Bellingham

by The Linguist

Bellingham is a city located in northwest Washington state. With a population of 94,505 as of 2022, it is the largest city in Whatcom County. Bellingham lies on Bellingham Bay, which is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and overlooks the San Juan Islands. It is situated about 90 miles north of Seattle and 20 miles south of the Canada–US border.

Population

According to the Wikipedia page for Bellingham, the city had a population of 94,505 as of 2022. Bellingham is the 13th largest city in Washington state and the largest city in Whatcom County. The racial makeup of Bellingham is predominantly white (83.8%), with other major racial groups including Asian (5.2%), two or more races (4.4%), Hispanic or Latino (4.2%), Black or African American (2.3%), Native American (1.2%), and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (0.3%).

Bellingham has grown steadily since its incorporation in 1903 when it had a population of 7,000. Some key population milestones include:

  • 1910 – 24,298 people
  • 1950 – 35,773 people
  • 1970 – 56,880 people
  • 1990 – 67,171 people
  • 2010 – 80,885 people

The largest universities in Bellingham are Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College, which contribute significantly to the city’s population and youthful demographic. As of 2022, the median age in Bellingham was 28.3 years old.

Economy

Historically, the economy of Bellingham was based on the timber and fishing industries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, railroads connected the city to the rich coal mines and forests of Whatcom County, facilitating the shipping of natural resources like coal, timber, and salmon.

Over the years, Bellingham’s economy has diversified away from natural resource extraction. Today, the major industries include:

  • Education: Higher education is a major employer, with Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College and other trade schools located in the area.
  • Healthcare: Bellingham is home to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and other healthcare providers.
  • Tourism: Bellingham’s scenic location attracts many tourists interested in outdoor recreation and proximity to the San Juan Islands.
  • Manufacturing: Companies like Boeing Fabrication Services and California Box & Crate operate manufacturing facilities in Bellingham.
  • Food products: Local food businesses include Haggen Food Grocery Stores and Good Earth Tea.

The largest employers in Bellingham include PeaceHealth Medical Group (5,000+ employees), Western Washington University (1,800 employees), Whatcom Community College (1,500 employees), Haggen (1,300 employees), and the City of Bellingham (1,000+ employees).

The median household income in Bellingham is $55,658 as of 2021. The unemployment rate is relatively low at 3.7% as of December 2022, lower than the national average of 3.9%.

Major companies headquartered in Bellingham include Haggen Food & Pharmacy, Good Earth Tea, Kulshan Brewing Company, and Pickford Film Center.

Landmarks

Some of the most famous landmarks in Bellingham include:

  • Whatcom Falls Park – A 241-acre public park encompassing Whacom Creek’s four waterfalls and several miles of walking trails. Historic buildings like the Bloedel Donovan Mill still stand in the park.
  • Fairhaven Park – Located in the Fairhaven neighborhood, this park offers beautiful views of Bellingham Bay and the surrounding islands. It contains the iconic Fairhaven Park Clock Tower.
  • Mount Baker – Although not technically within Bellingham’s city limits, the scenic Mount Baker is visible from many parts of the city on clear days. Mount Baker is the third highest mountain in Washington state.
  • Cornwall Park – One of the most popular parks in Bellingham, Cornwall Park spans over 50 acres and contains playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and a large off-leash dog area.
  • Maritime Heritage Park – Located on downtown Bellingham’s waterfront, this park celebrates Bellingham’s unique maritime heritage with historical vessels, museums, and restored buildings.

These parks and landmarks provide scenic recreational spots for tourists and locals alike. The natural beauty and historic architecture make Bellingham a great vacation destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Local Culture

Bellingham has a vibrant local culture with an emphasis on arts, music, food, and appreciation for the outdoors. Some highlights include:

  • Farmer’s Market – One of the most popular farmer’s markets in Washington state, taking place on Saturdays from April to December in downtown Bellingham.
  • Music Scene – Bellingham has a lively local music scene centered around venues like the Wild Buffalo House of Music and Eagle Haven Winery.
  • Western Washington University – The college has strong programs in performing arts, journalism, music, and art, contributing to the creative culture.
  • Local Breweries – There are numerous craft breweries in Bellingham, including Kulshan Brewery, Aslan Brewing, Chuckanut Brewery, and more.
  • Outdoor recreation – Popular activities include kayaking, whale watching, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing at Mount Baker Ski Area.

Bellingham’s idyllic location and engaged community make it a charming small city with an appreciation for nature, arts, and supporting local businesses.

Sports

Despite its small size, Bellingham has an active sports scene at both collegiate and local levels. Some of the popular sports teams in Bellingham include:

Between university athletics, minor league teams, and an active population of hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts, Bellingham offers plenty of sports entertainment for locals and visitors.

Tourism

Bellingham is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful scenery and wealth of outdoor recreation. According to the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism site, some of the top attractions bringing in tourists include:

  • Mount Baker – Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter; hiking and mountain biking in summer.
  • North Cascades National Park – Hiking, backpacking, and exploring alpine lakes and forests.
  • Chuckanut Drive (SR 11) – Scenic highway hugging the coastline south of Bellingham.
  • San Juan Islands – Whale watching, kayaking, and ferries to island towns like Friday Harbor.
  • Fairhaven Historic District – Quaint shops, restaurants and breweries in this historic neighborhood.
  • Nooksack River – Popular for salmon fishing and whitewater rafting.

Other activities drawing tourists to the area include cycling on the famous Chuckanut Coastal Route, sea kayaking in Bellingham Bay, birdwatching at WWU’s Lakewood Waters, and hiking in Larrabee State Park.

Bellingham’s lively farmer’s market, music venues, breweries, and local restaurants add to its appeal as a Pacific Northwest vacation spot. The city’s location between Seattle, Vancouver, and wilderness destinations makes it an ideal home base for exploring the region.

Famous People

Bellingham has been home to a number of notable people over the years, including:

  • Kenneth Callahan – Prominent abstract painter associated with the Northwest School art movement.
  • Ryan Stiles – Comedian and actor known for Whose Line is it Anyway? and Two and a Half Men.
  • Hilary Swank – Oscar-winning actress who was born in Bellingham in 1974.
  • Dave Paulson – Musician and lead singer of the rock band Foo Fighters.
  • Rick Steves – Famous travel writer and TV host. He attended the University of Washington and lived in Bellingham for years.

Music groups like Death Cab for Cutie, Odesza, and Fleet Foxes got their start in Bellingham’s lively music scene. The city has served as an inspirational locale for many creative individuals over the past century.