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Local Guide

See what Bellingham, WA has to offer.

All About

Living in Bellingham, WA

The town of Bellingham, Washington is home to slightly less than 85,000 residents. Young adults (15-24) can expect to fit right in, as they make up an above-average 27% of the community. At an average age of just under 37, the city's residents skew younger than most cities in Washington. A small majority of residents rent their homes (54%) as opposed to owning (46%) in Bellingham. The trend is driven in part by a relatively low average rent of $1,074 per month, which is $133 less than the state average. Those savings add up over the course of 12 months.

Averaging about 19 minutes, the commute time for Bellingham residents is quicker than the state average of about 29 minutes. Driving a vehicle is the prevailing means of commuting to work, opted for by 39% of workers, while public transportation isn't extensively used. Few workers (4%) commute on foot, though the number exceeds the national average.

Many Bellingham residents work in one of four industries: retail, education, entertainment, and healthcare. Combined, these industries account for 30% of the city's labor force. Meanwhile, in terms of job function, many workers in these industries are in sales, which ranks as the top field in the city. Bellingham workers earn an average annual income of just over $62,000, about $20,000 less than the average Washington resident. The city's average income also trails the national average of $73,345. Bellingham has a relatively high percentage of residents older than 25 who have earned a Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, or Doctoral degree (26%) compared to the national average (21%).

What Renters Like and Dislike

What Renters Like and Dislike About Bellingham

I like having privacy and being away from the main city. My husband also does not get racially profiled here like he does in the nearest college town.

public transportation is nearby.the college is close.and there are plenty of businesses in walking distance

It's next to a university, which is good to play soccer and stuff. It's next to a grocery store and a plaza of stores

I like that there are several different things in walking distance. Like the schools, parks and several different restaurants as well.

I like my neighborhood because it is historical; it is former air force officer housing. The street is quiet and surrounded by a state park with an activity center and playground steps away. It is a 10 minute walk to public beaches and several restaurants are within a 30 min walk. I love being surrounded by nature, birdsong & quiet!

I love the nature, interurban trails, local restaurants, easy cheap bus systems, good beer, access to legal cannabis

Who Lives Here

Bellingham Demographics

Education

High School

16%

Associate's

22%

Bachelor's

18%

Master's

8%

Doctorate

35%

Family Size

2 people

50%

3 people

24%

4 people

15%

5 people

6%

6+ people

4%

Household Income

0-50k

46%

50-100k

31%

100-150k

12%

150-200k

6%

200k+

4%

Age

0-10

9%

10-20

12%

20-45

45%

45-65

19%

65+

15%

Affordability

How expensive is it in Bellingham?

Percentage: 3/53/5

Renters gave this area a 3 out of 5 for affordability

Rent Trends

Studio1 Bed2 Beds3 Beds
-----
-$1400-$1819$2944
-$1250-$2332$2944
-$1100-$2062$2737
-$1400-$1791$2531
-$1050-$1520$2325
-$1050-$1520$2325
-$1050-$1520$2325
-$1000-$1520$2295
-$950-$1450$2175
-$950-$1450$2175
-$1600-$1450$2175
-$1600-$1850$2175

*The rent information included in this summary is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com over the past 12-months and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Getting Around Bellingham

Bellingham Transportation

Commute Time

0-15 Mins

47%

15-30 Mins

36%

30-40 Mins

10%

40-60 Mins

5%

60+ Mins

3%

Transportation Scores

Percentage: 5757

Walk Score®

Walkable

Yes

Say 8 of 15 renters

Has Sidewalks

Yes

Say 11 of 15 renters

Percentage: 6161

Bike Score®

Bike Friendly

Yes

Say 10 of 15 renters

Percentage: 3737

Transit Score®

They Are Located Near Public Transportation

Yes

Say 10 of 15 renters

Need A Car

No

Say 10 of 15 renters

Top Scores: Grocery, Coffee, Retail

Things To Do In Bellingham

Top Score

Grocery Stores

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Not bad on the supermarket score. Bellingham gets an average rating.

  1. Few grocery stores per resident
  2. Significantly more grocery stores than average
  3. 18% more grocery stores than areas of a similar size

Coffee

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Not too cold, not too hot. An average town for coffee.

  1. A high number of coffee shops per resident
  2. Significantly more coffee shops than average
  3. 79% more coffee shops than areas of a similar size

Retail Shops

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

The shopping scene here is a size medium.

  1. Few shops per resident
  2. Significantly more shops than average
  3. 14% more shops than areas of a similar size

Pet Services

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Who's an ok boy? Bellingham doesn't deserve many treats.

