Is living in Fox Island in your future? Fox Island is a serene strip of land in the Puget Sound that only measures about 6.5 square miles. The island has great schools, parks, and beautiful beaches. A bridge connects the island to the Kitsap Peninsula just south of Gig Harbor, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge takes commuters into Tacoma from there. Fox Island offers stunning views of Mt Rainier and the Olympics. The island has a rural feel, and with a population density of only 600 per square mile, residents have lots of privacy.
What Is Fox Island Known for?
Fox Island is known for its many outdoor activities, and most are tied to the sea. Fishing is popular on the Fox Island Fishing Pier. The clean waters of the Puget Sound provide one of the best shellfish habitats in the world, making shellfishing a popular activity. Washington State is the nation’s leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish, such as clams, mussels, and oysters.
The cold waters of the Puget Sound provide some of the best scuba diving in the world, with opportunities to see the Giant Pacific Octopus, wolf eels, sponges, and more. Kayak and paddleboard trails, as well as boating, are great ways to see Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, and Blue Herons.
The annual Fox Island Fair is the largest event on the island, with live music, food, games, and the world’s shortest parade. You’ll love the tranquil lifestyle of living in Fox Island.
Where Is Fox Island, WA?
Fox Island is an island and census-designated place (CDP) situated in the Puget Sound. It is considered one of the cities near Tacoma. Although only about 9 miles directly east of Tacoma over the Puget Sound, the fastest route to Tacoma is about 20 miles.
What County Is Fox Island WA in?
Fox Island is located in Pierce County.
Is There a Ferry to Fox Island WA?
No, there is no ferry to Fox Island WA. So, how do you get onto Fox Island? It is accessible by car.
Does Anyone Live on Fox Island?
Yes! There are nearly 4,000 people living in Fox Island.
Map of Fox Island, WA
Fox Island WA Population and Demographics
The Fox Island population is 3,921. The Puget Sound area was once the home of a number of Native American tribes, including the Puyallup people, Nisqually people, Steilacoom people, and Squaxin people.
European settlers decimated the native populations through colonization and a number of brutal smallpox epidemics, with some tribes losing as much as two-thirds of their total population. The indigenous peoples ceded their land to the United States in 1854. During the Puget Sound War from 1855 to 1856, the indigenous peoples were interned on Fox Island. Only a small remnant of the Native American population remains on Fox Island today.
Race & Ethnicity
- White alone 91.2%
- Black or African American alone 0.3%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.3%
- Asian alone 2.3%
- Two or more Races 2.9%
- Hispanic 2.7%
Here’s an overview of Fox Island’s demographics:
- Population density: 610 per square mile
- Median age: 50.5
- Sex ratio: 50.2% males, 49.8% females
- Median household income: $172,917
- Educational attainment: 98.7% high school degree or higher, 58.6% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 2.1%
- Veteran population: 272
Is Fox Island Safe?
Yes, Fox Island is a very safe place to live, and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is dedicated to protecting life and property in the community while upholding rights and working in partnership with residents to build a strong, safe community.
The crime rate in Fox Island is 618 per 100,000 people, which is 73% lower than the national average! It’s why so many love living in Fox Island. The violent crime rate in Fox Island is 81% lower at 68 crimes per 100,000 people. There’s truly a small-town community feel while living in Fox Island.
Fox Island WA Cost of Living
Fox Island residents are used to an expensive lifestyle. The cost of living in Fox Island is 79% higher than the US average and 61% higher than the Washington state average, making it more expensive than the cost of living in Tacoma. Housing is the most expensive cost of living factor to consider when moving to Fox Island.
The Fox Island WA real estate market has costs that are 194% higher than the state average. This is especially true with waterfront estates, which make downtown Tacoma look cheap! The median sale price of a home in Fox Island is $1.93M, and a local real estate agent can walk you through any additional costs, like HOA bills that come with living in Fox Island. The cost per square foot for a home in Fox Island is $526. Check out the many current homes for sale Fox Island WA currently has listed for sale.
On the other hand, renting in Fox Island can be very affordable. According to Zillow, the average rent in Fox Island is $1,406. By comparison, renters in Tacoma pay about $1,488 a month in rent. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Fox Island WA on RentCafe, where a great variety of homes and apartments are listed.
Typical Fox Island Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $18.00
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.38
- Dozen eggs: $4.65
- 1 pound of chicken: $7.34
- Average Fox Island monthly utility bill: $229.80
Source: Numbeo, Tacoma, WA
The Best Neighborhoods in Fox Island
Living in Fox Island offers a wide variety of housing options, although the island mainly has single-family homes. Many homes are secluded in private, woodsy areas or beachfront properties. From large estates to Northwest contemporaries and traditional condos, Fox Island has a lot to offer. Because Fox Island is considered to be one of the neighborhoods of Tacoma, there aren’t neighborhoods inside of Fox Island itself.
Many of the homes there were built from the 1970s to the late 1990s, although you can find a number of homes built in the 2000s and later. Amenities in Fox Island include pools and private trails. Privacy is common in Fox Island, as most homes have large lot sizes and shaded, tall trees. Fox Island is considered a bedroom community and has few shopping and dining options. However, the Fox Island Bridge quickly connects residents to the metro Gig Harbor area with many shopping and dining opportunities.
