Bellingham, WA Crime Map

Navigating the safety of any city starts with access to reliable data, and the Bellingham crime map is an essential tool for residents and visitors seeking to understand local safety trends. Located in Whatcom County, Washington, Bellingham boasts a remarkable overall crime grade of A (Very Safe), with an average crime score of 0.093 across its 27 analyzed neighborhoods. What's particularly striking is that 85.2% of these neighborhoods—23 in total—earn an A grade for safety, while the remaining 14.8% score a B, meaning 100% of Bellingham's neighborhoods fall into the safe category. With a population of 129,653 and a density of 1,246 per square mile, this vibrant city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you're relocating, visiting, or just curious about Bellingham safety, this guide dives deep into crime rates, neighborhood profiles, and key trends to help you explore with confidence.

Understanding Bellingham's Safety Landscape

Bellingham, Washington, stands out as a remarkably safe city when viewed through the lens of the Bellingham crime map. The city's crime grade of A reflects a community where safety is a priority, supported by data showing that every single neighborhood scores at least a B for safety. This impressive statistic is a testament to local efforts in maintaining security and fostering a welcoming environment for families, students, and professionals alike. With a median household income of $56,198 and 45% of residents holding a college degree, Bellingham's demographic profile suggests a community invested in stability and growth.

Crime data for Bellingham is often compared against national averages to provide context. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, cities of similar size often face higher rates of property and violent crime, yet Bellingham consistently performs better. This safety landscape is influenced by factors such as community policing, active neighborhood watch programs, and the city's focus on education and economic opportunity. Understanding the Bellingham crime rate requires looking beyond numbers to the local initiatives that keep crime low and quality of life high.

For those exploring Bellingham safety, it's worth noting the city's unique position along the Puget Sound, surrounded by natural beauty like Mount Baker and numerous parks. This setting not only enhances the appeal of living here but also contributes to a tight-knit community where residents look out for one another. As we break down specific areas on the Bellingham crime map, you'll see how safety varies slightly across neighborhoods while maintaining an overall secure environment.

Safest Neighborhoods in Bellingham

When searching for safe neighborhoods in Bellingham, the data speaks clearly: the majority of areas are exceptionally secure. Among the top performers on the Bellingham crime map are Silver Beach, Geneva, Western Washington University, Sudden Valley, and Columbia. These neighborhoods all boast an A+ crime grade, reflecting minimal incidents and high community safety standards. Let's take a closer look at what makes these areas stand out for Bellingham safety.

• Silver Beach: With a population of 3,198 and a median income of $103,260, Silver Beach is a haven of tranquility. Its A+ crime grade is supported by a low incidence of both property and violent crime, making it ideal for families and retirees.
• Geneva: Home to 1,152 residents with a median income of $98,406, Geneva offers a small, close-knit community feel. Its A+ rating on the Bellingham crime map highlights its status as one of the safest spots in the city.
• Western Washington University: Surrounding the university, this area houses 2,993 residents and scores an A+ for safety despite its younger demographic and lower median income of $37,374. Campus security and community engagement play a big role here.
• Sudden Valley: With 2,361 residents and a median income of $89,510, Sudden Valley combines scenic beauty with safety, earning an A+ grade. Its location near Lake Whatcom adds to its appeal as a peaceful retreat.
• Columbia: This neighborhood of 2,738 people, with a median income of $81,196, also secures an A+ crime grade. Its central location and active community make it a desirable and safe place to live.

Other notably safe neighborhoods in Bellingham include Alabama Hill, Cornwall Park, South, Whatcom Falls, and Samish, all of which carry A grades on the Bellingham crime map. These areas offer diverse living options, from suburban settings to more urban environments, while maintaining high safety standards. For anyone prioritizing Bellingham safety in their relocation or visit, these neighborhoods are excellent starting points.

Areas Requiring Greater Awareness

While the overall Bellingham crime rate is low, there are a few neighborhoods where residents and visitors might exercise additional caution. Areas like King Mountain, Irongate, and Birchwood carry B or B+ crime grades on the Bellingham crime map, indicating they are still considered safe but experience slightly higher crime incidents compared to A-grade neighborhoods. Similarly, Cordata and Happy Valley, with grades of B+ and A- respectively, are secure but may see occasional property crimes or other minor issues.

