Cl Bellingham (2024)

FAQs

Why is Bellingham so expensive? ›

Housing prices are driven by the regional as well as the local economy. Up and down the I-5 corridor, home values have increased as the region attracted high-paying jobs and subsequent population growth. Rents soon followed suit. Bellingham's growth has been no exception – nor is it unique.

One of the most compelling reasons to make Bellingham your home is its unparalleled natural beauty. Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the North Cascades, and the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham offers stunning vistas at every turn.

Bellingham's living wage for an individual with no dependents is $23.52 per hour, working full time. For an individual with one dependent the living wage is $41.99 per hour. With two dependents, it's $54.84 per hour, and $72.06 with three dependents.

Among Bellingham residents, there is a homeowner vacancy rate of 1.5% and a rental vacancy rate of 2.7% from a total of 37,673 units.

Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Bellingham, WA grew from 90,545 to 91,353, a 0.892% increase and its median household income grew from $59,163 to $64,026, a 8.22% increase.

Homelessness in Bellingham and Whatcom County dropped slightly last year to 832 people. That was likely due to expanded support programs during the pandemic, the Health Department said. Homelessness still remained at record levels.

The overall cost of living is 20.2% lower in Bellingham than Seattle.

We're often asked about the best neighborhoods in Bellingham. Edgemoor, South Hill, Lake Whatcom and Barkley Village are all popular choices.

Bellingham, WA housing market

In April 2024, the median listing home price in Bellingham, WA was $750K, trending up 18.3% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $416. The median home sold price was $650K.

What is the main industry in Bellingham Washington? ›

The Economy

Medical services and higher education are the leading employers in the county. Major private industry firms, including petroleum refining, corporate retail trade offices, aluminum smelting, aircraft interiors, power supply systems and industrial mainenance, provide a stable economic base.

Bellingham Demographics

White: 80.83% Two or more races: 7.81%

The City of Bellingham requires employers to pay the city minimum wage. The current minimum wage in Bellingham is $17.28.

Bellingham, WA housing is 43% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 8% less pricey. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 23% more in Bellingham, WA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 23% more .

Bellingham's affordability score was the 31st worst in the whole country. It was also the 18th highest among the 216 cities with a population under 350,000 that the report looked at.

The reason? You guessed it. Smoke from wildfires in Washington state and elsewhere earned Bellingham and Whatcom County a failing mark for 24-hour particle pollution in an annual nationwide report on air pollution, and weather forecasters say this could be another smoke-filled summer in the Northwest.

He ranks in the 95th percentile or higher in tackles won, interceptions, duels won and possessions won in the final third among all Spanish league players. Bellingham's ability to maintain his defensive and attacking play at such an elite level makes him one of the world's most complete players.