San Juan County, Washington

San Juan County is a county located in the state of Washington, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,788. The county seat and largest town is Friday Harbor. The county was formed on October 31, 1873, from parts of Whatcom County.

Geography[edit | edit source]

San Juan County is composed of an archipelago of over 400 islands and rocks, 128 of which are named. The county has a total area of 621 square miles (1,610 km²), of which 174 square miles (450 km²) is land and 447 square miles (1,160 km²) (72%) is water. The county is located in the Salish Sea, which includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Strait of Georgia, and the Puget Sound.

Major Islands[edit | edit source]

History[edit | edit source]

San Juan County was named after San Juan Island, which in turn was named by the Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza in 1791. The county has a rich history, including the Pig War of 1859, a border dispute between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, there were 17,788 people, 8,357 households, and 5,153 families residing in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile (39/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, Asian, and other races.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of San Juan County is primarily based on tourism, real estate, and small-scale agriculture. The county is a popular destination for boating, whale watching, and other outdoor activities.

Government and Politics[edit | edit source]

San Juan County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The county is part of Washington's 2nd congressional district.

Education[edit | edit source]

San Juan County is served by several school districts, including the San Juan Island School District, Orcas Island School District, and Lopez Island School District. The county also has a branch of Skagit Valley College located in Friday Harbor.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Transportation in San Juan County is unique due to its island geography. The primary mode of transportation is by ferry, operated by Washington State Ferries. There are also several small airports, including Friday Harbor Airport and Orcas Island Airport.

Points of Interest[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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