It's important to approach these areas with perspective. A B grade still reflects a safe environment compared to national standards, and crime in Bellingham remains significantly lower than in many similarly sized cities. For instance, King Mountain and Irongate benefit from ongoing community efforts to improve safety, while Birchwood's proximity to busier commercial zones may contribute to its slightly higher crime stats. Residents in these areas often report feeling secure, especially when taking basic precautions like locking doors and staying aware of surroundings.

For those concerned about specific risks in these neighborhoods, local resources and crime prevention programs are readily available. The Bellingham Police Department actively engages with communities to address concerns, ensuring that even areas with slightly lower grades on the Bellingham crime map remain safe places to live and visit. As always, staying informed and connected with neighbors can make a big difference in maintaining personal security.

Crime Trends and Local Factors

Analyzing crime in Bellingham reveals a city that has successfully kept its crime rate low through a combination of proactive policing, community involvement, and socioeconomic factors. The Bellingham crime map shows a consistent trend of safety, with 100% of neighborhoods rated B or higher. This is notable given the city's poverty rate of 20% and unemployment rate of 4.5%, which are often correlated with higher crime in other regions. Bellingham's ability to defy these trends speaks to its strong social fabric and local policies.

One key factor influencing the Bellingham crime rate is the presence of Western Washington University, which brings a youthful energy to the city (median age is 33) while also fostering a culture of education and civic engagement. University-led safety initiatives and campus police contribute to low crime in surrounding areas, as seen in the A+ grade for the Western Washington University neighborhood. Additionally, Bellingham's median home value of $404,687 suggests a stable housing market that supports long-term residency and community investment.

Seasonal trends also play a role in crime in Bellingham. As a city with significant natural attractions, summer months often see an influx of tourists, which can lead to minor upticks in property crimes like theft. However, violent crime remains rare, aligning with data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which shows that smaller cities with strong community ties often experience lower rates of serious offenses. Local law enforcement also ramps up patrols during peak tourist seasons to ensure Bellingham safety remains a priority.

Another factor to consider is the city's geographic layout. Bellingham's neighborhoods are often separated by natural barriers like lakes and parks, which can limit the spread of crime between areas. This, combined with active neighborhood associations, helps maintain the low Bellingham crime rate. For residents and newcomers, staying updated on local crime trends through the Bellingham crime map and community alerts is a practical way to remain informed and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bellingham safe?

Yes, Bellingham is considered very safe, with an overall crime grade of A on the Bellingham crime map. Across its 27 analyzed neighborhoods, 85.2% (23 neighborhoods) earn an A grade, while the remaining 14.8% score a B, meaning 100% of areas are classified as safe. Compared to national averages, crime in Bellingham is notably low, making it a secure place for residents and visitors alike.

What is the crime rate in Bellingham?

The Bellingham crime rate is impressively low, reflected in the city's overall A grade for safety and an average crime score of 0.093. Of the 27 neighborhoods analyzed on the Bellingham crime map, 23 (85.2%) achieve an A grade, and 4 (14.8%) receive a B grade. This distribution highlights Bellingham's status as one of the safer cities in Washington and beyond.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Bellingham?

The safest neighborhoods in Bellingham, according to the Bellingham crime map, include Silver Beach, Geneva, Western Washington University, Sudden Valley, and Columbia, all of which hold an A+ crime grade. These areas report minimal crime incidents and are ideal for those prioritizing Bellingham safety when choosing a place to live or visit.

Is Bellingham a good place to live?

Bellingham is widely regarded as an excellent place to live, combining safety with a high quality of life. The low Bellingham crime rate, with 100% of neighborhoods rated safe, provides peace of mind for families and individuals. Additionally, the city offers access to stunning natural surroundings, a vibrant cultural scene, and a strong educational presence with Western Washington University. While challenges like a 20% poverty rate and high median home value of $404,687 exist, the community's focus on safety and engagement makes it a desirable location.

Exploring Bellingham with Confidence

Bellingham, Washington, shines as a city where safety and community go hand in hand, as evidenced by the Bellingham crime map and its outstanding A grade across neighborhoods. Whether you're drawn to the serene streets of Silver Beach or the dynamic energy of the Western Washington University area, safe neighborhoods in Bellingham offer something for everyone. By staying informed about local trends and taking simple precautions, residents and visitors can fully enjoy the city's charm—from its waterfront views to its thriving downtown. Use this guide and the Bellingham crime map as your starting point to navigate the city with confidence, knowing that Bellingham safety is a shared priority.