Living in Port Orchard, Washington is just as enjoyable as its splendid views of the Sinclair Inlet. Port Orchard is a unique waterfront city located 13 miles west of West Seattle. Port Orchard is City in the Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Metro Area.
Before Port Orchard gained its name, it was called Sidney, after the father of Frederick Stevens, who first platted the city in 1886. Port Orchard was later incorporated on September 15, 1890, and was the first Kitsap County to be platted and incorporated. Port Orchard is known for its manufacturing, technology, and defense.
Boasting some of the best neighborhoods, schools, beautiful scenery, and eateries, Port Orchard is a good place to live. With a short commute to Seattle, WA, and an even shorter drive to mountain views, its breathtaking views are one of its best attributes, and this western Washington city is a wonderful place to call home. You can spend your summers enjoying the sunshine and salty air and your winters skiing the near-by slopes. The 15,587 residents of Port Orchard enjoy the city’s small-town feel and the convenient proximity to recreational activities, like the Olympic Mountains,not to mention the amenities of bigger cities waiting just across the water.
Where is Port Orchard WA?
Port Orchard is located in Kitsap County in the state of Washington in the western Washington area. Located on the south side of Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard has beautiful waterfront views and close proximity to Seattle and Oregon. Port Orchard to Seattle is a 60 mile drive, while it’s 167 miles from Port Orchard to Portland, Oregon.
If there’s a day you don’t feel like driving (or boating), Port Orchard, Washington, is served by the Kitsap Transit. Kitsap Transit serves Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Suquamish, Silverdale, and Bremerton and offers local transit, van, carpool, scoot, local ferries, and fast ferries. Kitsap Transit follows a set route and schedule.
Along with land public transportation, they also have ferries. The Port Orchard ferry services are provided by Kitsap Harbor Tours and travels between Port Orchard and Bremerton. Keep in mind, there is no direct ferry to Seattle.
Port Orchard Population and Demographics
The population of Port Orchard is 15,587, with a population density of 1,616.2, making it the third biggest city in Kitsap County while growing 2.77% annually. Port Orchard, Washington, is part of the Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard Metro Area.
Many actresses, authors, and professional athletes once called Port Orchard home.
Notable people from Port Orchard:
- Willie Bloomquist, Major League Baseball player
- Jason Ellison, Major League Baseball outfielder
Port Orchard is 51% male and 49% female, with a median age of 34.3 years . The median income is $71,719 compared to the $77,006 for the state of Washington. While less diverse than some cities, Port Orchard still offers an array of cultures and ethnic backgrounds: 67% White, 13% Hispanic, 9% two or more, 3% Islander, 3% Black, and 1% Native. 92.7% have a high school diploma or higher and 27.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
According to the FBI, the Port Orchard crime rate is 4,105 per 100,000 people, which is 35.7% higher than the state average, but has a murder rate that’s 100% lower that the state and national average (0 to 100,000 people.)
There are tons of safe neighborhoods and areas to live in Port Orchard. For example, Port Orchard Southeast is a much safer part of town compared to other areas. Port Orchard has a highly renowned police force that protects its citizens, with 20 officers working diligently to make Port Orchard a safe place to live!
Cost of Living in Port Orchard
Is Port Orchard affordable? Port Orchard has a cost of living index of 115.9 compared to the national average of 100, making it more expensive to reside here. Compared to Seattle’s 152.7, Port Orchard is more affordable to live in than Seattle. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would have to make $107,916 to live comfortably in Seattle, WA. We’ve used the data for Seattle, as there is
Typical Cost of Living in Port Orchard’s Metro Area
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant $20
- McMeal at Mcdonald’s $11
- Domestic Beer $7
- Imported Beer $8
- Cappuccino $5.15
- Coke/Pepsi $2.48
- Water $1.92
- Average monthly utilities bill: $401
Source: Numbeo
Port Orchards is smaller and has a lower cost of living index than Seattle, expect the average cost of living to be more affordable than the statistics shown above.
Port Orchard’s median home price is $504,945 which is more expensive compared to the U.S. median of $245,169. Home prices are up 1.4% compared to 2021. While the price per square foot is still very high ($262), it’s still down 7.6% since last year.
Wondering how to buy a house in Washington? Check out Port Orchard homes for sale!
Looking for Port Orchard rentals? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Port Orchard is $1,793 per month for an 863 square foot apartment compared to the national average of $1,900.
Port Orchard Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Port Orchard
Finding the perfect neighborhood to live in can be tricky; here are the best Port Orchard Neighborhoods.
McCormick Woods – Beautiful Port Orchard Homes
McCormick Woods is a beautiful Port Orchard Neighborhood. It’s close to two main Port Orchard parks, McCormick Village Park and The Ridge’s Small Park.
