Bellingham City PUMA, WA

Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA)

Add Comparison

2021 Population

224,533

0.00223% 1-year decline

US Senator

N/APatty Murray

Democratic Party

US Senator

N/AMaria Cantwell

Democratic Party

2021 Median Age

37.8

0.8% 1-year increase

2021 Poverty Rate

13.4%

3.23% 1-year decrease

2021 Median Household Income

$70,011

7.02% 1-year growth

2021 Median Property Value

$396,500

7.45% 1-year growth

2021 Employed Population

102,951

0.384% 1-year growth

About

In 2021, Bellingham City PUMA, WA had a population of 225k people with a median age of 37.8 and a median household income of $70,011. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of Bellingham City PUMA, WA declined from 224,538 to 224,533, a −0.00223% decrease and its median household income grew from $65,420 to $70,011, a 7.02% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Bellingham City PUMA, WA are White (Non-Hispanic) (77.5%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (4.84%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (4.2%), White (Hispanic) (3.76%), and Other (Hispanic) (3.44%).

11.7% of the households in Bellingham City PUMA, WA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

95.2% of the residents in Bellingham City PUMA, WA are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Whatcom County--Bellingham City PUMA, WA are Western Washington University (3,975 degrees awarded in 2021), Whatcom Community College (1,343 degrees), and Bellingham Technical College (1,134 degrees).

In 2021, the median property value in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was $396,500, and the homeownership rate was 62.4%.

Most people in Bellingham City PUMA, WA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 22 minutes. The average car ownership in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was 2 cars per household.

Bellingham City PUMA, WA borders Skagit, Island & San Juan Counties PUMA, WA and Stevens, Okanogan, Pend Oreille & Ferry Counties PUMA, WA.

United States Washington

Population & Diversity

Bellingham City PUMA, WA is home to a population of 225k people, from which 95.2% are citizens. As of 2021, 9.67% of Bellingham City PUMA, WA residents were born outside of the country (21.7k people).

In 2021, there were 16 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (174k people) in Bellingham City PUMA, WA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 10.9k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) and 9.43k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

The most common non-English languages spoken as the primary langauge in households in Bellingham City PUMA, WA are Spanish (12,680 households), Chinese (Incl. Mandarin, Cantonese) (2,042 households), and Russian (1,283 households).

Population & Diversity

Residents by Gender and Age

RACE/ETHNICITY

113,157

Women

50.4%

111,394

Men

49.6%

The resident population of United States in 2021 was 224,551 inhabitants, with 49.6% men, and 50.4% women.

The visualization shows the distribution of the residents by gender and age in the United States.

With the upper buttons you can add a filter by race.

Citizenship

95.2%

2021 Citizenship

94.9%

2020 Citizenship

As of 2021, 95.2% of Bellingham City PUMA, WA residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.4%. In 2020, the percentage of US citizens in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was 94.9%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been increasing.

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

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Bellingham City PUMA, WA

White (Non-Hispanic)
174k ± 542
Two+ (Non-Hispanic)
10.9k ± 937
Asian (Non-Hispanic)
9.43k ± 637

9.91%

Hispanic Population

22.3k people

9.91% of the people in Bellingham City PUMA, WA are hispanic (22.3k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Bellingham City PUMA, WA as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

Most Common Origin

Canada
4,797 ± 1,682 people
Mexico
4,307 ± 1,596 people
India
1,522 ± 955 people

In 2021, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Bellingham City PUMA, WA was Canada, the natal country of 4,797 Bellingham City PUMA, WA residents, followed by Mexico with 4,307 and India with 1,522.

Foreign-Born Population

9.67%

2021 Foreign-Born Population

21.7k people

10%

2020 Foreign-Born Population

22.5k people

As of 2021, 9.67% of Bellingham City PUMA, WA residents (21.7k people) were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 13.6%. In 2020, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was 10%, meaning that the rate has been decreasing.