Fox Island WA Weather & Climate
Fox Island features a mild climate year-round, and temperatures rarely drop below freezing in the winter. Summer temps typically reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the summer breezes are refreshing. Springtime in Fox Island brings out wildflowers, bathing the island in color. In the Fall, the leaves turn bright oranges and reds. Fox Island gets an average of 45 inches of rain per year, and snow accumulates to about 2 inches per year. There are about 141 sunny days per year on Fox Island. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time of year to visit Fox Island is from mid-July to late August.
Things to Do in Fox Island WA
Fox Island offers many things to see and fun activities to do, especially water activities such as fishing, shell fishing, kayaking, and boating. You can also find convenient shopping at Fox Island Trading Co., Uptown Gig Harbor, and Olympic Towne Center. Here are some of the best things to do near Fox Island:
Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve
The Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit is just over five acres and offers open green space for picnicking, water access for non-motorized watercraft, and stunning vistas. The park also has a wooded trail system to explore. Many people come here while living in Fox Island.
53 Bella Bella Dr, Fox Island, WA 98333, (253) 858-3400
Escape Hour Gig Harbor
Escape Hour Gig Harbor is an award-winning immersive experience beyond traditional escape rooms. The rooms are designed for optimum engagement and awe-inspiring moments. Escape Hour will test your wit, skill, and problem-solving abilities.
3212 50th St Ct #104, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253) 313-0107
Fox Island Fishing Pier
The popular Fox Island Fishing Pier is an excellent fishing spot and is part of a 9-acre site that includes 635 feet of shoreline, a handicap-accessible pier, and paved pathways. Dogs on leashes are welcome. You’ll also often see the Fox Island Yacht Club out on their boats living the island life.
1453 Ozette Drive Fi, Fox Island, WA 98333, (253) 858-3400
Additional Attractions near Fox Island, WA:
If you’re looking for more activities, Fox Island has many parks to enjoy, as well as the Fox Island Nature Center, which includes several wetland areas, a marsh, a stream, a rainforest area, and many coniferous and deciduous trees. Other nearby parks include Hales Park Pass, Harbor Family Park, Tacoma Narrows Park, and Titlow Park Sprayground. These are favorites of those living in Fox Island with kids!
Fox Island WA Restaurants
Fox Island offers a wide selection of cuisines to satisfy a variety of tastes, from pubs to family-friendly restaurants. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments while living in Fox Island.
Sunset Grill
The Sunset Grill serves up the best in family-friendly cuisine in a casual, clean atmosphere. They serve all your breakfast favorites all day long. The menu also features a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads. Sunset Grill has a full-service bar and lounge, offering a wide selection of draft beer, bottled beer, and wine.
4926 Point Fosdick Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253) 851-8282
The Hub Gig Harbor
The Hub Gig Harbor features delicious homemade meals in a warm, casual atmosphere. Menu highlights include hand-tossed pizzas, mouth-watering burgers, house-made soups and salads, Alaskan cod and chips, and their popular Cajun Tots. Check it out while living in Fox Island.
1208 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253) 853-1585
Boathouse 19 Bar & Grill
Boathouse 19 is home to fresh seafood and a stunning view of the Narrows Bridge. Start off with soups and chowders, then bite into a burger, taco, or sandwich for light fare or one of Boathouse 19’s seafood platters. They also serve New York Strip and Sirloin steaks.
9001 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466, (253) 565-1919
Jobs in Fox Island WA
If you’re living in Fox Island, you’ll want a job nearby. Fox Island provides job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, public administration, and construction. Fox Island’s proximity to Tacoma offers additional employment opportunities.
One of the major employers in Gray’s Harbor County, WA is Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a state-of-the-art military training facility that is fully capable of mobilizing and deploying operations for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. JBLM supports over 40,000 active, Guard, and Reserve service members and approximately 15,000 civilian workers.
Other major employers in the county include MultiCare Health System, CHI Franciscan Health, and Boeing. If you’re looking for a job in Fox Island, check out Indeed and other job search sites.
Schools in Fox Island WA
For the students living in Fox Island, Fox Island is part of the Peninsula School District. Fox Island students typically attend Voyager Elementary, Kopachuck Middle, which ranks as the fifth-best public middle school in the county, and Gig Harbor High School. Students at Gig Harbor have opportunities to participate in nearly 30 after-school clubs, including the Sports Medicine Club and ASL Club. Peninsula School District is highly rated and committed to inspiring and empowering to reach their full academic and personal potential.
Excellent private school options near Fox Island include Gig Harbor Academy, Charles Wright Academy, and Lighthouse Christian School.
For further education near Fox Island, options include the University of Washington, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Tacoma Community College, and the University of Puget Sound.
For a more relaxing day while living in Fox Island, check out the Gig Harbor Branch Library, where you can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more. It’s really popular amongst families with kids!
Fox Island WA Statistics & Information
- Fox Island WA county: Pierce County
- Area: 6.4 square miles
- Zip code Fox Island WA: 98333
- Area code: 253
- Elevation: 328 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Moving to Fox Island WA? All Ready Moving Can Help
There’s so much to love about living in Fox Island, including the easy commuting to Tacoma. If you’re moving to the Tacoma area but want to watch your children grow up surrounded by wildlife, neighbors, and more acreage than in nearby Tacoma neighborhoods, Fox Island may be for you! If you’re moving to Fox Island WA, you don’t need to worry. All Ready Moving is a top Fox Island moving company that has helped hundreds each year move to the suburbs! Call us at 360-507-2447 for a free quote.
