Median Income
$65,395
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$398,200
41% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
365/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Puget Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,136
Median Age56.1 yrs
Density150/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans17.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,395
Per Capita$35,847
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$133M
Commute61 min
Housing
B
Home Value$398,200
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$413,291
Housing Units505
Rent Burden46.2%
Crime
F
Violent365/100K
Property6,322/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain54.7 in/yr
Sunny Days237/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute61 min
Broadband83.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Puget Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Puget Island receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times, high obesity rates. Puget Island has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Puget Island is $65,395, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 61 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Puget Island is $398,200, 41% above the national median. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Puget Island is below the national average at 365 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,322 per 100,000, 223% above the national average.
Education
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Puget Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 237 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Puget Island has a population of 1,136 with a density of 150 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 56.1 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (78.3%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.9% of residents, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.1yrs
Median Age
44% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Puget Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.9%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.1%
43% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Puget Island vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Puget Island is $65,395, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,847. The average weekly wage is $867, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 132 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 61 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income: Puget Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,395 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,847 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $867 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,181 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 132 |
| County GDP | $133M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,483 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 60.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.6% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Puget Island is $398,200, 41% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $413,291. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 505 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,483 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 46.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $398,200 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $413,291 |
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 | 86.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.9% |
| Housing Units | 505 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,483 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.13% |
In Puget Island, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,563. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Puget Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,563 |
| Mental Health | 1:367 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,037/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Puget Island has a violent crime rate of 365 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,322 per 100,000, 223% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Puget Island receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Puget Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.8/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,322.2/100K |
| 223% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Puget Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 237 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.3 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 6 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 237 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 150/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1757°N, 123.3819°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Wahkiakum County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Washington Regional (KLS) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.7"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
13.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,043 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 16, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2001 |
7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington |
M6.8 |
119 km |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
8 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.8 |
100 km |
| Mar 25, 1993 |
4 km E of Scotts Mills, Oregon |
M5.6 |
140 km |
| Jun 10, 2001 |
18 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.0 |
111 km |
| Feb 14, 2011 |
31 km S of Morton, Washington |
M4.3 |
91 km |
| Jul 22, 2001 |
4 km WSW of DuPont, Washington |
M4.3 |
115 km |
| May 20, 1995 |
15 km NNE of Ashford, Washington |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Feb 23, 2017 |
11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Jun 15, 1994 |
1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.0 |
138 km |
| Jun 25, 2004 |
17 km W of Packwood, Washington |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Apr 24, 2003 |
3 km NW of North Portland, Oregon |
M3.9 |
78 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
37 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.9 |
92 km |
| Jan 3, 2018 |
37 km SSE of Morton, Washington |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Feb 8, 1995 |
9 km ESE of Hubbard, Oregon |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Aug 3, 2006 |
2 km WNW of Cherry Grove, Washington |
M3.8 |
73 km |
| Jun 12, 2021 |
3 km WSW of Skokomish, Washington |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
13 km ENE of Ashford, Washington |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
36 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Aug 23, 2013 |
24 km SSE of Mossyrock, Washington |
M3.7 |
78 km |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
5 km ESE of Scotts Mills, Oregon |
M3.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
48 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 303 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF3 |
87 km |
6 |
| Oct 14, 2016 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2015 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2014 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1991 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1989 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1985 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1984 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1975 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1967 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 2024 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2023 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2021 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2021 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2020 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 250.0 m (820 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1980 |
WASHINGTON |
Explosion |
250.0 m |
61 |
93 km |
| 1894 |
PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA |
Meteorological |
3.0 m |
2 |
143 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
— |
141 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
8 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
6 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: St. Helens (93 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Helens |
Stratovolcano |
2,549 m (8,363 ft) |
2008 |
93 km |
| West Crater |
Volcanic field |
1,329 m (4,360 ft) |
-5750 |
106 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
124 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
145 km |
| Adams |
Stratovolcano |
3,742 m (12,277 ft) |
950 |
146 km |
| Hood |
Stratovolcano |
3,426 m (11,240 ft) |
1866 |
158 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NAKIA CREEK (1,737 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NAKIA CREEK |
1,737 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
12.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
10.1 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
8.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
7.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
12.6 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
13.4 in |
Wettest |
Puget Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 40°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 85.1 inches, with December being the wettest month (13.4") and July the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Puget Island. 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 | $1,547 |
| Toddler | $1,078 |
| Preschool | $1,078 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,066 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $889 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Puget Island
What is the population of Puget Island?
Puget Island has a population of 1,136 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 150 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Puget Island expensive to live in?
Puget Island 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 $65,395, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $398,200 (41% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Puget Island safe?
Puget Island is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 365 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,322 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Puget Island receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Puget Island?
Puget Island has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 237 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 54.7 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Puget Island?
The job market in Puget Island is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $867. There are 132 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 61 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Puget Island?
The median home value in Puget Island is $398,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $413,291. The homeownership rate is 86.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,483.
How are the schools in Puget Island?
Schools in Puget Island score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Puget Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Puget Island?
The obesity rate in Puget Island is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 29.8% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Puget Island?
The average commute in Puget Island is 61 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.6% use public transit, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Puget Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Puget Island is 78.3% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 80.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are military veterans. 24.1% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.