Kitsap, Washington

Kitsap County, Washington, population 240,604 (2006 US Census Bureau), is located on the Kitsap Peninsula, across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Washington.  Kitsap County's total landmass of 393 square miles ranks Kitsap #36 in size of Washington State’s counties, but Kitsap is the second most densely populated county. It is located between the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Tacoma..

The county is home to two islands; Blake Island and Bainbridge Island. Bainbridge Island, a 65.5 square mile landmass, is an incorporated city with a population of 20,300. In 2005, CNN and Money Magazine named Bainbridge Island the 2^nd best place to live in the United States. Blake Island is a 475-acre marine camping park with 5 miles of saltwater shoreline. Blake Island is reachable only by boat.

Founded Jan. 16 1857, Kitsap County was originally named Slaughter County. Kitsap was named after Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe. The County seat is located in the town of Port Orchard.

The largest employer in the county is the United States Navy. The Navy has installations at Naval Base Kitsap, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Undersea Warfare Center Keyport. Submarine Base Bangor is part of Naval Base Kitsap. Covering 7,201 acres Bangor, it consists of untouched forest, operational and administrative facilities and service housing areas. SUBASE Bangor serves the Navy as a home port for the TRIDENT Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile System. The Naval Undersea Museum is also located in Kitsap County. The museum offers visitors the largest collection of naval undersea artifacts in the United States.  The median income for a household in Kitsap County was $55,2.57.

Kitsap County has many recreational opportunities, including 300 miles of saltwater shoreline. Kitsap County Parks and Recreation hosts many events, including the Annual Fair and Stampede; but every community in Kitsap is on the water, and scenic views of mountains and water abound. Kitsap also has a variety of Native American, Scandinavian, military and pioneer attractions. Golfing opportunities are numerous, with Kitsap County boasting 3 of Washington State’s top 5 golf courses.  Winery Tours are popular in Kitsap County, and the vineyards are renowned for their yield.

A passing note; the movie and Comic Book series "Sin City" takes place in Kitsap County in the future. The film "Walking Tall" was also filmed in Kitsap County.