What to Know About the Population of Bellingham, WA in 2026
As of the U.S. Census Bureau's last estimate in July 2025, Bellingham's population was 96,395, and recent trends suggest continued growth into 2026. That makes it Whatcom County's largest city and the primary hub of the Bellingham Metropolitan Area - and the number keeps climbing across all Bellingham, WA zip codes.
If you're buying or selling here, the headcount matters more than people realize. How many people live in a city, how fast it's adding new ones, and where new construction is getting approved - those factors shape your options, your timeline, and your negotiating position.
Current Headcount and Local Growth Rates
Since the April 2020 census base, the city has added enough residents to push that figure up 5.4%. World Population Review tracking puts the annual growth rate at just under 1% - not a sudden spike, but a steady, consistent influx that doesn't let up. That kind of slow-burn growth is harder on housing supply than a one-time surge, because the pressure never releases.
Western Washington University is part of that equation too. Students and faculty don't disappear at semester's end - many of them stay, rent, and eventually buy, which puts real demand on both the rental pool and the for-sale market.
How the City is Expanding
The city is approving new subdivisions and housing tracts to keep up. One current example is The Woods at Viewcrest, a project proposing 38 single-family lots and three open-space tracts on 37.7 vacant acres in Area 7 of the Edgemoor Neighborhood.
New homes, though, don't appear in a vacuum. Every new lot needs corresponding utility extensions and road upgrades, and the city updates its long-term development plans regularly to make sure new residential pockets connect to the rest of Whatcom County rather than just sitting out there.
Density and Daily Commutes
Bellingham's population density runs at roughly 3,330 people per square mile within city limits. What that means practically is that neighborhoods close to the city center feel tighter - more walkable, shorter blocks, smaller lots - while the outer edges open up considerably. It's a pretty different experience depending on where you land.
The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) operates multiple bus routes across the city for residents who'd rather not depend entirely on a car, and road networks are adapting alongside that transit build-out.
Transit and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Telegraph Road Multimodal Improvements Project is currently upgrading the corridor between Deemer Road and James Street, improving safety and connectivity for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and motor vehicles. Since the WTA began routing the Gold GO line with 15-minute service through this area, transit use along the corridor has gone up.
Regional connections are getting attention too. Interstate 5 is the primary highway linking the city to Seattle and the Canadian border, and the Washington State Department of Transportation recently began a major project to remove 17 barriers to fish passage along a 6-mile stretch of I-5 south of the city.
Real Estate Market Impact
The median sale price for a home in Bellingham, WA is currently around $662,342. With a growing population and only 270 active listings on the market recently, demand is running well ahead of supply - and the numbers back that up.
Homes are selling in a median of 16 days. There's only a 2.7-month supply of inventory available right now. A balanced market sits at four to six months of supply, so if you're a seller, you're holding the better hand at the negotiating table.
Inventory and Pricing Trends
Competition in popular neighborhoods is real. Recent data shows 40.8% of homes sold above their original list price, and the average sale-to-list ratio sits at roughly 98.9%.
Two things follow from that. First, get your financing in order before you start seriously shopping - not after you find something you like. Second, watch new listings closely, because well-priced homes don't sit. With this little inventory, you won't have much time to think it over once something good hits the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the population of Bellingham growing?
Yes. The city has seen a 5.4% population increase since the 2020 census, with current estimates placing the population at 96,395. The annual growth rate runs at roughly 1%.
What is the population density of Bellingham?
About 3,330 people per square mile. That density is concentrated mostly within the central city limits and thins out considerably toward the edges of Whatcom County.
How does Bellingham's population affect the housing market?
A growing population keeps demand high and inventory tight. With only a 2.7-month supply of homes available, the median sale price holds at roughly $662,342, and properties are typically selling in just 16 days.
Which neighborhoods in Bellingham are seeing the most population growth?
It largely follows where new construction is getting approved. The Edgemoor Neighborhood is one current example - the proposed 38-lot subdivision at The Woods at Viewcrest is a direct response to development pressure in that area.
Does Bellingham feel overcrowded compared to nearby cities like Seattle?
Generally, no. At 3,330 people per square mile, it still has a smaller-city layout. Infrastructure projects here continue to focus on improving traffic flow and transit access to stay ahead of the growth rather than catch up to it.