countyscore
38
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.8Health 79.5Weather & Climate 63.1

County Report Card

About Whatcom County, Washington

Below the National Median Score

Whatcom County's composite score of 38.0 places it well under the national median of 50.0. Despite its natural beauty, the county faces statistical headwinds in cost and community safety.

Trailing Washington's Overall Average

The county scores 38.0, missing the state average of 44.1 by several points. High home values and safety concerns are the primary factors dragging down its state ranking.

High Earnings and Healthy Lifestyles

Whatcom shines with an income score of 84.8 and a health score of 79.5. Residents earn a median of $80,989 and benefit from a lower-than-average effective tax rate of 0.712%.

High Costs and Low Safety

Affordability is a major issue with a cost score of 6.4 and a median home value of $536,100. Safety is the county's lowest metric at 3.7, suggesting significant concerns with crime or localized hazards.

Best for Affluent Outdoor Enthusiasts

This county is best for those who earn enough to overcome the high $1,465 monthly rent and $536,100 home prices. It offers an active, health-conscious lifestyle for those who can afford the premium.

Score breakdown

Tax61.8Cost6.4Safety3.7Health79.5Schools46.3Income84.8Risk9Water45.3Weather63.1
🏛61.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Skagit County
Washington
37.3
San Juan County
Washington
55.5
Snohomish County
Washington
41.7
Island County
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Kitsap County
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Chelan County
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Jefferson County
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King County
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Deep Dives

Whatcom County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Whatcom County

via TaxByCounty

Whatcom County taxes slightly below national median

Whatcom County's effective tax rate of 0.712% sits just below the national median of 0.85%. However, with a median home value of $536,100, residents pay $3,819 annually—42% more than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Moderate taxes on high home values

Whatcom County's 0.712% effective rate falls below the Washington state average of 0.761%, positioning it as a relatively moderate-tax county. Yet at $3,819 in median property taxes, the county's high home values result in above-average total bills.

Lower rate than Walla Walla, higher than Yakima

Whatcom County's 0.712% rate undercuts Walla Walla (0.901%) and Yakima (0.818%) but exceeds Stevens (0.654%) and Wahkiakum (0.605%). Its position reflects northwestern Washington's mixed tax landscape.

What you'll pay on a Whatcom County home

On a median home valued at $536,100, Whatcom County residents pay approximately $3,819 per year in property taxes. This holds relatively steady whether the home carries a mortgage or is owned free and clear.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Whatcom County homeowners should verify their assessments match comparable local sales, especially in appreciating markets. Challenging an overvalued assessment through the county's appeal process could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Whatcom County

via CostByCounty

Whatcom County Rents Above National Average

Whatcom County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% exceeds the national average, with median household income of $80,989 spread across $1,465/month median rent. Despite earning above the national median of $74,755, Whatcom renters face outsized housing costs.

Pricier Than State Median

Whatcom County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% runs above Washington's 18.8% average, and median rent of $1,465/month exceeds the state median by $263. The county sits among Washington's less-affordable markets.

Regional Housing Premium

Whatcom County rents ($1,465/month) are substantially higher than eastern Washington comparables like Walla Walla ($1,113/month) and Yakima ($1,068/month), reflecting its proximity to the Seattle metro and Bellingham's regional draw. Western Washington location commands a measurable premium.

Rising Homeownership Costs

Renters dedicate 21.7% of income to housing while homeowners invest an elevated 24.7% ($1,669/month) on ownership costs, the highest burden among these counties. The median home value of $536,100 reflects Bellingham's growing regional appeal.

Whatcom for Higher Earners

Whatcom County suits professionals earning $80,000+, particularly those seeking Bellingham's livability and environmental amenities despite elevated housing costs. Compare your salary trajectory here against more affordable rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Whatcom County

via IncomeByCounty

Whatcom County earnings exceed the U.S. average

Median household income in Whatcom County is $80,989, running 8.3% above the national median of $74,755. This solid performance places Whatcom in the upper-middle income tier nationally.

Whatcom ranks among Washington's top earners

Whatcom County's median household income of $80,989 exceeds Washington's state average of $76,363 by about $4,600. Per capita income of $43,463 also tops the state average of $40,628, placing Whatcom in the top tier of state counties.

Whatcom outearns most counties in this group

Whatcom County's $80,989 median income trails only Thurston County ($93,985) among these seven counties and outpaces Yakima County ($68,015) by nearly $13,000. Only Thurston County matches Whatcom's high-income profile in this region.

