Bellingham, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Bellingham, Washington had a total population of 93,438, the 12th largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $66,755, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 18.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.4x the median household income.
Bellingham Quick Facts
How Bellingham Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 92,367 | 93,438 | +1.2% |
| Median household income | $65,821 | $66,755 | +1.4% |
| Median home value | $577,400 | $627,500 | +8.7% |
How Bellingham Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bellingham Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Whatcom County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynden | 16,234 | $103,233 | 7.2% | $596,600 |
| Ferndale | 15,999 | $87,579 | 12.8% | $549,300 |
| Birch Bay | 10,837 | $86,854 | 9.4% | $477,200 |
| Blaine | 6,100 | $84,030 | 13.1% | $549,600 |
| Sudden Valley | 6,084 | $100,930 | 7.6% | $489,200 |
| Marietta-Alderwood | 3,754 | $76,019 | 7.9% | $547,100 |
| Everson | 3,040 | $80,250 | 5.5% | $450,300 |
| Peaceful Valley | 2,858 | $59,625 | 17.1% | $317,800 |
| Geneva | 2,073 | $142,188 | 1.8% | $801,100 |
| Nooksack | 1,794 | $97,159 | 14.7% | $524,300 |
Cities Similar to Bellingham
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima | 96,961 | $62,815 | $297,600 | 20.8% | 16.6% |
| Kennewick | 85,295 | $73,576 | $370,700 | 26.2% | 14.3% |
| Spokane Valley | 106,365 | $74,042 | $382,300 | 26.5% | 12.9% |
| Federal Way | 99,493 | $86,909 | $552,800 | 30.8% | 13.0% |
| Auburn | 85,676 | $97,884 | $547,900 | 25.6% | 8.9% |
Population Overview
Bellingham is a mid-sized community located in Washington, within Whatcom County. The total population is 93,438. It ranks as the 12th most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bellingham is 34.1 years. This is 11% lower than the state median of 38.3 years. Only 13.8% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bellingham is $66,755. This is 32% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 17% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%. This is 88% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $627,500. Housing costs are 11% higher than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.4x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 44.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bellingham is White (non-Hispanic), making up 76.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.2%. The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 3.9%.
Education
48.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 22% higher than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.2%. Notably, 19.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bellingham, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 628 Census-designated places in Washington. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bellingham, Washington?
Bellingham, Washington has a population of 93,438 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bellingham, WA?
The median household income in Bellingham is $66,755, which is 17% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Bellingham, WA?
The poverty rate in Bellingham is 18.6%. This means approximately 16,606 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bellingham, Washington?
Bellingham's population is 76.2% White, 1.3% Black, 10.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bellingham, WA?
The median home value in Bellingham is $627,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.4x.
How educated is Bellingham, Washington?
48.5% of adults (25+) in Bellingham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 19.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.