Western Washington University Neighborhood, Bellingham
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 89% of neighborhoods in Bellingham
Safety at a Glance
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in Bellingham
Is Western Washington University Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 34, which is 66% below the national average of 100. Western Washington University is safer than 89% of neighborhoods in Bellingham.
Compared to the Bellingham average (crime index 107), Western Washington University is 73% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Bellingham as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 186, 86% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 31).
Western Washington University 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
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
31 | -69% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
44 | -56% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
186 | +86% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
How Western Washington University Compares
Crime index by category: Western Washington University vs Bellingham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Western Washington University Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Western Washington University Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Western Washington University, Bellingham?
Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 34, which is 66% below the national average. Compared to the Bellingham average, crime in Western Washington University is 73% lower. Western Washington University is safer than 89% of neighborhoods in Bellingham.
Is Western Washington University a safe neighborhood in Bellingham?
Western Washington University is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Bellingham, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 186), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 31). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Bellingham.
How does Western Washington University compare to the rest of Bellingham?
Western Washington University's overall crime index is 34, compared to the Bellingham average of 107. This means crime in Western Washington University is 73% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 76, and for property crime it is 69. 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 Western Washington University?
The most prevalent crime type in Western Washington University is Rape, with a crime index of 186 (86% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Western Washington University?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sehome, Happy Valley, South Hill and York. These areas are close to Western Washington University and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Western Washington University?
Western Washington University has a population of approximately 2,993. The median household income is $37,374. The median home value is $357,602. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Western Washington University crime compare to the national average?
Western Washington University's overall crime rate is 66% below the national average (index 34 vs 100). Within Bellingham, it is safer than 89% 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.