Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham: The most populous city in Whatcom County, Washington. It is located on the Bellingham Bay in northwestern Washington. Bellingham is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many historical sites, and its many attractions, such as the Bellingham Museum and the Whatcom Museum of History and Art.

About

Bellingham is a city located in the county of Whatcom in the U.S. state of Washington. Its population at the 2010 census was 80,885 and a population density of 1,030 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 93,955 inhabitants.

The city was created 170 years ago in 1853.

Bellingham is located in northwest Washington overlooking Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. The city was incorporated in 1903 through the merging of four towns: Whatcom, Sehome, Bellingham, and Fairhaven.

Early growth revolved around the fishing, lumber and coal mining industries. In the late 19th century, Bellingham was established as a vital shipping and trade center. The opening of Western Washington University in 1899 also fostered cultural development in the area.

Key Local Industries and Attractions

Major industries, employers and things to do in Bellingham today include:

  • Higher education - Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College
  • Healthcare - PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
  • Tourism - visiting Fairhaven Historic District, Boulevard Park, Mount Baker trails
  • Outdoor recreation - hiking, fishing, boating, bicycling
  • Arts and culture - museums, theaters, art galleries, local music

Bellingham's beautiful natural setting and proximity to both mountains and sea provide a wealth of recreational opportunities. The walkable downtown features lively shops, restaurants and breweries.

Demographics and Local Culture

Bellingham has a population of about 94,000 residents. The population skews younger, with over 20% of residents between 20-29 years old. Bellingham has a lively outdoors and arts culture popular with young professionals and college students.

Major events include the Ski to Sea Race, Whatcom Artist Studio Tour, Old Settler's Day, and weekly farmers markets. A popular local slogan, "City of Subdued Excitement", reflects Bellingham's laid-back, nature-loving vibe.

With its natural beauty, engaged community and stimulating college atmosphere, Bellingham offers an outstanding quality of life in the Pacific Northwest.

Bellingham locator map
Location of Bellingham on Washington map.

Quick Facts about Bellingham

Population : 93,955 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Washington (United States)
County : Whatcom County
Postal code : 98225–98229
Phone Area Codes : 360
Area : 78.57 km2
Altitude : 72 feet / 22 meters
Capital city : Bellingham is capital of Whatcom County
Establishment : January 01, 1854 (170 years ago)
Time Zone : Pacific Time Zone, UTC−08:00, UTC−07:00
Local time : 01:00:05 (4th October 2024)
Density : 1,196 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 13.91% (2010-2020)
Aerial View of Bellingham  Washington image
Aerial View of Bellingham Washington
Aerial View of Bellingham  Washington image

Geography

Bellingham is located at 48°45'34"N 122°29'18"W (48.7595500, -122.4882200).

Bellingham map

Demographics

The population of Bellingham increased by 13.91% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 80,885 - census
2011 81,859 1.19% estimation process
2012 82,299 0.53% estimation process
2013 82,593 0.36% estimation process
2014 83,386 0.95% estimation process
2015 84,998 1.9% estimation process
2016 86,954 2.25% estimation process
2017 89,031 2.33% estimation process
2018 90,464 1.58% estimation process
2019 92,314 2% estimation process
2020 93,955 1.75% estimation process

Bellingham zip code is 98225. County name: Whatcom, County fips: 53073

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People born in Bellingham (97)

People born in Bellingham, including musician and record producer Daniel Anderson, actor, musician Billy Burke, Explorer of Antarctica Gerald Ketchum, .

List

  • Gene Savoy (American explorer and theologian) he was born in 11/05/1927
  • Trey Azagthoth (American death metal guitarist) he was born in 26/03/1965
  • Tommy Noonan (American actor, screenwriter and producer) he was born in 29/04/1921
  • Eric T. Hansen (American writer) he was born in 03/07/1960
  • Donald L. Turcotte (American university teacher) he was born in 22/04/1932
  • Drew Hayes (Comic creator) he was born in 20/07/1969
  • William Dickey (Poet, professor) he was born in 15/12/1928
  • Steve Baker (American motorcycle racer) he was born in 05/09/1952
  • Dan Stanislawski (American geographer) he was born in 20/04/1903
  • Don Warren (American football player) he was born in 05/05/1956
  • Edith Evanson (American actress (1896-1980)) she was born in 29/04/1896
  • Randolph Hokanson (American pianist) he was born in 22/06/1915
  • Ben Weber (American actor) he was born in 14/05/1972
  • Bernie Fryer (American basketball player and referee) he was born in 25/12/1949
  • Alfred Goodwin (judge) he was born in 29/06/1923
  • Angus L. Bowmer (American theatre director (1904-1979)) he was born in 25/09/1904
  • Anthony Newman (American football player) he was born in 25/11/1965
  • Arthur K. Barnes (American writer) he was born in 06/12/1909

Schools in Bellingham

College & universities near Bellingham, WA

Code Name City ZIP
234696 Bellingham Technical College Bellingham (WA) 98225-1599

Stations (7)

Amtrak & bus stations near Bellingham, WA

Code Name Address Type
BEL Bellingham station 401 Harris Avenue RAIL
MVW Skagit Transportation Center 105 East Kincaid St. RAIL
STW Stanwood station 27111 Florence Way RAIL
EVR Everett Station 3201 Smith Ave. RAIL
EDM Edmonds station 211 Railroad Ave. RAIL

Post offices near Bellingham

Post Office Name City ZIP
Bellingham Post Office Bellingham (WA) 98225

Other places with the same name (3)

Other cities in Whatcom County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Whatcom County , WA.

City Name Population Title
Ferndale 15,531 City in Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Lynden 15,408 City in Washington, United States
Birch Bay 8,413 Census designated place
Sudden Valley 6,441 Census designated place
Blaine 5,638 City in Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Everson 2,888 Small city in Washington
Nooksack 1,659 Small city in Washington
Sumas 1,629 Small city in Washington

Distance to Other Cities

Bellingham distances to largest Washington cities