Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Birch Bay, WA
Considering a move to Birch Bay, WA? With a population of around 10,500, Birch Bay offers scenic coastal living and a relaxed pace. The median home price is $490,000, and average rents are about $1,650, reflecting a moderate cost of living. Residents enjoy relatively low violent crime (110 per 100K), shorter commutes (27 minutes), and great access to outdoor activities. With good local schools and a mild maritime climate, Birch Bay is a welcoming community for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Birch Bay, WA
Demographics - Birch Bay, WA
Birch Bay is home to about 10,500 residents, featuring a predominantly White community with a median age of 49, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, adding to its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.
Population:
10,500
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
9.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Birch Bay, WA?
Living in Birch Bay comes with a moderate cost, as the median home value stands at $490,000 and average rent is $1,650 per month. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but affordable utilities and no state income tax help balance expenses for residents.
Median House Value:
$490,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
125.9
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
107.8
Health Care:
104.7
Miscellaneous:
101.2
Crime
Is Birch Bay, WA a safe place to live?
Birch Bay boasts a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime is somewhat higher, but overall, residents enjoy a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,760
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Birch Bay, WA year-round?
Birch Bay enjoys a mild maritime climate, with summer highs around 73°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 33°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 44% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Residents of Birch Bay have a median household income of $73,400 and a poverty rate under 10%, fostering a stable and comfortable community. Most neighbors commute about 27 minutes to work and nearly all adults have completed high school, contributing to a well-educated population.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$73,400
Family Income:
$85,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,500
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
9.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
28.5%
Education
How are the schools in Birch Bay, WA?
Birch Bay families have access to quality public schools like Blaine Primary and Middle School, as well as private options and nearby colleges such as Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University. The local education system supports a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Blaine Primary School
Street:
820 Boblett St
Phone:
360-332-1300
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Blaine Middle School
Street:
975 H St
Phone:
360-332-8226
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Paul's Academy
Street:
1509 E. Victor St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone:
360-733-1750
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Whatcom Community College
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
4,000
Name:
Western Washington University
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Birch Bay residents benefit from access to major healthcare services, including PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center nearby, and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 94%. The city maintains a strong healthcare network with 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people.
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Birch Bay, WA?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $490,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of almost 75%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, reflecting steady demand and a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$490,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for Birch Bay are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located conveniently in nearby Bellingham. Residents can find information, renew licenses, and handle vehicle registrations through the local office or online portal.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 E. Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone:
360-676-2096
Website:
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.