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 93,910 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $599,000 and average rents near $1,550. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (41% 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 93,910 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 78% White, 1% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
93,910
Density
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age
32.2
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.2%
Black
1.3%
Asian
6.0%
Others
14.5%

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 127.4. Median home values are around $599,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,550. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$599,000
Gross Rent
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$740
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
127.4
Grocery
110.6
Housing
147.2
Utilities
88.5
Transportation
104.2
Health Care
128.3
Miscellaneous
106.0

Crime

Is Bellingham, WA a safe place to live?

Bellingham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 259 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. 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
259
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,805
Crime Index
3,064
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 386
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 36

Weather

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

Bellingham experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 73°F and cold winters dipping to 33°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 41% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
33°F
Max
45°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
73°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
59°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
41%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,930 and a low poverty rate of 17.9%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 47% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,700
Household Income
$63,930
Family Income
$86,900
Per Capita Income
$35,700
Income Male
$45,200
Income Female
$36,800
Poverty Rate
17.9%
Non English Speakers
13.7%
Rent
$1,550
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
3.2%
Commute Time
19.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.4%
Bachelors or More
47.3%

Education

How are the schools in Bellingham, WA?

Bellingham offers quality education options, with public schools like Bellingham High School and Fairhaven Middle 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
Bellingham High School
Street
2020 Cornwall Ave
Phone
360-676-6575
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
19.8
Name
Fairhaven Middle School
Street
110 Parkridge Rd
Phone
360-676-6456
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
18.2

Private Schools

Name
Assumption Catholic School
Street
2116 Cornwall Ave
Phone
360-733-6133
Students
285

Colleges

Name
Western Washington University
City
Bellingham
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
15,000
Name
Whatcom Community College
City
Bellingham
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
4,100

Healthcare

Bellingham residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 93.1% 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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage
93.1%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bellingham, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $599,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 2.8%. Bellingham offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$599,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate
46.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate
2.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Bellingham handle vehicle services through the Washington Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Bellingham. 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 Department of Licensing
Address
605 E Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone
1-360-676-2096

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 93,910, median home value $599,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,550, commute time 19.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 41%.

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