The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98280 sells for about $700,000, or $450 per square foot.
Prices are down 5.4% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 45 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,200 a month.
ZIP 98280 — Orcas
The housing market in 98280 is currently experiencing a period of price adjustment following the rapid growth of previous years. Limited inventory and high interest rates have slowed transaction volume, leading to a more balanced market for buyers. The area remains a niche destination, with demand driven by lifestyle preferences rather than regional economic expansion.
This ZIP is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers seeking a quiet, nature-oriented lifestyle rather than proximity to urban employment centers.
Median prices moved down 5.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 45 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.2% · poverty 8.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 98280, San Juan County WA
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in the Orcas area are generally low, consistent with the rural, island-based nature of the community compared to mainland urban centers.
The area is served by the Orcas Island School District, which is highly regarded for its small class sizes and strong community involvement.
The region faces moderate wildfire risks and requires careful management of water resources, with insurance premiums reflecting the remote, island-based geography.
Economic momentum is driven primarily by tourism, seasonal hospitality, and a small but stable base of remote workers and retirees.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level in San Juan County, with rates determined by local levies and state-mandated school funding requirements.
Commuting is primarily via ferry to the mainland, making daily travel to major employment hubs in the Seattle-Tacoma area impractical.
The area is defined by extensive outdoor amenities, including Moran State Park, numerous hiking trails, and access to the San Juan Islands for boating and fishing.
The rental market is heavily influenced by seasonal demand and a limited supply of long-term housing, with significant pressure from short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is anchored by tourism, hospitality, and local services, with a significant portion of the population engaged in remote work or small-scale agriculture.
Development is strictly limited by island zoning and environmental conservation mandates, resulting in a very slow pipeline for new residential construction.
Parcels are subject to standard county property tax levies and specific school district funding measures.
Insurance costs are elevated due to the remote island location and wildfire exposure, with limited carrier options.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Cryptid Escapes4.919.7 mi
- Swinomish Casino & Lodge4.119.4 mi
- Roche Harbor Resort4.712 mi
- Snug Harbor Resort & Marina4.712.9 mi
- Lakedale Resort4.58.9 mi
- Fidalgo Bay RV Resort, Cabins and Event Venue4.415.6 mi
- Moran State Park4.85.4 mi
- Cattle Point Lighthouse4.810.5 mi
- San Juan County Park4.812.9 mi
- The Whale Museum4.57.1 mi
- Spencer Spit State Park4.74.3 mi
- Roche Harbor Resort4.712 mi
- Orcas Island Pottery4.96.9 mi
- The Whale Museum4.57.1 mi
- San Juan Island National Historical Park4.810.7 mi
- Lairmont Manor4.919.2 mi
- Washington Park4.711.2 mi
- Moran State Park4.85.4 mi
- San Juan County Park4.812.9 mi
- Spencer Spit State Park4.74.3 mi
- Obstruction Pass State Park4.82.9 mi
- Skyline Marine Center4.611.8 mi
- Roche Harbor Resort4.712 mi
- Poets Cove Resort & Spa4.118.6 mi
- Cap Sante Marina4.614 mi
- Snug Harbor Resort & Marina4.712.9 mi
- Buck Bay Shellfish Farm4.73.3 mi
- Victoria International Airport4.324.9 mi
- Bellingham International Airport4.521.3 mi
- Victoria Harbour (Camel Point) Heliport4.625.9 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A massive state park featuring Mount Constitution and several freshwater lakes.
The primary hub for local dining, ferry access, and small-scale retail.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.