Is Bellingham Safe?
With an overall crime index of 107, Bellingham has a 7% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 217. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Silver Beach earning an A+ grade while Irongate rates B.
Crime Index Comparison
Bellingham
Washington Avg
National Avg
100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.
Crime Index
107
7% above average
Violent Crime
115
15% above average
Property Crime
124
24% above average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B
Your chance of violent crime in Bellingham
1 in 217
Property crime: 1 in 202
Where Is It Safe in Bellingham?
Safest Neighborhoods
1
A+
2
A+
3
A+
4
A+
5
A+
6
A
7
A
8
A
9
A
10
A
Silver Beach
Median income: $103,260
Geneva
Median income: $98,406
Western Washington University
Median income: $37,374
Sudden Valley
Median income: $89,510
Columbia
Median income: $81,196
Alabama Hill
Median income: $75,434
Cornwall Park
Median income: $75,884
South
Median income: $45,700
Whatcom Falls
Median income: $79,535
Samish
Median income: $97,282
Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address
Bellingham Crime Breakdown
Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 43% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 6% below avg
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder Violent | 118 | ▲ 18% | |
| Assault Violent | 108 | ▲ 8% | |
| Robbery Violent | 118 | ▲ 18% | |
| Burglary Property | 94 | ▼ 6% | |
| Larceny / Theft Property | 143 | ▲ 43% | |
| Vehicle Theft Property | 136 | ▲ 36% |
Violent vs Property Crime
Neighborhood Safety Distribution
All Bellingham Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silver Beach | A+ | 32 |
| 2 | Geneva | A+ | 40 |
| 3 | Western Washington University | A+ | 34 |
| 4 | Sudden Valley | A+ | 79 |
| 5 | Columbia | A+ | 61 |
| 6 | Alabama Hill | A | 39 |
| 7 | Cornwall Park | A | 61 |
| 8 | South | A | 105 |
| 9 | Whatcom Falls | A | 67 |
| 10 | Samish | A | 55 |
| 11 | Barkley | A | 81 |
| 12 | Edgemoor | A | 127 |
| 13 | Fairhaven | A | 125 |
| 14 | Puget | A | 97 |
| 15 | Sunnyland | A | 149 |
| 16 | Roosevelt | A | 98 |
| 17 | South Hill | A | 135 |
| 18 | Lettered Streets | A- | 151 |
| 19 | City Center | A- | 142 |
| 20 | York | A- | 177 |
| 21 | Sehome | A- | 150 |
| 22 | Meridian | A- | 115 |
| 23 | Happy Valley | A- | 174 |
| 24 | Cordata | B+ | 140 |
| 25 | Birchwood | B+ | 166 |
| 26 | Irongate | B | 149 |
| 27 | King Mountain | B | 149 |
Bellingham Crime by Zip Code
Bellingham Demographics & Cost of Living
Population
129,653
Median Income
$56,198
Home Value
$404,687
Median Rent
$1,133
Home Ownership
46%
Racial Demographics
White
78.4%
Black
1.4%
Hispanic
7.9%
Asian
6.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bellingham?
Bellingham has an overall crime index of 107, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Bellingham are rated A or B for safety.
Is Bellingham safe to live in?
Bellingham has a crime safety grade of A. Very very low crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Bellingham?
The safest neighborhoods in Bellingham based on crime data include Silver Beach, Geneva, Western Washington University, Sudden Valley, and Columbia. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Bellingham crime compare to the national average?
Bellingham's overall crime index is 107 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 7% higher than the typical US city.
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