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

Non-English Households

Most Common Non-English Languages

Spanish
12,680 households (5.95%)
Chinese (Incl. Mandarin, Cantonese)
2,042 households (0.958%)
Russian
1,283 households (0.602%)

11.7% of the households in Bellingham City PUMA, WA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language, which is lower than the national average of 21.7%. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

In 2021, the most common non-English language spoken in households in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was Spanish. 5.95% of the households in Bellingham City PUMA, WA reported speaking Spanish at home as the primary shared language between all members living in the household.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
5,251 ± 483
Gulf War (2001-)
2,482 ± 458
Gulf War (1990s)
2,071 ± 339

Bellingham City PUMA, WA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 2.12 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of Bellingham City PUMA, WA employs 103k people. The largest industries in Bellingham City PUMA, WA are Construction (8,693 people), Restaurants & Food Services (6,503 people), and Elementary & secondary schools (5,958 people), and the highest paying industries are Industrial & miscellaneous chemicals ($188,364), Aircraft & parts manufacturing ($126,302), and Nondepository credit & related activities ($119,814).

Males in Bellingham City PUMA, WA have an average income that is 1.36 times higher than the average income of females, which is $54,035. The income inequality in Bellingham City PUMA, WA (measured using the Gini index) is 0.448, which is lower than than the national average.

Employment

Workforce Diversity

Measure

RACE/ETHNICITY

48,400

Women

47.2%

54,157

Men

52.8%

The workforce of Bellingham City PUMA, WA in 2020 was 102,557 people, with 47.2% woman, and 52.8% men.

The visualization shows the distribution of the workforce by gender and age in Bellingham City PUMA, WA.

With the upper buttons you can see the distribution of the average salary and add a filter by race.

Occupations

103k

2021 Value

0.384%

1 Year growth

± 0.384%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Bellingham City PUMA, WA grew at a rate of 0.384%, from 103k employees to 103k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Bellingham City PUMA, WA, are Other managers (2,854 people), Firstline supervisors of retail sales workers (2,506 people), and Driver/sales workers & truck drivers (2,213 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Bellingham City PUMA, WA.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

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

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.

View Full Dashboard

Industries

Employment by Industries

103k

2021 Value

0.384%

1 Year growth

± 0.384%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Bellingham City PUMA, WA grew at a rate of 0.384%, from 103k employees to 103k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Bellingham City PUMA, WA, are Construction (8,693 people), Restaurants & Food Services (6,503 people), and Elementary & secondary schools (5,958 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Bellingham City PUMA, WA, though some of these residents may live in Bellingham City PUMA, WA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$51,076

Median earning men ± $2,188

$32,160

Median earning women ± $856

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2021 are Public Administration ($84,453), Information ($67,976), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($62,902).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2021 are Public Administration ($49,221), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($46,250), and Construction ($45,611).

Employment by Industry Sector

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

Y-Axis

N/A%

Year-over-year N/A

Employment change between N/A N/A and N/A N/A

As of N/A N/A, there are N/A people employed in Washington. This represents a N/A% N/A in employment when compared to N/A N/A.

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

View Full Dashboard

Civics

Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are the senators currently representing the state of Washington. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Washington is currently represented by 10 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Washington

N/APatty Murray

Senator from Washington

Assumed office on January 3, 1993

N/AMaria Cantwell

Senator from Washington

Assumed office on January 3, 2001

Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are the senators currently representing Washington.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Washington over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

Error: TypeError: Cannot read property 'concat' of undefined

US Representative Elections

US Representatives from Washington

Washington is currently represented by 10 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for Washington have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2021, universities in Bellingham City PUMA, WA awarded 6,575 degrees. The student population of Bellingham City PUMA, WA in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 9,125 male students and 12,387 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Bellingham City PUMA, WA are White (4,501 and 69.6%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (688 and 10.6%), Two or More Races (466 and 7.21%), and Asian (313 and 4.84%).

The largest universities in Bellingham City PUMA, WA by number of degrees awarded are Western Washington University (3,975 and 60.5%), Whatcom Community College (1,343 and 20.4%), and Bellingham Technical College (1,134 and 17.2%).

The most popular majors in Whatcom County--Bellingham City PUMA, WA are Liberal Arts & Sciences (569 and 8.65%), General Psychology (224 and 3.41%), and General Marketing & Marketing Management (155 and 2.36%).

The median tuition cost in Whatcom County--Bellingham City PUMA, WA for a public four year colleges is $4,246 for in-state students and $7,049 for out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2021 in Bellingham City PUMA, WA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 96.1%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 28.3%. The number of students enrolled in 2021 was 21,512 (42.4% men and 57.6% 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 2021 there were 21,512 students enrolled in Bellingham City PUMA, WA, 42.4% men and 57.6% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 13,783 records, of which 57.5% were women and 42.5% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

General Psychology
224 degree-majors awarded
Environmental Science
141 degree-majors awarded
Sociology
138 degree-majors awarded

In 2021, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Whatcom County--Bellingham City PUMA, WA was General Psychology with 224 degrees awarded.

