Langley is a city in Island County, Washington, United States near the eastern end of the north shore of the south end of Whidbey Island. It is the third largest incorporated area on Whidbey. The population was 959 at the 2000 census, while the ZCTA for Langley's post office had a population of 4,878.[4] The geographical area of the city is only 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) but the ZCTA includes 26.20 square miles (67.86 km²).[5]
Today, Langley is a tourist destination. Many businesses in the city promote themselves in tourist pamphlets available around the world. Langley is home to a 1930s era movie theatre, a grocery store of the same vintage, and several restaurants.
Langley is served by Island County Fire District #3 the Langley Police Department, and is the home of the South Whidbey School District #206. The current mayor is Paul Samuelson (2008-2012), and the police chief is Bob Herzberg.
Based on per capita income, Langley ranks 92nd of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.
History
Langley was founded in the 1800s by Jacob Anthes[6]. In 1902, Mr. Anthes built a logger bunkhouse that is still standing in the downtown core and currently serves as a museum. Langley was officially incorporated on February 26, 1913.
Traditional events
Mystery Weekend
Mystery Weekend is a yearly event occurring the last weekend in February. A fake newspaper story is run in the South Whidbey Record or a fake newspaper can be purchased from the Visitor & Information Center, detailing the persons involved. The players are instructed to search every store for a box of cards, with a clue to the mystery printed on each card. Various locals play the parts of characters in the story, and players are invited to question them for information. The players who believe they have solved the game may submit their solutions and enter into a drawing of prizes.
Choochokam
Choochokam is held the weekend after Independence Day each July. The city closes most of First Street and Anthes Ave. south to Third St. Artists from around the Northwest showcase their art, while local musicians perform on a downtown stage.
Djangofest NW
Djangofest NW is held in September each year. This five-day festival celebrates the gypsy jazz style of Django Reinhardt, and featues workshops, concerts, and impromptu jam sessions around town.
Island County Fair
The third weekend in August Langley hosts the Island County Fair. This is one of the biggest community gatherings of the year. The fair has such an impact, that Island Transit will run special shuttles between Langley and the Clinton Ferry, as well as Shuttles between Oak Harbor and Langley, and extra ferry trips on the Clinton to Mukilteo run routinely at several hours.
Geography
Langley is located at 48°2′13″N 122°24′31″W / 48.03694°N 122.40861°W / 48.03694; -122.40861 (48.036922, -122.408500).[7]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of .8 square miles (2.07 km2), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 959 people, 486 households, and 268 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,165.9 people per square mile (451.6/km²). There were 542 housing units at an average density of 658.9/sq mi (255.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.25% White, 0.31% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.42% from other races, and 2.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.88% of the population.
There were 486 households, out of which 24.3% included children under the age of 18, 40.9% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 39.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.97 and the average family size was 2.61.
In the city the population was spread out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 15.7% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 76.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,792, and the median income for a family was $51,563. Males had a median income of $41,750 versus $30,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,940. About 5.2% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.
References
- ^ "Rank of Cities and Towns by April 1, 2006 Population Size" (pdf). Office of Financial Management. http://www.ofm.wa.gov/pop/april1/rank2006.pdf. Retrieved 2007-03-05.
- ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "982 3-Digit ZCTA by 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area". U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GCTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=85000US982&-_box_head_nbr=GCT-PH1&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-_lang=en&-format=ZI-1&-_sse=on. Retrieved 2006-08-04.
- ^ "982 3-Digit ZCTA by 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area". U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GCTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=85000US982&-_box_head_nbr=GCT-PH1&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-_lang=en&-format=ZI-1&-_sse=on. Retrieved 2006-08-04.
- ^ "27 Things to Do (On Whidbey Island)". MacGregor’s 2006-2007 Whidbey Island Newcomers’ & Visitors’ Guide. 2005-2006. http://www.plaidnet.com/guides/WG.06/27.WG.06.pdf. Retrieved 2006-08-04.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
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