the national average.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Bow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches, including 10.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Bow has a population of 584 with a density of 499 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (76.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bow is $67,017, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,222 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,133, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,142 business establishments, including 163 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,017 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,222 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,133 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,592 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,142 |
| County GDP | $4,664M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 163 |
| Healthcare | 188 |
| Retail | 230 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,447 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Bow is $361,900, 28% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $821,981, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 185 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $6,447 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $361,900 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $821,981 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.6% |
| Housing Units | 185 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,447 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.78% |
In Bow, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 10.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 15.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,242. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.6% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.9% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,242 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:305 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,965/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 188 |
Bow has a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,388 per 100,000, 328% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Bow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 140.8/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,388.1/100K |
| 328% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 142 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 12 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 233 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 12 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 499/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5613°N, 122.4078°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Skagit Regional (MVW) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.9"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
6.10"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
620 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.
| May 3, 1996 |
8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington |
M5.4 |
97 km |
| Apr 14, 1990 |
4 km ENE of Deming, Washington |
M5.0 |
36 km |
| Jan 29, 1995 |
3 km WSW of Des Moines, Washington |
M5.0 |
131 km |
| Jun 23, 1997 |
2 km NE of Enetai, Washington |
M4.9 |
108 km |
| Apr 25, 2003 |
26 km W of Brinnon, Washington |
M4.8 |
117 km |
| Jan 30, 2009 |
6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington |
M4.7 |
87 km |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington |
M4.6 |
82 km |
| Mar 3, 2025 |
2025 Orcas Island, Washington |
M4.5 |
30 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 |
19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada |
M4.4 |
116 km |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
11 km SE of Skykomish, Washington |
M4.3 |
134 km |
| Apr 2, 1990 |
2 km ENE of Deming, Washington |
M4.3 |
34 km |
| Feb 19, 1991 |
31 km E of Squamish, Canada |
M4.3 |
128 km |
| Sep 21, 2002 |
9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington |
M4.1 |
54 km |
| Feb 23, 2017 |
11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Jun 15, 1994 |
1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Apr 3, 1990 |
3 km ENE of Deming, Washington |
M4.0 |
35 km |
| Apr 14, 1990 |
2 km ESE of Deming, Washington |
M4.0 |
33 km |
| Dec 27, 2012 |
12 km E of North Saanich, Canada |
M4.0 |
63 km |
| Sep 26, 2024 |
12 km E of Saanichton, Canada |
M4.0 |
62 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington |
M4.0 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 13, 1986 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2005 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1971 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2004 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2004 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1997 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 38.0 m (125 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CHEHALIS LAKE, CHILLIWACK |
Meteorological |
38.0 m |
— |
105 km |
| 1894 |
PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA |
Meteorological |
3.0 m |
2 |
142 km |
| 1891 |
WASHINGTON |
Eruption + Earthquake |
2.4 m |
— |
102 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
— |
141 km |
| 1820 |
CAMANO ISLAND, WA |
Meteorological |
— |
— |
56 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
6 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Baker (50 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Baker |
Stratovolcano(es) |
3,285 m (10,778 ft) |
1880 |
50 km |
| Glacier Peak |
Stratovolcano |
3,213 m (10,541 ft) |
1700 |
108 km |
| Garibaldi |
Stratovolcano |
2,678 m (8,786 ft) |
-8060 |
150 km |
| Garibaldi Lake |
Volcanic field |
2,316 m (7,598 ft) |
Unknown |
159 km |
| Cayley Volcanic Field |
Volcanic field |
2,375 m (7,792 ft) |
Unknown |
185 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SOURDOUGH (7,517 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
SOURDOUGH |
7,517 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
GOODELL |
6,624 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
SUIATTLE RIVER |
4,400 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
COPPER LAKE |
3,825 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
BRUSH CREEK 2 |
3,186 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
MINERAL PARK |
3,010 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
SILESIA |
2,737 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
MCALLISTER CREEK |
2,581 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
BOULDER LAKE |
2,347 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
DOWNEY CREEK |
2,324 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CHILL |
2,242 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
BIGBEAVER |
1,807 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,174 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
58°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Bow has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 38°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (6.1") and July the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Bow. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,571 |
| Toddler | $1,257 |
| Preschool | $1,257 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,194 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $1,013 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bow
What is the population of Bow?
Bow has a population of 584 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 499 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Bow expensive to live in?
Bow is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,017, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $361,900 (28% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Bow safe?
Bow is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,388 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bow?
Bow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 233 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 49.9 inches, with 10.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Bow?
Bow has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,133. There are 2,142 business establishments in the area, including 163 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bow?
The median home value in Bow is $361,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $821,981. The homeownership rate is 89.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,447.
How are the schools in Bow?
Schools in Bow score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Bow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bow?
The obesity rate in Bow is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.6% of adults are smokers. 15.9% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,242.
What is transportation like in Bow?
The average commute in Bow is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bow is 76.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.