Living in Ocean Shores Washington brings you to a lovely location where the sunsets and beaches are beautiful, the community is engaging, and the environment is bustling with things to keep you busy!
Incorporated in 1970, this city emanates a small-town feel with a lovely mix of retirees, families, and tourists who flock to the sand and shops scattered along the main strip.
If you’ve ever wondered what moving to Ocean Shores is like, join us as we uncover all there is to know about this alluring locale.
Where Is Ocean Shores WA?
You might be able to visualize where those living in Olympia are located, but where is Ocean Shores WA, and what county is Ocean Shores WA in?
Located in beautiful Grays Harbor County, Ocean Shores features a coastal location on the Olympic Peninsula, where views of the Pacific greet you on the daily. In fact, Ocean Shores is completely surrounded by water aside from its northern border, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the waters of the North Bay to the east. The famed Ocean City State Park is just to the north, as are other towns/neighborhoods in Grays Harbor County, including Oyehut, Ocean City, and Copalis Beach.
Common directions to Ocean Shores WA include:
Public transit is helmed by Grays Harbor Transit, ensuring residents and visitors can easily explore the area.
Overall, living in Ocean Shores WA places you on a classic Pacific Northwest coast where outdoor activities are endless.
Ocean Shores WA Population & Demographics
What is the population of Ocean Shores WA? As of the 2020 Census, there are 6,715 people living in Ocean Shores Washington, a considerable increase of 20.6% since 2010! The population density sits at 788.2 people per square mile, so it’s nice and spread out, while a majority of residents own their own homes, featuring an 80.3% owner-occupied housing rate.
41% of the Ocean Shores population is over the age of 65, as there’s a good handful of retirees, making the median age 62.1 years. There’s an average of 1.90 people within each of the 3,587 households, so 2-person families are common, while additional Ocean Shores WA demographics include:
- Sex ratio: 51.6% women & 48.4% men
- Median age: 62.1 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 88.3% White alone (85.7% White, non-Hispanic), 0.0% Black/African American, 3.8% American Indian/Alaska Native, 2.6% Asian, 3.2% Hispanic/Latino, 4.3% Two or More Races.
- Ocean Shores median household income: $54,435/year
- Education: 90.7% of residents living in Ocean Shores WA 25+ years old have a high school diploma, while 20.3% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 6.1%
If you have plans on moving to Ocean Shores WA, you might be curious, is Ocean Shores safe? Estimates place the Ocean Shores WA crime rate anywhere from 20-70% higher than the national average, as there aren’t defined FBI statistics for the area. This is fairly similar to the crime rate in Olympia.
While crime rates may seem higher in some reports, many residents feel secure and enjoy the peaceful, laid-back lifestyle that Ocean Shores is known for. Local law enforcement (The Ocean Shores Police Department) and community programs work diligently to maintain a safe environment for families, retirees, and visitors alike.
Cost of Living in Ocean Shores WA
While there isn’t a set cost of living index for Ocean Shores, we’ll use the cost of living in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater WA Metro to draw insights. With the cost of living in Olympia being 15.3% higher than the national average, Ocean Shores will present similar figures, albeit with differences in the housing market.
Before breaking down real estate trends, keep in mind the Family Budget Calculator estimates a family of four would need to earn $98,265/year to meet the demands of Grays Harbor County. To give you a better idea of what common expenses look like:
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon): $4.23
- Loaf of fresh white bread (1 lb): $3.00
- Water (1.5 liter bottle): $1.75
- Gasoline (1 gallon): $4.49
- Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 915 sq ft apartment: $132.83
- Monthly phone plan: $45.45
- Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: $921.42
Data sources from Numbeo.
Now, to look at housing costs, the median price of homes for sale in Ocean Shores WA is $375,000, less than Olympia’s median of $511,000. This equates to about $309/square foot, and these homes typically sell within just 47 days of listing. Average rent for apartments in Ocean Shores WA is $1,900, an affordable figure considering how enjoyable living in Ocean Shores WA is!
Ocean Shores WA Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Ocean Shores
Living in Ocean Shores WA means living in a smaller community that’s not very defined by individual neighborhoods, as it is more of a singular community in itself. There are also lots of areas that comprise vacation homes, so we’ll break down the various parts of this smaller city.
The northern portion of Ocean Shores borders Oyehut and is closest to the beloved Ocean Shores Beach and Pacific Beach. It’s also where you can find the Ocean Shores Golf Course and a handful of excellent restaurants. For those visiting or staying short-term near this area, Hotala offers a variety of vacation rental options close to the golf course, providing a convenient base to enjoy both the greens and the shoreline.
More towards the center of the city is an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts, as you can easily access four parks: Ken Peterson Park, Damon Park, Weatherwax Nature Preserve, and Skookumchuck Park. It’s also the location of Ocean Shores Elementary School.
The southern tip of the city, surrounded by water, is a favorite destination for tourists and those living in Ocean Shores WA, as it’s where you’ll find the stunning Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area and North Jetty. Multiple vacation communities and resorts make the south end of Ocean Shores a great place for those seeking community, fun, and outdoor activities.