Strong income balances high housing costs

Whatcom County's median home value of $536,100 is the highest in this group, with a rent-to-income ratio of 21.7%, meaning housing costs consume about one-fifth of median income. Strong earnings support this premium housing market.

Invest aggressively while managing housing costs

Whatcom County residents earn well above national and state averages, positioning them to pursue aggressive investment strategies despite elevated home prices. Consider diversifying beyond real estate into index funds, bonds, and retirement accounts to build balanced wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Whatcom County

via CrimeByCounty

High Property Crime Impacts Whatcom's National Standing

Whatcom County reports 3,833.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score of 93.9 is among the lower scores in the state.

Trailing Washington’s Average Safety Score

Whatcom's safety score of 93.9 falls below the Washington state average of 96.2. The county's total crime rate is also much higher than the state average of 2,377.2, driven largely by theft and burglary.

Comparing North Sound Crime Statistics

Whatcom's total crime rate of 3,833.6 is notably high for the region, reflecting activity in its larger urban centers. Eight different reporting agencies contribute to these figures, showing widespread reports across the county.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Offenses

Violent crime remains relatively low at 263.5 per 100,000, but property crime is high at 3,570.1. This means residents are much more likely to experience theft than personal violence.

Effective Deterrents for Whatcom Homeowners

Given the high property crime rate, double-checking locks and installing alarm systems are essential precautions. Engraving valuables and keeping them out of sight from windows can also help prevent smash-and-grab incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Whatcom County

via HealthByCounty

Whatcom County exceeds U.S. life expectancy

At 79.6 years, Whatcom County residents live about a third of a year longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. The county's 15.0% poor or fair health rate beats the national average, indicating better chronic disease management and overall health outcomes.

Top-tier health outcomes in Washington

Whatcom County's life expectancy of 79.6 years ranks among Washington's highest, exceeding the state average of 78.1 years by 1.5 years. Its 7.8% uninsured rate significantly outperforms the state average of 9.0%, reflecting strong insurance coverage.

Second-best health in region, most providers

Whatcom County's 79.6-year life expectancy trails only Wahkiakum (79.7 years) in the region, while its 94 primary care and 632 mental health providers per 100,000 lead all neighboring counties. This combination of longevity and provider abundance reflects a well-resourced healthcare system.

Excellent provider access and coverage

Whatcom County offers 94 primary care physicians and 632 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the state's best ratios. With only 7.8% uninsured, most residents can access both preventive and specialty care without financial barriers.

Maintain coverage in Whatcom County

Whatcom County leads Washington in both provider access and insurance coverage, with just 7.8% uninsured. Renew or verify your coverage annually at Healthcare.gov or Washington's marketplace to stay protected and take full advantage of available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Whatcom County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education in the Northwest

Whatcom County maintains 75 public schools for 27,382 students across 8 school districts. This includes a healthy variety of 35 elementary schools and 19 high schools to serve its growing population.

Strong Funding Supports Local Classrooms

The county invests $9,431 per pupil, which is higher than the Washington state average of $9,250. Although the 79.9% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, the county maintains a solid school score of 53.5.

Bellingham and Ferndale Lead the Region

The Bellingham School District is the largest, educating 11,614 students across 25 schools. The county also hosts one charter school, representing about 1.3% of the total school directory.

Diverse Locales from City to Coast

The school mix is perfectly split with 26 schools in cities and 26 in rural areas, averaging 365 students per campus. Ferndale High School is the county's largest single school, with an enrollment of 1,323 students.

Explore Homes in Top School Districts

Whether you prefer the urban energy of Bellingham or the rural charm of Lynden, Whatcom County offers diverse educational settings. High-quality school options make this region a top choice for families moving to the Northwest.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Whatcom County

via RiskByCounty

Whatcom County faces significant earthquake risk

Whatcom County scores 90.97 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and significantly exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01. This Bellingham-anchored county ranks among the nation's more hazard-exposed regions, particularly for seismic events.

Among Washington's riskiest counties

Whatcom County ranks in the upper tier of Washington's disaster risk hierarchy, with a composite score of 90.97 driven primarily by extraordinary earthquake exposure. Only a handful of Washington counties exceed Whatcom's comprehensive hazard profile.

