Bellingham

by The Linguist

Introduction

Bellingham is a city located in northwest Washington state, situated on Bellingham Bay which leads into the Salish Sea. With a population of 94,020 as of the 2020 census, it is the largest city in Whatcom County. Bellingham is the northernmost city in the contiguous United States with a population of over 50,000 people.

History

The Coast Salish peoples have lived in the Bellingham area for at least 4,000 years. The Lummi, Samish, and Nooksack tribes inhabited the surrounding area for thousands of years prior to European exploration. The first Europeans to arrive in the area were Spanish explorers in the late 18th century. The first European settlement was founded in the 1850s and named after Sir William Bellingham, an executive for the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Bellingham was officially incorporated as a city in 1903. In the early 20th century, Bellingham was home to many coal mines and salmon canneries. The salmon canneries declined in the 1970s and 1980s, although some still operate today. The Georgia-Pacific Corporation pulp mill also provided significant employment for decades before closing in 2001.

Today, Bellingham’s economy encompasses a diverse range of industries including higher education, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and technology. It continues to serve as a gateway for trade with Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Rim.

Geography and Climate

Bellingham is located in northwest Washington at 48°45′N 122°28′W. It sits on Bellingham Bay, an inlet of the Salish Sea about 16 miles south of the Canadian border. The city is surrounded by the North Cascades and San Juan Islands. Located just 80 miles north of Seattle, Bellingham lies between two major metropolises – Vancouver and Seattle.

Bellingham has a temperate climate, with warm dry summers and mild wet winters. The average high in July is 72°F and the average low is 50°F. January averages highs of 45°F and lows of 34°F. Bellingham receives an average yearly precipitation of 35 inches, with most rainfall occurring between October and April.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Bellingham had a population of 94,020 residents. The racial makeup of the city was 85.1% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Asian, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.8% two or more races, 1.7% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 0.1% some other race.

The median age in Bellingham is 27.1 years old. An estimated 19.5% of residents are under age 18 and 11% are over age 65. There are slightly more females (51.1%) than males (48.9%).

The largest universities in Bellingham are Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. Combined with Bellingham Technical College, higher education plays a major role in the city’s economy and demographic makeup.

Economy and Major Employers

Historically, Bellingham’s economy relied on natural resources and industries like coal mining, timber, and salmon canneries. Over the past few decades, the city has transitioned to a more diversified economy led by education, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, finance, and tourism.

The largest employer in Bellingham is Western Washington University, which employs over 1,900 people. Other major employers include the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, the Bellingham School District, BP Cherry Point refinery, Lummi Nation Enterprises, Haggen Food & Pharmacy, and TEK Systems.

The median household income in Bellingham is $54,389. The largest industries are healthcare, retail trade, educational services, manufacturing, and accommodation/food services. Unemployment as of June 2022 was 3.5%, lower than the national average.

Bellingham’s location near Canada and Alaska allow it to serve as an international shipping gateway. The Port of Bellingham fosters over 7,000 maritime jobs and $500 million in business revenue. It is one of the top 10 cargo ports in Washington.

Attractions and Tourism

Bellingham offers many attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy. Outdoor recreation is abundant with locations like Larrabee State Park, Whatcom Falls Park, and nearby Mount Baker. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching, fishing, and skiing.

Downtown Bellingham boasts a lively arts and culture scene, independent shops and restaurants, and craft breweries. Top attractions include the Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Maritime Heritage Park, Museum of Northwest Art, Mindport Exhibits, iDiOM Theater, and Mount Baker Theatre.

Annual events like the Ski to Sea Race, Art and Children Festival, and Bay to Baker Race attract many visitors. Less than an hour from Bellingham, the artist village of La Conner and the tulip festival in nearby Skagit Valley also draw tourists.

Colleges and Universities

Higher education plays an integral role in Bellingham. Western Washington University is a public university with over 17,000 students offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Whatcom Community College serves over 14,000 students and offers associate degrees and certificates. Bellingham Technical College provides career training programs in fields like manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, and more.

The presence of these colleges and universities contributes to Bellingham’s youthful, educated demographic. Almost 40% of residents over age 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33% nationally. Many students remain in Bellingham after graduation, leading to a flourishing young professional population.

Government

Bellingham has a Mayor-Council government system. The city’s governing body is the seven-member City Council, which serves four-year terms. The current mayor of Bellingham is Seth Fleetwood, who was elected in 2018. The City Council meets weekly to enact legislation, approve budgets, and set city policies.

Some of the major city departments and services include:

Residents of Bellingham also vote for representatives at the county, state, and federal levels of government.

Transportation

Bellingham is served by Bellingham International Airport, with regular flights to Seattle, Las Vegas, Anchorage, Los Angeles, and other domestic destinations. Amtrak and Greyhound provide intercity rail and bus service.

Local transportation includes Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) public buses, bike lanes and paths, car sharing from Zipcar, and taxi companies. The city is generally very walkable and bikeable, especially in central neighborhoods like Fairhaven.

Two major highways serve Bellingham: Interstate 5 connecting to Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver; and Highway 539 providing access to Canada via the Peace Arch border crossing. Getting to Mt. Baker ski area takes just under 1.5 hours by car.

Sports and Recreation

Bellingham and the surrounding region offer countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Popular activities include:

  • Kayaking, sailing, fishing on Bellingham Bay and the Salish Sea
  • Skiing and snowboarding on Mount Baker
  • Hiking and mountain biking in Larrabee State Park, Galbraith Mountain, Chuckanut Mountains, and North Cascades National Park
  • Golfing at several local courses such as Shuksan Golf Club and Sudden Valley Golf Course

Bellingham is home to the semi-professional soccer team Bellingham United FC and the Bellingham Blazers hockey team. Many residents are fans of Seattle’s professional teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders.

Western Washington University competes in NCAA Division II sports. College teams include football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf, and more.

Fun Facts about Bellingham

  • Bellingham gets less annual rainfall than Seattle, Miami, Houston, New York, and many other major U.S. cities.
  • There are over 90 parks encompassing more than 3,000 acres in Bellingham.
  • Bellingham has more dogs per capita than any other U.S. city according to the Animal Foundation.
  • Bellingham was named the “Best Beer Town of 2012” by Beer Magazine.
  • Whatcom County produces over half of the U.S. domestic raspberry supply.
  • Bellingham is closer to Vancouver, BC than to Seattle.
  • Mount Baker Ski Area holds the world record for most snowfall in a single season – 1,140 inches.

Living in Bellingham

Known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, Bellingham often tops lists of best places to live, retire, and raise a family. It provides an excellent quality of life with access to urban amenities yet a small-town feel. Bellingham boasts top-rated schools, plentiful healthcare options, a vibrant local food scene, and a stimulating cultural environment.

The median home price in Bellingham is $549,450 as of July 2022. Popular residential neighborhoods include Sehome, Fairhaven, Columbia, York, South Hill, Lettered Streets, and Samish. The city offers diverse housing options from downtown condos to suburban single-family homes.

Bellingham is located close to major metropolitan areas yet maintains its own unique identity. Residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle and strong sense of community. From outdoor enthusiasts to university students to young families, Bellingham has appeal across generations.

With a friendly, progressive character and stunning natural setting, it’s no wonder Bellingham remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved small cities.