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Geography Vashon Island is located at (47.416198, -122.468211). According to the United States Census Bureau, it has a total area of 95.8 km² (37.0 mi²). Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 10,123 people, 4,193 households, and 2,838 families residing on the island. The population density is 105.7/km² (273.9/mi²). There are 4,867 housing units at an average density of 50.8/km² (131.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the island is 93.61% White, 0.45% Black or African American, 0.70% Native American, 1.56% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.87% from other races, and 2.75% from two or more races. 2.56% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 4,193 households out of which 30.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% are married couples living together, 7.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% are non-families. 23.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 2.86. The island is reputed locally for having a high percentage of gay and lesbian residents. On the island the population is spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 34.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 44 years. For every 100 females there are 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.0 males. The median income for a household on the island is $58,261, and the median income for a family is $67,010. Males have a median income of $50,201 versus $36,426 for females. The per capita income for the island is $31,983. 6.0% of the population and 4.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.2% of those under the age of 18 and 2.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. Economy The economy of Vashon Island is heavily based on residents commuting to Seattle and Tacoma. While orchards and strawberry farms formerly played a major role in the Vashon economy, the pressures of suburban residential development have all but eliminated commercial agriculture on the island. Vashon's economy took another hit in recent years when it lost two of its major industrial employers: K2 Sports moved its manufacturing to China, and the Seattle's Best Coffee roastery operation was closed shortly after SBC was bought by Starbucks. Currently, the largest manufacturer on Vashon is Pacific Research Laboratories, locally referred to as "The Bone Factory." Maury Island is home to numerous AM transmitters. KIRO 710 has two massive antennas for its 50,000 watt transmitter. KTTH 770 operates a three-aerial directional transmitter nearby. KVI 570 has a single tower on a beach in Tramp Harbor, nicknamed "KVI Beach." KGNW 820 propagates its signal from two towers in the center of the island. Finally, KOMO 1000 has a two antenna setup on the northwest corner of Vashon Island. Only the KOMO station employs anyone full time. People of Note Vashon Island has been home to many people of note. See Also Vashon Island High School | ||||||||||
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