Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham: The most populous city in Whatcom County, Washington.
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 172 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.
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 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 48.7596,-122.4882 |
| Altitude | 72 feet / 22 meters |
| Capital city | Bellingham is capital of Whatcom County |
| Establishment | January 01, 1854 (172 years ago) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone, UTC−08:00, UTC−07:00 |
| Local time | 16:05:57 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 1,196 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 13.91% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 50℉ Chance Light Rain 7-days weather |
Geography
Bellingham is located at 48°45'34"N 122°29'18"W (48.7595500, -122.4882200).
Bellingham map
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Weather
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch pos...
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Bellingham
Official WebsiteDemographics
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 |
Where to Stay in Bellingham
1Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
714 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA 98229, United States View details
Phone: +13606711011 | Website available
2Best Western Heritage Inn
151 McLeod Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226, United States View details
Phone: +13606471912 | Website available
3Hotel Bellwether
1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States View details
Phone: +13603923100 | Website available
4Quality Inn Grand Suites Bellingham
100 E Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226, United States View details
Phone: +13606478000 | Website available
5The Chrysalis Inn & Spa Bellingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
804 10th St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States View details
Phone: +13607561005 | Website available
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, .
More notable people
- 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
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Bellingham, WA. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 234696 | Bellingham Technical College | Bellingham (WA) | 98225-1599 |
Nearby Transit Stations (7)
Rail and bus stations connected to Bellingham, WA. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| 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 |
Closest post offices linked to Bellingham.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham Post Office | Bellingham (WA) | 98225 |
Other places with the same name (2)
- Bellingham, Massachusetts town of the United States with a population of 17,336 people.
- Bellingham, Minnesota human settlement in Minnesota, United States of America with a population of 147 people.
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