Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Blaine, WA
Considering a move to Blaine, WA? This charming border town of 5,900 residents offers affordable coastal living with a median home price around $495,000 and average rents near $1,520. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, a short 25-minute average commute, and low violent crime rates at 135 per 100k. With highly rated local schools, mild maritime climate, and easy access to both Bellingham and the Canadian border, Blaine is ideal for families and anyone seeking a scenic, close-knit community.
Demographics - Blaine, WA
Demographics - Blaine, WA
Blaine is home to about 5,900 residents, with a median age of 42.1 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White (82%), with modest Asian and other minority communities, and nearly 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its population density offers a small-town feel while being diverse enough to foster a welcoming community.
Population:
5,900
Density:
1,075 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.3%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
5.2%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Blaine, WA?
Cost of living in Blaine is moderately high, with a median home value of $495,000 and average rents around $1,520, reflecting the area's desirability and scenic coastal location. Utilities and groceries are close to the national average, while housing costs run higher than much of the country. Washington’s state tax structure and reasonable living expenses make Blaine an attractive option for those seeking Pacific Northwest living.
Median House Value:
$495,000
Gross Rent:
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.5
Grocery:
108.2
Housing:
125.7
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
112.1
Health Care:
106.3
Miscellaneous:
102.4
Crime
Is Blaine, WA a safe place to live?
Blaine experiences a low violent crime rate of 135 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 70 chance annually, though overall crime remains below many urban areas. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the community’s relatively secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
135
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,555
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 740
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Blaine, WA year-round?
Blaine features a mild maritime climate, with winter lows around 34°F and summer highs peaking near 72°F. The city receives about 40 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 41% of the year, making for comfortable, temperate seasons. This pleasant weather supports an active outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
72°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
Blaine’s households have a median income of $68,400, with a poverty rate just above 10% and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma, and commute times average a manageable 25 minutes. The community is known for being close-knit, diverse, and welcoming to newcomers.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$68,400
Family Income:
$81,900
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$43,800
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.4%
Rent:
$1,520
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Blaine, WA?
Blaine offers quality public education, featuring schools like Blaine High School and Blaine Middle School with favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, residents are within 25 miles of Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University in Bellingham. The community’s strong educational resources make it an excellent choice for families seeking academic opportunity.
Public Schools
Name:
Blaine High School
Street:
1055 H St
Phone:
360-332-6045
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Blaine Middle School
Street:
975 H St
Phone:
360-332-8226
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Colleges
Name:
Whatcom Community College
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Western Washington University
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Blaine residents benefit from proximity to major healthcare facilities like PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in nearby Bellingham. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 93% having health insurance, access to medical care is strong. The area’s healthcare index indicates reliable services for families and retirees alike.
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:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
77.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Blaine, WA?
Blaine’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $495,000 and owner occupancy at 67%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,520 and a low vacancy rate, while home values have appreciated by 4.3% in the past year. Both new construction and foreclosure rates remain low, underscoring a healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$495,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local residents access DMV services through the Washington State Department of Licensing office in nearby Bellingham. This office provides driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other essential services, with information available online and by phone. Convenient access makes handling vehicle and licensing needs straightforward for Blaine residents.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 E. Sunset Dr., 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.