Bellingham, WA
Population 92,367 · Washington
About Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 92,367 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,821 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bellingham features a median home value of $577,400, which is 136% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bellingham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,478, 27% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 43,468 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (18,550 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (22,510 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bellingham shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bellingham have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.5% of Bellingham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 9.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bellingham Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA
Compared to national averages, Bellingham has a median household income of $65,821 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $577,400, which is 136% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,478 is 27% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Bellingham's income is 28% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 25% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham offers a well-educated community where 46.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,821) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $577,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Bellingham provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Bellingham has a population of 92,367 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Bellingham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Bellingham
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland | 91,614 | $143,533 | $1,022,500 | Compare |
| Yakima | 96,810 | $59,228 | $273,400 | Compare |
| Federal Way | 99,232 | $82,144 | $499,600 | Compare |
| Auburn | 85,455 | $95,367 | $510,400 | Compare |
| Kennewick | 84,389 | $72,867 | $343,600 | Compare |
| Renton | 105,279 | $96,626 | $631,400 | Compare |
| Spokane Valley | 105,460 | $70,722 | $344,300 | Compare |
| Pasco | 78,446 | $81,130 | $344,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bellingham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bellingham
What is the population of Bellingham, WA?
The population of Bellingham, WA is 92,367 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Bellingham?
The median household income in Bellingham, WA is $65,821 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bellingham?
The median home value in Bellingham, WA is $577,400, which is 136% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bellingham?
The median monthly rent in Bellingham, WA is $1,478, which is 27% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bellingham?
The unemployment rate in Bellingham, WA is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live?
Bellingham offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 92,367 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bellingham, WA?
46.5% of residents in Bellingham aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bellingham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bellingham, WA: median home value is $577,400 (136% above national), median rent is $1,478/month, and median household income is $65,821. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bellingham?
The poverty rate in Bellingham, WA is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham's population is 6.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 9.1% of residents are foreign-born.