Jefferson, state housing numbers

Northwest MLS, a housing market listing data source in Washington state, released its Market Snapshot for March.

In Jefferson County, the median sale price of properties dropped 6% from $691,500 in March 2024 to $650,000 in March 2025, according to data from Northwest MLS.

Active listings in the county at the end of last month totaled 102, up from 72 at the same time last year, an increase of 36%. Sixty-three listings were added last month, compared to 39 in March 2024.

There were 5,406 closed sales statewide in March of this year, up from 5,165 in March 2024. Just 35 of those closings came from Jefferson County, up 34.6% from 26 in March 2025. 

Statewide, the median price for residential homes and condominiums increased 2.6% from $633,717 to $649,999 year over year.

Counties with the highest median sale prices were San Juan County at $870,000, King County at $855,00 and Snohomish County at $755,000.

Those with the lowest sales prices were Columbia County at $220,000, Ferry County at $268,725 and Grays Harbor County at $335,100.

Active listings in the state jumped nearly 44% from March 2024, reaching 11,640 total active listings at the end of March 2025, with 21 out of 26 counties seeing a double-digit increase compared to last year.

Candidate filing date

Those vying for election to public office in Port Townsend and Jefferson County in November must file between May 5 at 8 a.m. and May 19 at 5 p.m. Candidates can file online, by mail or in person. A list of positions up for election includes the Jefferson County Sheriff, two Port of Port Townsend commissioners, several hospital district commissioners and three seats on the Port Townsend City Council, among others. City council seats require one year of residency. Council Pos. 1, held by Ben Thomas, Pos. 2, held by Neil Nelson and Pos. 5, held by Libby Wennstrom, are open. Candidate filing resources, including a summary of filing for office, election laws, and requirements, can be found on the county website. 

Executive director named

The Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building has found its next executive director in Rebecca Benjamin.

Board President Sonja Mathews confirmed that Benjamin had accepted the board’s offer, narrowed down from a pool of 25 candidates from across the country. Benjamin is expected to start the job June 3.

Mathews noted that the incoming executive director already lives locally. Benjamin previously served as executive director of the North Olympic Salmon Coalition, whose growth she was part of for 18 years.

Mathews cited skills she said Benjamin had developed through her work at NOSC, including team leadership, strategy, fundraising, hands-on learning, financial oversight and an understanding of the importance of community.

Benjamin issued a press release expressing her gratitude to be selected and stating her belief that the school’s mission enriches both the community and the lives of individuals.

AAUW Home and Garden

Tickets are on sale for the 27th annual American Association of University Women’s Home and Kitchen Tour on Saturday, April 26, on Marrowstone Island.

Eight beautiful private homes across a variety of styles will be open for touring.

This long-standing community event is a critical fundraiser for scholarships for East Jefferson County women and girls, and grants for local schools.

EJFR testing volunteers

East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) will test for volunteers and volunteer FIT firefighters on May 15 at 6 p.m. For candidates who wish to prepare for the physical agility test, a practice session also will be held on May 15, after the completion of the written examination. Upon receiving a passing score on the written test, the EJFR-specific physical agility exam will be held the following week on May 21.

Volunteer members can fulfill a variety of roles within the District including emergency medical response, tender operations (portable water supply), air supply (portable air re-supply), public education and administrative duties.

Volunteer firefighters (a.k.a. FITs, or Firefighters-in-Training) typically join the department in pursuit of a career in the fire service. FITs typically work a 48/96 shift alongside career firefighters and receive a monthly stipend.

FIT members sign on and agree to serve a two-year period with EJFR in preparation for building a career in the fire service. All applicants will take a GED-level written exam and be interviewed. Those testing for EMT and support-service volunteer positions will take an EJFR-specific physical agility test. EJFR provides opportunities to train to become an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress-certified firefighter and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician.

All in-house testing will be held at EJFR Fire Station 2, located at 35 Critter Lane in Port Townsend.