Whatcom County, WA

County

2024 Population

230,503

US Senator

Patty Murray

Democratic Party

US Senator

Maria Cantwell

Democratic Party

2024 Median Age

38.4

0.524% 1-year increase

2024 Poverty Rate

12.9%

1.4% 1-year increase

2024 Median Household Income

$81,784

0.982% 1-year growth

2024 Median Property Value

$585,800

Population & Diversity

Whatcom County, WA is home to a population of 231k people, from which 95.6% are citizens.

As of 2024, 9.93% of Whatcom County, WA residents were born outside of the country (22.9k people).

In 2024, there were 14.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (175k people) in Whatcom County, WA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 12.1k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 10k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

95.6%

2024 Citizenship

95.6%

2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 95.6% of Whatcom County, WA residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Whatcom County, WA was 95.6%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been increasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Whatcom County, WA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Whatcom County, WA

White (Non-Hispanic)
175k ± 644
Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
12.1k ± 845
Asian (Non-Hispanic)
10k ± 634

10.6%

Hispanic Population

24.5k people

10.6% of the people in Whatcom County, WA are hispanic (24.5k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Whatcom County, WA as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Washington.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
247,954 ± 12,030 people
India
116,227 ± 8,308 people
China
94,449 ± 7,500 people

In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Washington was Mexico, the natal country of 247,954 Washington residents, followed by India with 116,227 and China with 94,449.

Foreign-Born Population

9.93%

2024 Foreign-Born Population

22.9k people

9.86%

2023 Foreign-Born Population

22.5k people

As of 2024, 9.93% of Whatcom County, WA residents (22.9k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Whatcom County, WA was 9.86%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Whatcom County, WA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
4,685 ± 470
Gulf War (2001-)
2,404 ± 445
Gulf War (1990s)
2,013 ± 380

Whatcom County, WA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.95 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Whatcom County, WA.

Health

94.2% of the population of Whatcom County, WA has health coverage, with 48.1% on employee plans, 17.5% on Medicaid, 14.2% on Medicare, 13.3% on non-group plans, and 1.05% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Whatcom County, WA see 1,064 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,064 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1326 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 158 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.5% were men and 50.5% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

1,064 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Whatcom County, WA

Primary care physicians in Whatcom County, WA see an average of 1,064 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,064 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Whatcom County, WA in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Location of Health Services Facilities

Health Service Type

Top 5 Health Facilities Servicing the Greatest Number of Addresses

Health Practice Name
12345 Community Center Dr., Hayward, CA 94540 Census Tract # 4001
Health Practice Name
12345 Community Center Dr., Hayward, CA 94540 Census Tract # 4002
Health Practice Name
12345 Community Center Dr., Hayward, CA 94540 Census Tract # 4003
Health Practice Name
12345 Community Center Dr., Hayward, CA 94540 Census Tract # 4004
Health Practice Name
12345 Community Center Dr., Hayward, CA 94540 Census Tract # 4005

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 20.2% under 18 years, 25.3% between 18 and 34 years, 35.8% between 35 and 64 years, and 18.7% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.5% were men and 50.5% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

5.79%

Uninsured

48.1%

Employer Coverage

17.5%

Medicaid

14.2%

Medicare

13.3%

Non-Group

1.05%

Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Whatcom County, WA grew by 2.7% from 5.64% to 5.79%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Whatcom County, WA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 6.01 in Whatcom County, WA.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Whatcom County, WA.

Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 28.2% in Whatcom County, WA.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Whatcom County, WA.

Clinical Care

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 7.78% in Whatcom County, WA.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Whatcom County, WA.

Economy

The economy of Whatcom County, WA employs 115k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Whatcom County, WA were Health Care & Social Assistance (15,652 people), Educational Services (11,940 people), and Manufacturing (11,430 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($114,141), Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($97,941), and Public Administration ($80,167).

Employment

Occupations

115k

2024 Value

± 2,955

1.92%

1 Year growth

± 3.54%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Whatcom County, WA grew at a rate of 1.92%, from 113k employees to 115k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Whatcom County, WA, are Management Occupations (12,999 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (12,143 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (8,771 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Whatcom County, WA.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Washington.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Washington (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

Industries

Employment by Industries

115k

2024 Value

± 2,955

1.92%

1 Year growth

± 3.54%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Whatcom County, WA grew at a rate of 1.92%, from 113k employees to 115k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Whatcom County, WA, are Health Care & Social Assistance (15,652 people), Educational Services (11,940 people), and Manufacturing (11,430 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Whatcom County, WA, though some of these residents may live in Whatcom County, WA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$58,165

Median earning men ± $2,797

$39,230

Median earning women ± $1,510

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($93,264), Information ($74,667), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($73,112).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($63,295), Information ($62,136), and Construction ($58,038).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Washington.

