Whatcom County Public RecordsWashington

Whatcom County, WA, has over 160,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, and local measures; 2022 turnout was about 64%. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with Democrats winning most recent countywide races. Ballots are primarily mail-in, but 8 drop-box locations supplement polling. Key issues include housing, environment, and public safety. The county Auditor’s Office administers elections, ensuring accuracy and transparency. In the 2020 presidential race, Biden received 58% of the county vote. Voters can register online or in-person, with deadlines set 8 days before Election Day for online registration.

Whatcom County, WA, experiences a moderately high crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 3,100 total crimes—about 2,300 property crimes and 800 violent crimes—translating to a rate of 32.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. The city of Bellingham accounts for the majority of incidents. While burglaries and thefts are most common, the violent crime rate (4.5 per 1,000) remains below the national average. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and local police regularly publish crime statistics, enhancing community awareness and encouraging prompt reporting through both 911 and non-emergency line resources.

Whatcom County, WA had an estimated population of 231,179 in 2023. The median age is 37.7 years. Approximately 49.7% of residents are female and 50.3% male. Racially, 80.6% are White, 2% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, 2.2% Native American, and 10.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race. About 4.6% identify as two or more races, reflecting moderate diversity in the region.

Whatcom County, WA, has 36 public schools including 8 high schools, with a graduation rate of 83% (2022). Around 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Popular districts like Bellingham score an average of 7/10 (GreatSchools). Western Washington University and Bellingham Technical College support adult education. School safety initiatives include SROs and mental health programs. Programs in STEM, arts, and Advanced Placement are widely offered.

Whatcom County, WA had an employment rate of approximately 59.3% in 2023. Major industries include health care and social assistance (18.2%), retail trade (13.1%), and educational services (10.7%). Key occupations are office/administrative support (12.8%), sales (9.5%), and education/training/library roles (7.4%). About 77% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 21.2 minutes. Most employment is concentrated in Bellingham, the county seat, with 64% of county residents working within the county and 36% commuting to nearby counties or remotely.

Whatcom County, WA, has a homeownership rate around 60%, with median home values near $530,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rent is about $1,600. The market has seen a 4% annual increase in property values. Housing types range from single-family homes in Sudden Valley and Bellingham to apartments and condos in urban neighborhoods. Popular neighborhoods include Fairhaven and Columbia. Property tax rates average 0.84% of assessed value, slightly below the state average. The county's housing stock is diverse, supporting both urban and rural lifestyles.