Assisted Living Communities in Oak Harbor, Washington

The 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports assisted living rates at around $6,391 per month in Oak Harbor. This exceeds the state and national medians of $6,138 and $5,350, respectively. However, local rates compare favorably to fees in nearby cities. For example, seniors in Bremerton pay higher rates of around $8,440, and in Walla Walla, rates exceed Oak Harbor’s norm by over $3,310. 

In Oak Harbor, assisted living facilities charge approximately $6,391 per month.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Washington page.

Seniors in Oak Harbor pay around $6,391 monthly for assisted living. This exceeds the cost of nursing home care, which includes 24-hour medical care and supervision, by about $1,830. However, assisted living serves as a budget-friendly alternative to in-home care, which features nonmedical personal care services for around $8,580 per month.

Assisted living residences in Oak Harbor obtain licensing through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. This department sets minimum standards for care, housing and staffing, and it publishes information on residents’ rights. The department also maintains the Assisted Living Facility Locator to help residents find licensed communities.

• Although Oak Harbor doesn’t have its own hospital, assisted living residents in this city get a range of medical services at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center in Coupeville, located about 6 miles away. This hospital specializes in diabetes care, orthopedics and cardiology, helping seniors address a range of age-related conditions. Additionally, many local assisted living facilities have medical concierge services or contract with third-party physicians to provide routine medical support.
• Oak Harbor’s Island County ranks among the healthiest counties in the state and nation. The local life expectancy of 80.8 years outpaces the Washington average of 79.4 and the U.S. norm of 77.6, and only 10% of adults report frequent poor physical health compared to 11% statewide. Although the county ranks below the state norm for health factors, seniors in assisted living benefit from wellness services and monitoring, offsetting the effects of limited access to local health resources.
• The cost of living in Oak Harbor outpaces the national norm by 21%, but it aligns closely with the state norm, which may support financial viability for those seeking local assisted living services. Housing prices run low compared to Washington’s median home cost, promoting affordable residential care solutions, and the state funds waivers to pay for assisted living services for qualified individuals.
• Oak Harbor ranks in the top 50% of U.S. communities for safety and has a lower crime rate than 72% of Washington cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking assisted living. Annually, the city sees fewer than 10 crimes per 1,000 people, with violent crime occurring especially infrequently at a rate of 0.61. For those seeking a safe environment, neighborhoods such as Oak Harbor East and Whidbey Island Station/Marketown report even less criminal activity.
• Washington doesn’t have a state income tax, helping many seniors afford assisted living services in Oak Harbor. While the property tax rate aligns with national norms, the sales tax rate runs higher. Fortunately, the state exempts newspapers, groceries and prescription drugs from taxation.