Why this Washington community remains unincorporated despite decades of attempts to become a city

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Silverdale, Washington, is a bustling census-designated place of over 20,000 people, yet it has never officially incorporated as a city. Despite repeated ballot measures spanning from 1941 to 2013, the community remains governed as an unincorporated area, shaped by its unique geography at the northern tip of Dyes Inlet.

Located in Kitsap County, Silverdale occupies 13.6 square miles, with its identity defined by its position between Dyes Inlet and the surrounding urban landscape. While it functions as a significant commercial hub—home to the Kitsap Mall and various big-box retailers—it lacks a municipal government. This status persists despite multiple attempts at incorporation. The effort in November 1999 was particularly contentious, initially failing by only five votes amid reports of election irregularities regarding voter boundaries. A subsequent re-vote in February 2000 was rejected by a wider margin, and a later attempt in 2013 saw 70% of voters oppose incorporation.

The community's development is heavily influenced by its proximity to major regional infrastructure. It sits 6 miles south of the US Navy Trident Missile Base Kitsap and serves as a central point between Bremerton and Poulsbo. This strategic location supports a diverse local economy, split between the historic Old Town area along the inlet and the modern retail corridors along SR 3 and SR 303. The area is also a medical hub, hosting St. Michael Medical Center, which serves as one of only two hospitals on the entire Kitsap Peninsula.

Education and community life are anchored by the Central Kitsap School District, which serves over 11,000 students. The district recently invested in a $77.9 million campus project, reflecting the area's ongoing growth. Despite its lack of city status, Silverdale maintains a distinct character, fully integrated into the surrounding urban statistical area. With a population of 20,733 as of the 2020 census, the community continues to balance its role as a regional commercial and medical center while navigating the complexities of its unincorporated administrative status.

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