Situated against the Sinclair Inlet with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains in the distance, Port Orchard (population 14,770) is the county seat and the commercial center for South Kitsap. Port Orchard is a historic ‘port’ discovered and named by early Puget Sound explorers, with one of Puget Sound’s largest marinas – owned and operated by the Port of Bremerton. The community is completely oriented toward the water with miles of winding, scenic roadways passing beautiful inlets and hidden coves.
Our downtown corridor offers shopping, museums, entertainment, galleries and dining. Port Orchard residents enjoy a true sense of community and enjoy a thriving Farmer’s Market, weekly Artwalk, the annual Fathom’s O’ Fun Parade in June, and the Jingle Bell Run and Festival of Chimes and Lights every December. Amenities include a beautiful waterfront park, nearby Manchester State Park and premier golf courses. With ferry access from Bremerton and Seattle, an excursion to or from Port Orchard is an easy day trip or a weekend getaway. When visiting our city, it is hard to miss the majestic view of the Olympic Mountains and the pride of military heritage just across the water at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
As of 2026 the population of Port Orchard is 20,053. The population is expected to grow to 21,792 by 2031 - a growth rate of 1.68%.
The median age of Port Orchard residents is 38.
The diversity index of Port Orchard is 57.6, meaning that there is a 58% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Port Orchard is $127,584 and projected to be $147,291 in 2031. Per capita income is $47,564, projected to be $55,160 in 2031. 5.81% of households – 1,165 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,339,019 and the average disposable income is $100,529.
There are 8,067 housing units in Port Orchard; 4,639 are owner-occupied, 2,785 are rented, and 643 are vacant. The average home value is $569,479, with 2,321 homes built in 2010 or later, and 476 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 796 businesses in Port Orchard, employing 8,330 workers and pulling from a labor force of 7,921 age 16 and above. 1,802 workers commute into Port Orchard from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
5,994 residents both live and work in/around Port Orchard. The average travel time is 32.8 minutes. 2.45% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 9.46% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 5,398 drive alone, 588 carpool, and 535 take public transportation. 339 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 1,061 residents work from home.
3,093 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 2,287 have associates degrees, 3,560 have bachelor’s degrees, and 1,441 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
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