Widely known for its exceptional scenery—including the countless, colorful rows of tulips cultivated for the highly popular annual Tulip Festival—Skagit County is home to a skilled workforce, strong education system and excellent quality of life. South of Whatcom County, north of Snohomish County, and west of the San Juan Islands, Skagit County is surrounded by picturesque mountains to the east and the Puget Sound to the west, with the wild and scenic Skagit River flowing from the North Cascades through fertile agricultural land to Skagit Bay.
Originally established as a farming community, Skagit County continues its history of quality agriculture, with more than 93,000 acres of land producing more than 90 different crops. The Skagit Valley is a major global producer of cabbage, table beet and spinach seed; as well as a leading producer of potatoes, with up to 20 tons harvested annually. Recent growth of non-agricultural industries include high-tech sectors like advanced composites and aerospace, as well as maritime trades like seafood processing and shipbuilding. Skagit County also has a vibrant arts and recreation scene, with renowned galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, craft wineries, breweries and distilleries, and popular local fairs and festivals.
County Seat: Mount Vernon
Incorporation Date: November 28, 1883
Form of Government: General Law
Area: 1,735 sq mi (4,494 km2)
Population: 129,200 (2019)
Etymology: The Skagit tribe