Magnolia Ridge – Family Friendly Port Orchard Neighborhood
Whether or not you have children, Magnolia Ridge is a great Port Orchard Neighborhood. Known for its convenient location and proximity to all your necessities, Magnolia Ridge is a great neighborhood to call home. This neighborhood is amongst other great Port Orchard communities and is served by some of the best Port Orchard schools.
Port Orchard Weather and Climate
Like most areas in the pacific northwest, Port Orchard weather is predictable—the summers are dry and short-lived, whereas the winters are long, cold, and wet. Port Orchard has a Koppen Classification of Mediterranean Climate. The best time to visit Port Orchard is mid July or early August, when you can partake in the warm weather activities. The temperature will vary from 36 degrees Fahrenheit to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Expect lots of rain in November, as it’s Port Orchard’s rainiest month, with an average rainfall of 7.7 inches. July has the least amount of rainfall, with an average of 0.07 inches. Port Orchard sees most of its snow in December and January. The average snowfall in Port Orchard in January is 1.3 inches.
Things to Do in Port Orchard
While Port Orchard is a small town, there’s still plenty of fun things to do! Here are some of the best things to do in Port Orchard.
Port Orchard has a lovely downtown area, home to many boutiques and shops like Josephine’s Mercantile, Revival PNW, and The Candy Shoppe Gifts and Treats. Or, for everyday shopping, try the Town Square Mall or Port Orchard Public Market.
Port Orchard Movie Theatre
Check out the Port Orchard movie theatre for a night out with the family (or a romantic date night.)
Port Orchard Waterfront Park
Among the many beautiful places in Washington is the splendid Port Orchard, Waterfront Park.
933 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Downtown Port Orchard
Spend your free-time enjoying the amenities of the unique shops of downtown Port Orchard. You can find designer brands in addition to eclectic retro finds!
Additional Attractions
South Kitsap Regional Park, 2729 Jackson Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Hi Joy Bowl, 1011 Bethel Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Veterans Living History Museum, 825 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
You can even take a drive to soak up the scenery of this small town. Park along Beach Drive and Bay Street to watch the sea otters with the Olympic Mountains in the back. The parks of Port Orchard are well maintained by the city’s parks and recreation department. You can also keep up with Port Orchard events!
Port Orchard Restaurants
Here are the best restaurants in Port Orchard!
The Dock Bar & Eatery
Enjoy waterfront views while eating burgers, salads, seafood and more at The Dock Bar & Eatery!
Inside the PO Market, 715 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366, (360) 602-0276
Bay Street Bistro
Known for its unique blend of northwestern and international dishes, Bay Street Bistro is a must-try while you’re in Port Orchard.
834 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366, (360) 602-0310
Whiskey Gulch CoffeePub
According to reviews, Whiskey Gulch CoffeePub is one of the best restaurants in Port Orchard. It’s known for its distinctively delicious craft beer, coffee, and sandwiches.
2065 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366, (360) 443-2922
Jobs in Port Orchard
Wondering if there are job openings in Port Orchard? Here’s everything you need to know.
Port Orchard has 5.8% unemployment, which is lower than the US. average and has seen a job market increase of 1.0% since last year. The projected future job growth of 36.5% is 3% higher than the US average. The average salary in Port Orchard is 48,000, with a median household income of $71,719.
Major employers in Port Orchard: St. Michael Medical Center & Franciscan Medical Group, Noo-Kayet Gaming Corporation (Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe), YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap County.
You’ll also find a variety of job opportunities here, or on the Port Orchard job board.
Port Orchard Schools
While living in Port Orchard, you’ll be served by the Kitsap County School District. The great schools in Port Orchard are South Kitsap High School, Marcus Whitman Middle School, Orchard Heights Elementary, Explorer Academy & Hope Academy, Discovery Montessori, and South Colby Elementary School.
According to US News, South Colby Elementary is rated the #1 elementary school in the South Kitsap School District and #75 in Washington!
Colleges that serve the Port Orchard community: Olympic College, Western Washington University at OC Bremerton, Peninsula College in Port Townsend.
Port Orchard Statistics and Information
County: Kitsap
Port Orchard Area: 11.21 mi²
Port Orchard Zip Codes: 98366, 98367
Port Orchard Area Code: 360
Port Orchard Elevation: 72’
Port Orchard Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
The closest airport to Port Orchard: is Bremerton National Airport, PWT, 7.6 mile drive
Port Orchard Map
As you can see, Port Orchard is a great place to live! If you’re considering moving to this unique city, you’ll need trustworthy Port Orchard movers to get your belongings to their new address safely. Call All Ready Moving today for your local, long-distance, or labor-only moving needs!
