Living in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is the 361st-largest city in the US, home to about 96,000 people in 2025. It has grown 5.4% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (103.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 96,395+5.4% since 2020
- Median home value
- $627,5009.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,577/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $66,755median, per year
- Price level
- 103.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 46° / 73°lows 34° / 55°
- Average commute
- 18 min15% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Whatcom County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 69 ft
Metro area: Bellingham, WA
Cost of living in Bellingham
The median home in Bellingham is worth $627,500 and the median household earns $66,755 a year, so a typical home costs about 9.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,577 a month, about 28% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Bellingham, WA metro area at 103.3, with housing at 112.9 and goods at 105.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $77,500 here. Washington has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Washington is 9.57%.
What would my salary be worth in Bellingham?
Bellingham weather
Average highs run from 46°F in January to 73°F in July, and January nights average 34°F. It gets 35 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 3 inches of snow. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Bellingham
People and work
The median resident is 34.1 years old, and 48% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 45% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 18 minutes; 15% of workers work from home and 3% take public transit.
- Median age
- 34.1136th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 49%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 45%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,41928.2 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 3%7% walk, 3.8% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 18.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1986median year
Who moves to Bellingham, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Tacoma (Pierce County), Spokane (Spokane County) and Thurston County, WA. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Tacoma (Pierce County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Spokane (Spokane County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Whatcom County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, avalanche.
Home prices
+0.5% in a year
Up 34% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Bellingham, WA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
94% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Bellingham, WA area (364 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Bellingham
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Western Washington University 2 miles
- Skagit Valley College 24 miles
- Whatcom Community College 2 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Bellingham
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham International Airport BLI | 3 mi | 266,703 |
| Orcas Island Airport ESD | 20 mi | 9,512 |
| Friday Harbor Airport FBS | 28 mi | 6,167 |
| Friday Harbor Airport FRD | 29 mi | 12,898 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Bellingham
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Washington University | 2 mi | 13,544 | $19,963 | 61% |
| Skagit Valley College | 24 mi | 2,477 | $18,835 | n/a |
| Whatcom Community College | 2 mi | 2,378 | $17,524 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Bellingham
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 31, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 13 and the first frost comes around October 30.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Bellingham Intl. Airport, WA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Bellingham.
Wildfire smoke in Bellingham
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Bellingham on about 64 days a year, including about 21 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Bellingham
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 41,500 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Bellingham
Downtown Bellingham is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham School District | Pre-K to 12 | 11,337 | 25 | 17.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Ferndale School District (4,746 students), Lynden School District (3,646 students), Burlington-Edison School District (3,276 students), Nooksack Valley School District (2,033 students), Meridian School District (1,904 students), Mount Baker School District (1,580 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Bellingham's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Bellingham's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Salem, OR66% matchCompare
- Eugene, OR65% matchCompare
- Rialto, CA63% matchCompare
- Coeur d'Alene, ID51% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Bellingham
- Mt. Baker Ski Area 38 miles
- Big Four Ski Area 65 miles
- North Cascade Heli Skiing 94 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Bellingham
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Washington has no state income tax on wages.
- Data Commutes are short: 18 minutes each way on average.
- Data Clean air: 342 of 364 days in 2025 had good air quality in the metro (EPA).
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 9.4 years of median household income.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.57% on average with local taxes.
Bellingham report card from locals
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Bellingham through locals' eyes
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Cities near Bellingham
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marysville, WA | 48 mi | 77,686 | $567,900 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Everett, WA | 58 mi | 113,567 | $565,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Kirkland, WA | 76 mi | 97,410 | $1,115,400 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Redmond, WA | 77 mi | 82,506 | $1,167,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Seattle, WA | 80 mi | 784,777 | $938,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Bellevue, WA | 81 mi | 154,193 | $1,340,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Bellingham with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Bellingham a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, no state income tax on wages, short commutes; the trade-offs are expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Bellingham side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Bellingham?
The Census Bureau estimates Bellingham had 96,395 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 91,470 in April 2020 (+5.4%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Bellingham?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $77,500 in the Bellingham area. The median household here earns $66,755.
When is the best time to visit Bellingham?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 73°F and January 46°F for daytime highs.
What county is Bellingham in?
Bellingham is in Whatcom County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Bellingham in?
Bellingham is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Bellingham?
About 69 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Bellingham. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Bellingham, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Bellingham Intl. Airport, WA station; snowfall from Bellingham 3 SSW, WA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.