Washington / Whatcom County

Moving to Bellingham, WA

Thinking of making a move to Bellingham, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bellingham, WA

Considering a move to Bellingham, WA? This welcoming community of 92,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $620,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Bellingham's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham has a population of 92,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 1% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
92,000
Density
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age
31.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.0%
Black
1.4%
Asian
7.5%
Others
14.1%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bellingham, WA?

The cost of living in Bellingham is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 132.5. Median home values are around $620,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$620,000
Gross Rent
$1,780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
132.5
Grocery
122.0
Housing
155.0
Utilities
109.5
Transportation
118.0
Health Care
108.5
Miscellaneous
112.0

Crime

Is Bellingham, WA a safe place to live?

Bellingham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 260 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
260
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,110
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Bellingham, WA year-round?

Bellingham experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 35°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
35°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
60°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,000 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$74,000
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$32,500
Income Male
$49,500
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
14.0%
Rent
$1,780
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
9.5%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
38.5%

Education

How are the schools in Bellingham, WA?

Bellingham offers quality education options, with public schools like Sehome High School and Bellingham High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Sehome High School
Street
2700 Bill McDonald Pkwy
Phone
360-676-6481
Students
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Bellingham High School
Street
2020 Cornwall Ave
Phone
360-778-8500
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
18.5

Private Schools

Name
Assumption Catholic School
Street
2176 Broadway
Phone
360-733-5160
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Western Washington University
City
Bellingham
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
14,000
Name
Whatcom Community College
City
Bellingham
State
WA
Distance
3 miles
Students
5,000

Healthcare

Bellingham residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and Cascade Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
Address
2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone
(360) 734-5400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Cascade Medical Center
Address
817 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone
(360) 676-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
76.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bellingham, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $620,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 3.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Bellingham offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
57.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.5%
New Construction Rate
1.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Bellingham handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
1025 Union Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone
1-360-902-3900

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Bellingham, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Bellingham, review the core fields on this page: population 92,000, median home value $620,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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