Birchwood Neighborhood, Bellingham
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Bellingham
Safety at a Glance
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in Bellingham
Is Birchwood Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Birchwood in Bellingham, WA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average of 100. Birchwood is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Bellingham.
Compared to the Bellingham average (crime index 107), Birchwood is 59% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 179, 79% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 122).
Birchwood Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Bellingham city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Assault
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
159 | +59% | High | |
|
Rape
|
159 | +59% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
174 | +74% | High | |
How Birchwood Compares
Crime index by category: Birchwood vs Bellingham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Birchwood Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Birchwood Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Birchwood, Bellingham?
Birchwood in Bellingham, WA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average. Compared to the Bellingham average, crime in Birchwood is 59% higher. Birchwood is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Bellingham.
Is Birchwood a safe neighborhood in Bellingham?
Birchwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Bellingham, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 179), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 122). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Bellingham.
How does Birchwood compare to the rest of Bellingham?
Birchwood's overall crime index is 166, compared to the Bellingham average of 107. This means crime in Birchwood is 59% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 161, and for property crime it is 158. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Birchwood?
The most prevalent crime type in Birchwood is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 179 (79% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Birchwood?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Columbia, Cornwall Park, Lettered Streets and Sunnyland. These areas are close to Birchwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Birchwood?
Birchwood has a population of approximately 5,415. The median household income is $50,941. The median home value is $559,161. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Birchwood crime compare to the national average?
Birchwood's overall crime rate is 66% above the national average (index 166 vs 100). Within Bellingham, it is safer than 7% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.