Bellingham, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
93,438
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,755/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
43,792
0.8% year-over-year change

Bellingham population

How many people live in Bellingham

Bellingham is home to 93,438 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Bellingham locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
93,438
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
45,045
Female
51.8%
48,393
Value Percent YoY change
Male 45,045 48.2% 0.4%
Female 48,393 51.8% 1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bellingham is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.9% are children under 15, then 24% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29% of the population, while another 19.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.9%
15 to 24
24%
25 to 44
29%
45 to 64
19.6%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,189 10.9% -2.0%
15 to 24 22,469 24% 3.5%
25 to 44 27,086 29% 3.2%
45 to 64 18,287 19.6% -2.8%
Over 65 15,407 16.5% 1.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bellingham, 89.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 5.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.2%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 83,321 89.2% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,726 7.2% -2.4%
Non-citizens 3,391 3.6% -9.2%
Racial breakdown
White
79.1%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 73,872 79.1%
Black or African American 1,256 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 655 0.7%
Asian 4,910 5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 204 0.2%
Two or more races 8,945 9.6%
Other 3,596 3.8%

Households in Bellingham

A peek inside Bellingham households

Bellingham has 41,500 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 43.4% are families, while the remaining 56.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
41,500
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
23,505
Family households
17,995
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 23,505 56.6% 2.0%
Family households 17,995 43.4% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bellingham

The housing landscape of Bellingham

Bellingham's housing consists of 43,792 units, with 43.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
43,792
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,013 43.4%
1 unit, attached 1,949 4.4%
2 units 1,922 4.4%
3 or 4 units 2,818 6.4%
5 to 9 units 3,301 7.5%
10 to 19 units 4,688 10.7%
20 to 49 units 4,581 10.5%
50 or more units 4,375 10%
Mobile home 1,068 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 77 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
899
81.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bellingham

In Bellingham, the median construction year is 1986. About 17% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,462 17% 3.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 873 2% -8.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,870 4.3% 5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,286 5.2% -11.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,272 14.3% -6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,851 11.1% 5.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,436 14.7% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,326 16.7% 1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,517 12.6% 2.3%
Built in 2020 or later 899 2% 81.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bellingham occupancy rates

Out of the 41,500 occupied housing units in Bellingham, 44.6% are owner-occupied, while 55.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
41,500
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
22,988
Owner occupied
18,512
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 22,988 55.4% 2.1%
Owner occupied 18,512 44.6% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bellingham housing costs

Housing costs in Bellingham come to a median of $1,565 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,577.

Median housing costs per month
$1,565/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bellingham
$1,577/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bellingham

Bellingham education at a glance

About 18.9% of the population in Bellingham went to high school, while 27.7% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 25.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,258 1.6% 9.9%
High school diploma 15,244 18.9% -7.7%
College diploma 22,337 27.7% 3.3%
Associate degree 8,814 11% -3.6%
Bachelor's degree 20,759 25.8% 6.2%
Graduate degree 12,106 15% 4.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bellingham

How much people earn in Bellingham

The average annual household income in Bellingham was $94,859 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,755, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bellingham
$94,859/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bellingham
$66,755/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Bellingham income by age

In Bellingham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,531. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,011 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,156, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,801 in earnings. Overall, 81.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,156 4.2%
25 - 44 $76,531 8.1%
45 - 64 $91,011 -4.0%
Over 65 $58,801 0.7%
Above poverty level
72,174
Below poverty level
16,567
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 72,174 81.3% 0.6%
Below poverty level 16,567 18.7% 3.0%

Average renter income in Bellingham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bellingham, their median household income was $46,214 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,214
Rent-to-income ratio
40.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bellingham

Workforce and job types in Bellingham

The job market in Bellingham is powered by 51,141 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 62% are employed by private companies, and 16.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
51,141
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
43,171
Blue collar
7,970
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 43,171 84.4% 3.2%
Blue collar 7,970 15.6% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
62%
Governmental workers
16.4%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,177 12.1% -2.4%
Private companies 31,686 62% 1.8%
Governmental workers 8,406 16.4% 4.1%
Not for profit companies 4,872 9.5% 7.5%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
1.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bellingham stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bellingham

How people get around in Bellingham

Commuting methods vary: 70.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 35,543 70.6% 2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,590 3.2% 0.6%
Subway or elevated 9 0% N/A
Ferryboat 51 0.1% 466.7%
Bicycle 1,891 3.8% -3.5%
Walk 3,467 6.9% 15.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bellingham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98225 50,216 22,612 $63,941 $91,167
98226 46,782 20,048 $79,375 $105,165
98229 33,298 13,712 $90,945 $124,094

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FAQs about Bellingham demographics 

What is the total population of Bellingham?

Bellingham has a total population of 93,438 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bellingham?

The gender ratio in Bellingham is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (45,045 residents)
  • 51.8% females (48,393 residents)

What is the median age in Bellingham?

The median age in Bellingham is 34.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bellingham?

The age distribution in Bellingham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.9% (10,189 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 24% (22,469 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29% (27,086 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.6% (18,287 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (15,407 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bellingham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bellingham is as follows:
  • White: 79.1% (73,872 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (1,256 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (655 residents)
  • Asian: 5.2% (4,910 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (204 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (8,945 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (3,596 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bellingham are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.2% of the population in Bellingham.

How many housing units are there in Bellingham?

There are 43,792 housing units in Bellingham, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bellingham and what is the average household size?

Bellingham has a total of 41,500 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bellingham?

Bellingham has a median household income of $66,755, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bellingham?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Bellingham, with a workforce of 51,141 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.4% (43,171 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.6% (7,970 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (6,177 residents)
  • Private companies: 62% (31,686 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.4% (8,406 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (4,872 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025