  1. Few pet facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more pet facilities than average
  3. A standard number of pet facilities compared to areas of a similar size

Fine Arts

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

It's just about fine for fine art. An average score.

  1. A high number of fine art centers per resident
  2. Significantly more fine art centers than average
  3. 96% more fine art centers than areas of a similar size

Gas Stations

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

The road is less traveled for filling the tank up in Bellingham.

  1. Few gas stations per resident
  2. Significantly more gas stations than average
  3. 11% more gas stations than areas of a similar size

Restaurants

2/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Bellingham serves up a dining scene that's only lukewarm.

  1. Few restaurants per resident
  2. Significantly more restaurants than average
  3. A standard number of restaurants compared to areas of a similar size

Nightlife

2/5 stars based on undefined reviews

You'll need to stock up the mini-bar. Bellingham is running dry.

  1. Few bars and clubs per resident
  2. Significantly more bars and clubs than average
  3. 22% more bars and clubs than areas of a similar size

Parks

2/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Not too many park perks in Bellingham.

  1. Few parks per resident
  2. Significantly more parks than average
  3. 41% fewer parks than areas of a similar size

Health and Fitness

2/5 stars based on undefined reviews

You'll have to workout somewhere else to keep fit.

  1. Few gyms per resident
  2. Significantly more gyms than average
  3. 13% fewer gyms than areas of a similar size

Medical Care

2/5 stars based on undefined reviews

We have a bone to pick with this Bellingham's access to medical care.

  1. Few medical facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more medical facilities than average
  3. 29% fewer medical facilities than areas of a similar size

What Renters Are Saying

Bellingham Features

Busy Streets

No

Say 14 of 15 renters

Near Grocery Stores

Yes

Say 13 of 15 renters

Good Place To Raise A Family

Yes

Say 13 of 15 renters

Noise Late At Night

No

Say 12 of 15 renters

Area Has Litter

No

Say 12 of 15 renters

Pet Friendly

Yes

Say 12 of 15 renters

Area Has Potholes

No

Say 11 of 15 renters

Quiet Area

Yes

Say 11 of 15 renters

Safe For Families

Yes

Say 11 of 15 renters

Area Has Kids Play Outside

Yes

Say 10 of 15 renters

Near Downtown

Yes

Say 10 of 15 renters

Near Schools

Yes

Say 10 of 15 renters

Nice Views

Yes

Say 10 of 15 renters

Mostly Older Buildings

No

Say 9 of 15 renters

Nearby Parks

Yes

Say 9 of 15 renters

Maintained Yards

Yes

Say 9 of 15 renters

Tree Lined Streets

Yes

Say 8 of 15 renters

Well Lit

Yes

Say 8 of 15 renters

Near Highways

No

Say 9 of 15 renters

Mostly Newer Buildings

No

Say 12 of 15 renters

Bellingham Education

Schools

Percentage: 4/54/5

School Score

How satisfied do renters feel with the schools in this area.

Top Schools in Bellingham

7/10

Columbia Elementary School

Grades PK-5 • Public

5/10

Parkview Elementary School

Grades PK-5 • Public

4/10

Sunnyland Elementary School

Grades PK-5 • Public

4/10

Birchwood Elementary School

Grades PK-5 • Public

4/10

Carl Cozier Elementary School

Grades PK-5 • Public

5/10

Roosevelt Elementary School

Grades PK-5 • Public

Information provided by GreatSchools. To verify school enrollment eligibility, contact the school district directly.

All About

Living in Bellingham, WA

The town of Bellingham, Washington is home to slightly less than 85,000 residents. Young adults (15-24) can expect to fit right in, as they make up an above-average 27% of the community. At an average age of just under 37, the city's residents skew younger than most cities in Washington. A small majority of residents rent their homes (54%) as opposed to owning (46%) in Bellingham. The trend is driven in part by a relatively low average rent of $1,074 per month, which is $133 less than the state average. Those savings add up over the course of 12 months.

Averaging about 19 minutes, the commute time for Bellingham residents is quicker than the state average of about 29 minutes. Driving a vehicle is the prevailing means of commuting to work, opted for by 39% of workers, while public transportation isn't extensively used. Few workers (4%) commute on foot, though the number exceeds the national average.

Many Bellingham residents work in one of four industries: retail, education, entertainment, and healthcare. Combined, these industries account for 30% of the city's labor force. Meanwhile, in terms of job function, many workers in these industries are in sales, which ranks as the top field in the city. Bellingham workers earn an average annual income of just over $62,000, about $20,000 less than the average Washington resident. The city's average income also trails the national average of $73,345. Bellingham has a relatively high percentage of residents older than 25 who have earned a Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, or Doctoral degree (26%) compared to the national average (21%).