Riskier than most Pacific Northwest peers

Whatcom County's score of 90.97 significantly outpaces most neighbors, approaching Thurston County's elevated profile (94.50). Only Yakima County (94.02) comes close to Whatcom's comprehensive risk exposure in the state.

Earthquake and flood pose twin threats

Earthquake risk reaches 97.84 in Whatcom County—among the nation's highest—due to proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone and North American Plate boundary. Flood risk of 88.87 reflects heavy precipitation, river systems, and coastal Puget Sound influences.

Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable

Whatcom County residents must purchase separate earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude seismic damage and Cascadia risk is substantial. Flood insurance is equally essential, particularly for homes near the Nooksack River, creeks, or Bellingham Bay shoreline.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Whatcom County

via WeatherByCounty

Whatcom’s Cool and Wet Border Climate

Whatcom County averages 50.0°F annually, which is slightly cooler than the national median. The region is known for its high precipitation and moderate maritime temperatures.

Perfectly Aligned with State Averages

The county's average temperature of 50.0°F is nearly identical to the Washington state average of 49.9°F. However, its 59.7 inches of precipitation is much higher than the state's 38.5-inch average.

Snowier than the Southern Puget Sound

Whatcom sees 29.7 inches of snow annually, which is vastly more than Thurston County’s 3.9 inches. This is due to its northern position and proximity to cold mountain air currents.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county only experiences 5 extreme heat days per year, with summer averages staying cool at 63.0°F. Winters are chilly, averaging 37.6°F with significant seasonal snowfall.

Prepare for Snow and Rain

Residents need to be ready for both 59.7 inches of rain and nearly 30 inches of snow. While AC is rarely urgent due to few 90°F days, reliable heating and waterproof layers are mandatory.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Whatcom County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Border County Soils

Whatcom County's specific soil identity, including pH and taxonomic classification, is currently unmapped in this survey. These soils likely vary significantly from the 6.5 national pH median due to the county's diverse alpine and coastal topography.

Glacial Till and Alluvial Mix

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently limited for this border county. Local growers often work with a complex mix of glacial till and alluvial deposits that provide varied drainage characteristics.

High-Yield Potential

Specific measurements for organic matter and water capacity remain unavailable for Whatcom at this time. The region generally supports high fertility, contributing to its status as a top-tier dairy and berry producer in Washington.

Managing Seasonal Runoff

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current dataset. Careful monitoring of seasonal runoff is essential for any farming or construction activities near the county’s many active waterways.

Berry-Friendly Zone 8a

Zone 8a provides a robust environment for cold-hardy vegetables and small fruits. Whatcom residents can take advantage of the long growing season to cultivate award-winning raspberries and lush perennial gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Whatcom County

via LawnByCounty

Mild Maritime Growth in Whatcom

Whatcom County holds a lawn difficulty score of 37.6, placing it slightly above the state average. This Zone 8a region benefits from a mild maritime climate that is more forgiving than many eastern Washington counties.

High Rainfall with Minimal Heat

Lawns receive 59.7 inches of rain per year, which is above the national ideal but perfect for maintaining lush green turf with minimal irrigation. Only 5 days of extreme heat annually mean your grass rarely suffers from temperature-induced dormancy.

Prioritizing Drainage in Wet Soil

Although specific soil texture and pH data are not recorded, high precipitation levels in the Northwest often lead to moss growth and acidic conditions. Local gardeners should prioritize drainage improvements to prevent waterlogging during the heavy winter rainy season.

Buffering Against Summer Dry Spells

The county spent 40 weeks in drought conditions last year, though currently only 14.2% of the area is abnormally dry. Consistent mulching and organic top-dressing help maintain a moisture buffer during the shorter, drier summer months.

A Long Growing Season for Zone 8a

Fine fescues and bentgrasses flourish in this environment, especially when seeded after the last frost on April 8. The long growing window until November 2 provides ample time for establishing a thick, healthy lawn before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whatcom County's county score?
Whatcom County, Washington has a composite county score of 38 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Whatcom County rank among counties in Washington?
Whatcom County ranks #26 among all counties in Washington on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Whatcom County, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Whatcom County is $3,819, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Whatcom County a tax score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Whatcom County?
The median household income in Whatcom County, Washington is $80,989 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Whatcom County earns an income score of 84.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Whatcom County, Washington a good place to live?
Whatcom County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Washington. The best way to evaluate Whatcom County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Whatcom County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.