Y-Axis

3.62%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 3.58M people employed in Washington. This represents a 3.62% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 10.3%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Washington.

Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

680
Construction
614
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
379
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$719k
Construction
$698k
Health Care and Social Assistance
$649k
Manufacturing

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Education

The student population of Whatcom County, WA in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 8,932 male students and 12,170 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Whatcom County, WA are White (3,523 and 66.2%), Hispanic or Latino (615 and 11.6%), Two or More Races (375 and 7.04%), and Asian (298 and 5.6%).

The largest universities in Whatcom County, WA by number of degrees awarded are Western Washington University (3,463 and 64%), Whatcom Community College (928 and 17.1%), and Bellingham Technical College (819 and 15.1%).

The most popular majors in Whatcom County, WA are Liberal Arts & Sciences (420 and 7.76%), General Psychology (234 and 4.32%), and General Computer & Information Sciences (137 and 2.53%).

The median tuition cost for a public four year colleges is $3,851 for in-state students and $6,718 for out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2024 in Whatcom County, WA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 93.2%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 22.9%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 21,102 (42.3% men and 57.7% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2024 there were 21,102 students enrolled in Whatcom County, WA, 42.3% men and 57.7% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 12,890 records, of which 57% were women and 43% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

General Psychology
234 degrees awarded
Creative Writing
127 degrees awarded
Environmental Science
114 degrees awarded

In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Whatcom County, WA was General Psychology with 234 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Whatcom County, WA according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Western Washington University
3,463 degrees awarded
Whatcom Community College
928 degrees awarded
Bellingham Technical College
819 degrees awarded

In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Western Washington University with 3,463 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2024, 2,195 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Whatcom County, WA, which is 0.682 times less than the 3,217 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 3,523 degrees mean that there were 5.73 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 615 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Public, 4-year or above ($3,851) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

Public, 4-year or above ($1,242) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

Public, 4-year or above ($897) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Whatcom County, WA was $585,800 in 2024, which is 1.76 times larger than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $536,100 to $585,800, a 9.27% increase. The homeownership rate in Whatcom County, WA is 63.7%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Whatcom County, WA have an average commute time of 21.6 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Whatcom County, WA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

In 2025, 19.2% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Whatcom County, WA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 1.07%.

Housing

Property

$585,800

Median Property Value 2024

±$9,479

$59,904

Median Property Taxes

±$1,695

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Whatcom County, WA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Whatcom County, WA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

63.7%

Homeownership

2024

67.7%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2024

In 2024, 63.7% of the housing units in Whatcom County, WA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 63.5%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Whatcom County, WA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$81,784

Median Household Income

± $2,688

94k

Number of Households

± 2,565

In 2024, the median household income of the 94k households in Whatcom County, WA grew to $81,784 from the previous year's value of $80,989.

The following chart displays the households in Whatcom County, WA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Whatcom County, WA is from Washington.

0.469

2024 Wage GINI in Washington

0.468

2023 Wage GINI in Washington

In 2024, the income inequality in Washington was 0.469 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.0979% growth from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for Washington was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Washington in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Washington across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024

Drove Alone (69.2%)
Worked At Home (14.8%)
Carpooled (7.47%)

In 2024, 69.2% of workers in Whatcom County, WA drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (14.8%) and those who carpooled to work (7.47%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

21.6 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Whatcom County, WA have a shorter commute time (21.6 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.19% of the workforce in Whatcom County, WA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Whatcom County, WA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Whatcom County, WA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Whatcom County, WA have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2025, 19.2% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Whatcom County, WA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 1.07%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

12.9% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Whatcom County, WA (29k out of 225k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 18 - 24, followed by Males 18 - 24 and then Females 25 - 34.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Whatcom County, WA is White, followed by Hispanic and Two Or More.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2025, 12.3% of the children was living in poverty in Whatcom County, WA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 6.4%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798, followed by New York (5,087).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 194 in Whatcom County, WA. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 1.96% per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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