Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ferndale, WA
Considering a move to Ferndale, WA? With a population of about 16,400, Ferndale offers a friendly, small-town feel and relatively affordable housing with median home prices around $525,000 and average rents at $1,540. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 24 minutes, low violent crime rates, and access to solid local schools and healthcare. The city features a mild climate, lots of green spaces, and close proximity to Bellingham’s educational and cultural resources—ideal for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Ferndale, WA
Demographics - Ferndale, WA
Ferndale is home to around 16,400 residents, offering a balanced mix of ages with a median age of 36.4 years and a nearly even gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, but also includes Asian and other diverse communities, with about 12.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
16,390
Density:
2,125 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
3.7%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ferndale, WA?
Ferndale's cost of living is slightly above the national average, highlighted by a median home value of $525,000 and average rents at $1,540 per month. Utilities and everyday expenses are reasonable, and state taxes range up to 9%. This makes Ferndale an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life in the Pacific Northwest.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
108.3
Housing:
124.1
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
105.3
Crime
Is Ferndale, WA a safe place to live?
Ferndale boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 178 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a relatively safe place to live. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 49 chance of being affected. These safety levels contribute to the city's family-friendly and welcoming reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,025
Crime Index:
2,203
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Ferndale, WA year-round?
The climate in Ferndale is mild year-round, with summer highs averaging 75°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 33°F. Residents experience about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoy sunny days roughly 42% of the year. These comfortable weather patterns make outdoor activities and exploring the region enjoyable.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Ferndale's households typically earn a median income of $82,400, and the poverty rate is relatively low at 8.5%. Most residents enjoy a short commute of under 24 minutes, and nearly 93% have at least a high school diploma. The community is diverse and educated, fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Median Income:
$39,400
Household Income:
$82,400
Family Income:
$91,200
Per Capita Income:
$33,200
Income Male:
$48,100
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.4%
Education
How are the schools in Ferndale, WA?
Ferndale offers quality educational options, including public schools like Ferndale High School and Vista Middle School, as well as nearby private and higher education institutions. The city is within close reach of Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University in Bellingham, making advanced education easily accessible for residents of all ages. High graduation rates and a variety of programs support lifelong learning in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Ferndale High School
Street:
5830 Golden Eagle Dr
Phone:
360-383-9240
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Vista Middle School
Street:
6051 Vista Dr
Phone:
360-383-9370
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Private Schools
Name:
Cascade Christian School
Street:
5671 Third Ave
Phone:
360-384-3861
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
Whatcom Community College
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
Western Washington University
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major providers like PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center located nearby in Bellingham. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.5%, and there are about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people. This ensures convenient access to both emergency and routine medical care.
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:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ferndale, WA?
Ferndale's housing market features a median home price of $525,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 70%. Home values are steadily appreciating, and the rental vacancy rate remains low at 4.8%. The mix of stable property values and reasonable rents makes it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Ferndale are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with comprehensive resources available online and at their Lacey office. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other DMV needs through the state’s user-friendly website. This streamlines the process for new arrivals and longtime locals alike.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
645 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Phone:
360-902-3900
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.