POULSBO

Waterfront Scandinavian town with hip energy

Welcome to Poulsbo

 

Poulsbo is a peaceful city on the Kitsap Peninsula, located beside Liberty Bay, with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains to the west. At the heart of Poulsbo is its charming downtown, with architecture and views reminiscent of a quaint Norwegian village. Residents and tourists appreciate Poulsbo for the town’s vibrant Scandinavian heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.

 

In the 1880s, Norwegian immigrant Jørgen Eliason was drawn to Poulsbo for how much the environment reminded him of his home country. Jørgen Eliason founded Poulsbo and was joined by a contingent of other Scandinavian immigrants. Today, Poulsbo proudly embraces its Scandinavian heritage in its local culture, museums, and festivals, including by celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17th. In 1990, Poulsbo even named the cities of Namsos and Kautokeino, Norway, as its official sister cities. 

 

Poulsbo has grown from a charming, Scandinavian fishing village into a culturally rich city. A thriving downtown with abundant boutiques, fine art galleries, and restaurants charms residents and visitors alike. Marinas and yacht clubs enjoy access to Liberty Bay, several ports, and Puget Sound. Poulsbo offers peace, tranquility, and dynamism for those who call it home. 

 

What to Love

 

  • Hip and active downtown 
  • Year-round cultural festivals and activities
  • Abundant restaurants and boutiques
  • Convenient location for boating and watersports 

 

Local Lifestyle

 

Poulsbo is the smallest of Kitsap County’s four cities, which lends Poulsbo an endearing charm and a genuine sense of community. Offering a slice of small-town Norway in Washington State, Poulsbo is permeated by the peace of its surrounding mountains and waters. In addition to providing residents with tranquility and beauty, Poulsbo is a convenient ferry ride away from Bainbridge Island and Seattle for those seeking to commute or enjoy a day trip. 

 

Situated on Liberty Bay, Poulsbo affords an exceptional boating culture. The city’s extensive coastline can give the illusion of living on an island. Wildlife is frequently spotted along Poulsbo’s shoreline, such as groups of playful seals. Poulsbo features three conveniently located marinas and a private yacht club with a full calendar of engaging events for its members. Watersports are a significant pastime for Poulsbo residents, including fishing and crabbing. 

 

Poulsbo is significant for its residents’ effortless access to noteworthy watersports, outdoor recreation, and arts and culture. Poulsbo has admirably intertwined its heritage with the city’s modern identity, making Poulsbo completely one-of-a-kind. The city’s unique identity, along with its exceptional amenities, makes Poulsbo a truly desirable location. 

 

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

 

Poulsbo offers a variety of delightful dining experiences at many different local restaurants and wineries. Sogno di Vigno is an atmospheric Italian restaurant. Infusing locally sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients with the soul of Tuscany, Sogno di Vigno specializes in creating masterful Italian classics. 

 

Burrata Bistro in downtown Poulsbo serves authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxing, sophisticated environment. Fresh seafood, handmade focaccia from Burrata Bistro’s kitchens, and an extensive wine list make for an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Binh Tu Tran is the mastermind behind Kachai Thai Kitchen and has curated a menu that combines exotic Thai and fresh local ingredients. Chef Tran’s culinary creativity results in uniquely rich and flavorful dishes. 

 

Relaxing with family or friends in the afternoon or evening at State 42 Wines is a delight for the senses and the palate. Sampling a variety of local Washington State wines at State 42 Wines encourages you to slow down and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of downtown Poulsbo. Partnered with 13 different Washington vineyards, State 42 Wines carefully crafts its own wines from organically grown Washington grapes. 

 

Things to Do

 

A whole year’s worth of exciting events occurs in Poulsbo annually. Viking Fest has been a tradition in Poulsbo since 1969. As a celebration acknowledging Norway's May 17th Constitution Day, Viking Fest highlights a colorful parade through the streets of Poulsbo and includes food and vendor booths and carnival rides.

 

The biannual Poulsbo Beer Run has participants follow a four-mile route, visiting five different breweries along the way. Delicious cider and doughnuts are served along the route also, and participants are encouraged to attend the run in Oktoberfest-themed costumes. The entire Poulsbo community participates in Oktoberfest, with many local clubs and businesses hosting special events in honor of the festivities. 

 

Midsommer Fest celebrates the Summer Solstice at Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park every June. Celebrations include folk dancing, traditional Norwegian cuisine, and bonfire lighting. In December, Poulsbo celebrates Julefest. This annual celebration includes Christmas music around the Christmas tree on the waterfront and a Christmas Bazaar.

Overview for POULSBO, WA

15,103 people live in POULSBO, where the median age is 46.5 and the average individual income is $39,004.77. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,103

Total Population

46.5 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$39,004.77

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for POULSBO, WA

POULSBO has 6,315 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in POULSBO do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 15,103 people call POULSBO home. The population density is 884 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,103

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

46.5

Median Age

47.49 / 52.51%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
6,315

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$39,004.77

Average individual Income

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in POULSBO, WA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby POULSBO. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Poulsbo Elementary School
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
3/5
Gateway Christian Schools
PRIVATE
K - 5th
No rating available
North Kitsap High School
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Poulsbo Middle School
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
3/5
Poulsbo Adventist School
PRIVATE
2nd - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
3/5
North Kitsap Online Academy
PUBLIC
PreK - 12th
No rating available

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