Whatcom County's composite score of 63.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 27%, demonstrating above-average livability by American standards. However, the score falls below Washington's state average of 68.1, indicating regional headwinds affecting the county's overall profile.
2 / 5
Below state average
Whatcom's score of 63.4 trails Washington's state average of 68.1 by 4.7 points, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. This gap reflects particular challenges in one or more key livability dimensions compared to peers.
3 / 5
Strong tax efficiency, solid incomes
Whatcom scores well with a tax score of 82.2 (effective rate: 0.712%) and an income score of 36.2, with median household income at $80,989. These figures demonstrate reasonable earning potential paired with low tax obligations.
4 / 5
Housing affordability is the barrier
The cost score of 56.1 reveals significant affordability constraints, with median home values reaching $536,100 and monthly rent averaging $1,465. These high housing costs emerge as the primary livability drag for most households.
5 / 5
For affluent buyers seeking stability
Whatcom County suits higher-income professionals and families who can absorb premium housing costs and value tax efficiency. It's less suitable for first-time homebuyers or those seeking affordable housing on moderate incomes.
Whatcom County's composite score of 63.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 27%, demonstrating above-average livability by American standards. However, the score falls below Washington's state average of 68.1, indicating regional headwinds affecting the county's overall profile.
Below state average
Whatcom's score of 63.4 trails Washington's state average of 68.1 by 4.7 points, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. This gap reflects particular challenges in one or more key livability dimensions compared to peers.
Strong tax efficiency, solid incomes
Whatcom scores well with a tax score of 82.2 (effective rate: 0.712%) and an income score of 36.2, with median household income at $80,989. These figures demonstrate reasonable earning potential paired with low tax obligations.
Housing affordability is the barrier
The cost score of 56.1 reveals significant affordability constraints, with median home values reaching $536,100 and monthly rent averaging $1,465. These high housing costs emerge as the primary livability drag for most households.
For affluent buyers seeking stability
Whatcom County suits higher-income professionals and families who can absorb premium housing costs and value tax efficiency. It's less suitable for first-time homebuyers or those seeking affordable housing on moderate incomes.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.