Market Fundamentals That Support Premium Development
Skagit County Population & Income Metrics
132,117 residents with steady growth trajectory
$85,720 median household income — 8% above national average
$106,356 average household spending — strong consumer base
69% homeownership rate — stable, invested community
42-year median age — peak earning years
Workforce That Commands Higher Rents
66% white-collar employment drives demand for quality office space
Management salaries average $103,025 — tenants who can afford premium rates
Tech/IT professionals earn $101,409 — growing sector seeking modern facilities
Healthcare practitioners at $96,987 — stable, recession-resistant tenant base
91% high school graduation, 42% with college degrees — educated workforce
Market Reach
7M+
7+ million consumers
within 2-hour drive
2.14M
2.14 million overnight tourists annually in county
$300M
$300M+ agricultural economy — year-round economic activity
400K+
400,000+ annual visitors to North Cascades National Park
Business Climate Built for Growth
Small Business Dominance Creates Opportunities
5,881 businesses — diverse economy reduces single-sector risk
67% employ under 5 people — entrepreneurial culture perfect for incubator/flex space
390 hospitality establishments — proven tourism market
Strong professional services sector — demand for Class A office
Institutional Anchors Provide Stability
Healthcare
6,943 jobs (largest sector)
Education
Multiple school districts plus Skagit Valley College
Government
Stable public sector employment
Manufacturing
Historic industrial base
Centrally Located Between Seattle, WA & Vancouver, BC
Skagit Regional Airport (KBVS) – 25 minutes/14 miles
La Conner Marina – 35 minutes/20 miles
Port of Bellingham Shipping Terminal – 40 minutes/29 miles
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) – 43 minutes/31 miles
Port of Anacortes Pier 2 Terminal – 44 minutes/27 miles
Anacortes Ferry Terminal to San Juan Islands – 45 minutes/29 miles
North Cascades National Park Gateway – 60 minutes/46 miles
Port of Everett Terminals – 60 minutes/48 miles
Paine Field (PAE) – 60 minutes/55 miles
Mount Baker Ski Area – 90 minutes/59 miles
Diablo Lake Vista Point – 90 minutes/66 miles
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – 90 minutes/75 miles
The Northwest Seaport Alliance – 90 minutes/77 miles
BNSF Railway Seattle International Gateway (SIG) Intermodal Facility – 90 minutes/85 miles
UP Seattle Intermodal Terminal – 90 minutes/80 miles
King County International Airport Boeing Field (BFI) – 90 minutes/80 miles
BNSF Railway South Seattle Intermodal Facility – 90 minutes/85 miles
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 90 minutes/88 miles
Workforce Pipeline Ensures Long-Term Viability
Education Infrastructure:
1 community college locally — workforce training partner
25 colleges within 50 miles — talent pipeline
35 universities within 75 miles — including University of Washington
Cascades Job Corps — On site at SWIFT, training job-ready workers with skills in construction, healthcare, facilities maintenance, and other trades.
Access to world-class workforce development partners including Northwest Workforce Council—the regional workforce system convener for four counties—and Northwest Career and Technical Academy, which provides hands-on technical training and industry certifications to high school students throughout the region.
Labor Availability:
+50,000-person workforce — sufficient scale for major employers within a 30 minute commute
5.2% unemployment — available workers without desperation
15-20% reduction in labor cost compared to Seattle
Low turnover culture

Quality of Life That Attracts and Retains
The Skagit County Advantage:
World-class outdoor recreation at your doorstep
Authentic small-town character with metropolitan access
Strong family orientation: 64% family households
Environmental quality that attracts knowledge workers
Access to Unparalleled Outdoor Recreation
The SWIFT Center sits at the threshold of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular outdoor recreation corridor. This isn’t just scenery—it’s a strategic advantage. Businesses recruiting talent increasingly compete on lifestyle differentiation, and the SWIFT Center delivers unmatched access to wilderness experiences that define the region’s quality of life.
On-Campus Access
SWIFT Center Trail Network – Miles of walking and biking trails wind through the 225-acre campus, offering immediate access to outdoor activity during breaks, meetings, or after work. The preserved Olmsted landscape design creates a park-like setting where nature becomes part of daily experience rather than a weekend destination.
Northern State Recreation Area – Adjacent to the SWIFT Center campus, this 700-acre multi-use recreation area offers mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Your location provides direct trail connections to one of Washington’s premier recreation areas—no drive time required.

Nearby Regional Destinations
North Cascades National Park - This dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine lakes draws adventurers from around the world. Over 400 miles of trails offer everything from family-friendly walks to challenging alpine routes. Your proximity positions businesses to attract talent seeking genuine wilderness access.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Nearly 1.8 million acres of diverse terrain spanning old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic peaks. Year-round recreation includes hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing. Mount Baker’s legendary snowfall makes it a winter destination, while summer reveals wildflower meadows and crystalline lakes.
Deception Pass State Park - Washington’s most-visited state park combines dramatic coastal scenery with sheltered bays, forest trails, and striking bridge views. Activities include kayaking, tidepooling, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide accessible outdoor experiences for all skill levels.
And so many more. See Visit Skagit Valley to explore them all.

Take the Next Step
Whether you're envisioning commercial spaces, hospitality ventures, research facilities, educational institutions, or manufacturing operations, the SWIFT Center offers the distinctive character as well as regulatory and financial advantages that set exceptional developments apart. Contact our team today to explore the opportunity: schedule a private tour and discover how the SWIFT Center can bring your development goals to life.
GET IN TOUCH
Shaun Gibbs
Port of Skagit Real Estate Manager
Direct: (360) 757-9846
Email: shaung@portofskagit.com