Whidbey Island Wa.  is one of nine islands located in Island County, Washington, in the United States. Whidbey is located about 30 miles north of Seattle, and lies between the Olympic Peninsula and the I-5 corridor of western Washington. The island forms the northern boundary of Puget Sound.  Whidbey Island is home to 58,211 residents also known as Whidbey Islanders. An estimated 29,000 of Whidbey Islanders live in rural locations. Whidbey Island is approximately 35 miles long and 1.5 to 12 miles  wide, with 168.67 sq. miles. It is ranked as the 4th longest and 4th largest island in the contiguous United States, behind Padre Island, Texas, Long Island and Isle Royale, Michigan.  In the State of Washington, it is the largest island, followed by Orcas Island.  Tourism is important to Whidbey Island, on Whidbey, tourists find a wide range of amenities in the towns of Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland and Langley. Whidbey and Camano Islands are in Island County. Coupeville's Penn Cove Mussel Farm exports large quantities of its highly renowned Penn Cove Mussels. This aquaculture facility, along with a number of small farms, reflects the rural agricultural nature of most of central Whidbey Island.  Often referred to as Puget Sound's Largest Artist's Colony, Whidbey is home to numerous working artists, writers, and performers. These include many well-known painters, sculptors, glass artists, wood workers, metal workers, mixed media artists, photographers, authors, poets, actors, and musicians.