WashingtonPop. 93,438Smaller cities
Is Bellingham a Good Place to Live? Bellingham, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bellingham ranks #771 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.1 min, #52 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (77.3%, #390 of 437) and high poverty (18.6%, #444 of 524).
Bellingham by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bellingham's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bellingham?
Bellingham's cost of living index is 103.3, 3% above the US level of 100 and #872 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,577/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $661,763, 12% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Bellingham | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.3#872 of 1,308 | 107 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $661,763#987 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,951/mo#681 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $627,500#1099 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,577/mo#770 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 9.4x#1271 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.3%#1201 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bellingham housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bellingham is in the Bellingham, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Bellingham safe?
Bellingham recorded 263 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below Washington's 284. That ranks #486 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #222 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bellingham Police Department. Property crime runs 3,276 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bellingham | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 263#486 of 1,085 | 284 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,276#985 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bellingham?
The median household in Bellingham earns $66,755, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bellingham | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $66,755#887 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.6%#1064 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bellingham?
The median resident of Bellingham is 34.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 48.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #288 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bellingham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 48.5%#288 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 44.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bellingham's schools and health?
Bellingham's 20 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $17,976 spent per pupil. 26% of adults are obese and 7.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bellingham | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.3%#939 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.8#816 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,976#344 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26%#178 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.7%#80 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.7%#1141 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,968 students are enrolled in Bellingham's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bellingham?
The average commute in Bellingham is 18.1 minutes (Washington 27.2); 3.3% of workers take transit and 14.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bellingham scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.5°F and winters 40.6°F, with 34.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bellingham | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.1 min#198 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 63.7% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.9% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 3.8% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.7% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.3#777 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.3 | 34 | 4.5 |
| Feb | 48.9 | 34.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 52.8 | 37.5 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 57.7 | 41.6 | 2.8 |
| May | 63.9 | 47 | 2.2 |
| Jun | 67.8 | 51.8 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 72.7 | 55 | 0.9 |
| Aug | 73.1 | 54.7 | 1.1 |
| Sep | 68.1 | 49.6 | 2 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 43.2 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 51 | 37.9 | 5.2 |
| Dec | 45.5 | 34.1 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bellingham International Airport.
| Measure | Bellingham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 62.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 40.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bellingham International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bellingham?
Whatcom County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Whatcom County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 61% of US counties.
| Measure | Bellingham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 31#77 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#802 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Whatcom County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Whatcom County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.07% | 94% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bellingham compare with similar-size cities?
Bellingham is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #329 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 93,438.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #771 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 | 18.1 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #225 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #201 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 | 24.3 min |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #850 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 | 18.3 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #994 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 | 16.7 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bellingham compare with the rest of Washington?
Bellingham ranks #22 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 33% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | … #18 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #19 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #20 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #21 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #22 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #23 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #24 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #25 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #26 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Bellingham among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Bellingham's score calculated?
Bellingham scores 53.8 out of 100, #771 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bellingham. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bellingham's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
66.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bellingham. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bellingham's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bellingham's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
50.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bellingham. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bellingham. Similar-size median 42.4.
48.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bellingham. Similar-size median 50.0.
67.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bellingham's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
43.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bellingham's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bellingham has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bellingham
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live?
Bellingham ranks #771 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.1 min, #52 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (77.3%, #390 of 437) and high poverty (18.6%, #444 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bellingham?
Bellingham's cost of living index is 103.3, 3% above the US level of 100 and #872 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,577/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $661,763, 12% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Bellingham?
Bellingham recorded 263 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below Washington's 284. That ranks #486 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #222 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bellingham Police Department. Property crime runs 3,276 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bellingham?
The median household in Bellingham earns $66,755, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bellingham?
Median rent in Bellingham is $1,577/mo (Census), #770 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,951/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bellingham?
The typical home value in Bellingham is $661,763, down 0.3% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $627,500.
How are the public schools in Bellingham?
Bellingham's 20 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $17,976 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bellingham?
The average commute is 18.1 minutes, #198 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bellingham?
Bellingham averages 51.2°F over the year, 62.5°F in summer and 40.6°F in winter, with 34.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bellingham walkable?
Bellingham scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bellingham at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Whatcom County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 61% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bellingham?
Whatcom County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bellingham?
Bellingham has 93,438 residents. The median resident of Bellingham is 34.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 48.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #288 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bellingham compare with the rest of Washington?
Bellingham ranks #22 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 33% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Bellingham?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bellingham's population of 93,438 are Fall River, MA (#1084 overall), Mount Pleasant, SC (#225 overall), Livonia, MI (#201 overall), Erie, PA (#850 overall), and O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall). Bellingham is #771.