Ocean Shores WA Weather & Climate
Those living in Ocean Shores WA enjoy a climate that’s classic to the Pacific Northwest, where the summer is mildly warm, and the winter is cool but tamed, and where plentiful rain, 75.4 average annual inches to be exact, ensures the foliage is always in full bloom.
The average July high is an idealistic and cool 66.8 F, perfect for a beach day when the sun is shining, fishing, or a stroll through one of the nature preserves. The average January low dips to a chilly 37.6 F, and while it does snow, it is a rare occurrence as the area only sees an average of 1.1 inches every year.
The weather in Ocean Shores WA is truly dynamic and unique, and locals living in Ocean Shores WA are experts at making the best of what this beautiful climate has to offer.
Ocean Shores WA Things to Do
The things to do in Ocean Shores WA cater to a wide variety of interests, lifestyles, and ages. After you’ve made sure to purchase a kite from Ocean Shores Kites to capitalize on the windy weather or have stopped by Sharky’s, a classic gift shop, here’s a handful of our hand-picked favorites as a starting point for your adventures living in Ocean Shores WA.
Pacific Paradise
Pacific Paradise is an exciting family fun center full of arcade games, bumper boats, and mini golf, which are perfect for a day of family fun.
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767 Minard Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 (360-289-9537)
Visit the Coastal Interpretive Center
Spend a day at the Coastal Interpretive Center to learn about marine life and the history of the area, and what makes living in Ocean Shores WA nowadays so special! This museum is an educational highlight and fun place for the whole family, with kids events and exhibits for all to enjoy!
1033 Catala Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 (360-289-4617)
Explore North Jetty
North Jetty is a stunning beach park with plentiful space to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh Washington air, and soak up the scenery. You might even see whales!
1581 E Ocean Shores Blvd SW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
Additional Ocean Shores WA Things to Do
While other parks managed by the Ocean Shores Parks & Recreation department, such as North Bay Park and Damon Point Trail hiking area, cater to outdoor interest, these additional attractions in and near Ocean Shores offer more ways to keep the smiles going:
Ocean Shores WA Restaurants
Those living in Ocean Shores WA, or just cruising through for a vacation can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants. Whether it’s a quick stop at one of the family-owned fast food places or something on the nicer side, the restaurants in Ocean Shores WA will fulfill any foodie’s desire.
Our Place Restaurant Ocean Shores WA
With classic American favorites like country eggs benedict and pulled pork sandwiches, Our Place is one of the best restaurants in Ocean Shores WA.
676 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 (360-940-7314)
Home Port Restaurant Ocean Shores WA
With seafood and prime rib that’s to die for and cocktails to delight the senses, Home Port is a classic and one of the best places to grab a drink, sit outside, or watch the game.
857 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 (360-289-2600)
La Spiaggia Ristorante
On the hunt for Italian food in the area? La Spiaggia Ristorante serves up exactly what you’ve been looking for: a place where culture comes to life in the food and beautiful setting.
729 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 (360-289-2328)
Jobs in Ocean Shores WA
The economy in Ocean Shores WA is primarily driven by tourism, with accommodation and food services employing the largest number of people living in Ocean Shores WA followed by healthcare and education. This makes resorts, restaurants, and the school district some of the largest employers in the area.
The average salary in Ocean Shores is $20.77/hour, according to ZipRecruiter, and you can find opportunities with the City of Ocean Shores WA Job Board or on Indeed Jobs Ocean Shores WA.
Ocean Shores WA Schools
The schools in Ocean Shores WA are managed by the North Beach School District, and while it might be small in size, it is mighty in its ability to prepare students with a strong foundation for the future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Students living in Ocean Shores WA will most likely attend one of the two elementary schools in the area, Ocean Shores Elementary and Pacific Beach Elementary, to then move on to North Beach Middle School (7th-8th grade) and North Beach High School.
There aren’t private schools in the area, but families can discover this alternative to education throughout the rest of Grays Harbor County, while the Ocean Shores Library caters to educational pursuits outside classroom walls.
Ocean Shores Statistics & Information
- Ocean Shores WA County: Grays Harbor
- Ocean Shores WA area: 13.78 square miles
- Ocean Shores WA zip code: 98569
- Ocean Shores WA area codes: 360/564
- Ocean Shores WA elevation: 13 ft
- Ocean Shores WA time zone: Example: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Ocean Shores WA: While there’s multiple private airports around Ocean Shores, you’ll most likely fly in and out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) when living in Ocean Shores WA, about 125 miles away.
Ocean Shores WA Map
Eager to see what it’s like living in Ocean Shores WA? This map is your gateway to all our small city has to offer!
Do you have plans on moving to Ocean Shores Washington? If so, you’ve found the best movers in Ocean Shores to help with this transition! Our variety of moving services, including local moving services, cross country/long distance moving services, and so much more, ensure any transition is the easiest and least stressful it can be.
Call us anytime at 360-507-2447 to discuss your unique moving needs and receive a totally free, no-hassle quote!