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

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Western Washington University
3,975 degrees awarded
Whatcom Community College
1,343 degrees awarded
Bellingham Technical College
1,134 degrees awarded

In 2021, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Western Washington University with 3,975 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2021, 2,749 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Bellingham City PUMA, WA, which is 0.719 times less than the 3,826 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2021 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 4,501 degrees mean that there were 6.54 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 688 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 ($4,246) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2021.

Public, 4-year or above ($768) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2021.

Public, 4-year or above ($1,014) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

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

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

Measure

In 2021, 0.75% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.597% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population of Bellingham City PUMA, WA in 2021 were Some college (50.5k), High School or Equivalent (40.2k), and Bachelors Degree (37.1k).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was $396,500 in 2021, which is 1.62 times larger than the national average of $244,900. Between 2020 and 2021 the median property value increased from $369,000 to $396,500, a 7.45% increase. The homeownership rate in Bellingham City PUMA, WA is 62.4%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.6%.

People in Bellingham City PUMA, WA have an average commute time of 22 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Bellingham City PUMA, WA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Median household income in Bellingham City PUMA, WA is $70,011. In 2021, the PUMA with the highest Median Household Income in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island & Newcastle Cities PUMA, WA with a value of $166,625, followed by Snoqualmie City, Cottage Lake, Union Hill & Novelty Hill PUMA, WA and Greater Bellevue City PUMA, WA, with respective values of $151,191 and $141,516.

Housing

Property

$396,500

Median Property Value 2021

±$6,723

$56,078

Median Property Taxes

±$1,732

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 Bellingham City PUMA, WA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

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

Rent vs Own

62.4%

Homeownership

2021

67.5%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2021

In 2021, 62.4% of the housing units in Bellingham City PUMA, WA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 62.2%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Bellingham City PUMA, WA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

In 2021, the PUMA with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island & Newcastle Cities PUMA, WA with a value of $166,625, followed by Snoqualmie City, Cottage Lake, Union Hill & Novelty Hill PUMA, WA and Greater Bellevue City PUMA, WA, with respective values of $151,191 and $141,516.

The following map shows all of the PUMAs in Bellingham City PUMA, WA colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

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

$70,011

Median Household Income

± $2,188

89.9k

Number of Households

± 2,649

In 2021, the median household income of the 89.9k households in Bellingham City PUMA, WA grew to $70,011 from the previous year's value of $65,420.

The following chart displays the households in Bellingham City PUMA, 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

0.448

2021 Wage GINI in Bellingham City PUMA, WA

0.445

2020 Wage GINI in Bellingham City PUMA, WA

In 2021, the income inequality in Bellingham City PUMA, WA was 0.448 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.644% growth from 2020 to 2021, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for Bellingham City PUMA, WA was lower than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Bellingham City PUMA, WA in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Bellingham City PUMA, WA across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2021

Drove Alone (74.5%)
Worked At Home (9.02%)
Carpooled (7.98%)

In 2021, 74.5% of workers in Bellingham City PUMA, WA drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (9.02%) and those who carpooled to work (7.98%).

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

22 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Bellingham City PUMA, WA have a shorter commute time (22 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.8 minutes). Additionally, 2.45% of the workforce in Bellingham City PUMA, WA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

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

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

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

Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

13.4% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Bellingham City PUMA, WA (29.4k out of 219k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.6%. 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 Bellingham City PUMA, 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.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

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

Health

94.4% of the population of Bellingham City PUMA, WA has health coverage, with 48.9% on employee plans, 17.3% on Medicaid, 13.1% on Medicare, 13.7% on non-group plans, and 1.36% on military or VA plans.

Coverage

Health Care Diversity

In 2021, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 21.1% under 18 years, 25.5% between 18 and 34 years, 36% between 35 and 64 years, and 17.4% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.2% were men and 50.8% were women.

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

Uninsured People

5.64%

Uninsured

48.9%

Employer Coverage

17.3%

Medicaid

13.1%

Medicare

13.7%

Non-Group

1.36%

Military or VA

Between 2020 and 2021, the percent of uninsured citizens in Bellingham City PUMA, WA declined by 4.31% from 5.89% to 5.64%.

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