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Population
45,703
Median Income
$71,943
Home Value
$418,900
Area Type
Suburban
Verified Data

ZIP Code 98226

Bellingham, WAWhatcom County

Population

25,000 - 50,000

~45,703 residents

Median Income

$71,943

Household median

Home Value

$418,900

Median price

Area Type

Suburban

105.8 sq mi

Location

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Detailed Information

Demographics

Population Range:
25,000 - 50,000
Median Income:
$71,943
Classification:
Suburban

Housing Market

Median Value:
$418,900
Price Range:
$325,000 - $500,000
Land Area:
105.8 sq mi

Data Quality: 100%

Excellent

Data from US Census Bureau 2023US Census Bureau

Zillow Home Value Index

Real-time market data powered by Zillow • Updated October 2025

Metro Area: Bellingham, WA

➖ Stable
$638,615

Typical Home Value in 98226

Price Appreciation

1 Month
+0.19%
3 Months
+0.11%
6 Months
-0.37%
1 Year
+0.54%
5 Years
+33.51%

Historical Price Trend

Historical home values show market trends over time. Values are smoothed and seasonally adjusted.

Investment Insight

Stable market: Home values have remained relatively steady with +0.54% change over the past year.

💡 Note: Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Consider local market factors, job growth, and development plans when evaluating real estate investments.

Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) data provided by Zillow Group. ZHVI represents the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. Data is updated monthly and reflects market trends as of October 31, 2025.

12.7%

Median Income

$71,943

vs state avg

17.0%

Median Home Value

$418,900

vs state avg

Population

45,703

Suburban

Quality of Life

75/100

Good

📊 Lifestyle Snapshot

What's It Like to Live in Bellingham?

Key insights about ZIP 98226 at a glance

Population

Population

45,703

Suburban community

Median Income

Median Income

$72k

8% vs national avg

Household earnings

Median Home Value

Median Home Value

$419k

20% vs national avg

Housing market

Affordability

Affordability

5.8

Price-to-income ratio

Your Day in Bellingham

Education in Bellingham, WA
Morning: Schools & Learning

Start your day with quality education options in Bellingham

Shopping & Dining in Bellingham, WA
Midday: Shopping & Dining

Explore local shops and restaurants in Bellingham

Parks & Recreation in Bellingham, WA
Evening: Parks & Recreation

Unwind in green spaces and community areas in Bellingham

Quick Compare

See how this stacks up

Explore Bellingham, WA

Visual guide to life in this area

Bellingham urban cityscape
Cityscape
Dining and entertainment in Bellingham
Lifestyle
Shopping areas in Bellingham
Shopping
Schools in Bellingham
Education
Healthcare facilities in Bellingham
Healthcare

Economy & Employment

Job market and economic indicators

Median Household Income
Annual

Median Household Income

$71,943

Median Home Value
Property

Median Home Value

$418,900

Home-to-Income Ratio
Affordability Metric

Home-to-Income Ratio

5.8x

Education & Schools

Educational opportunities and demographics in 98226

Modern school building

Local Schools

Bellingham offers diverse educational opportunities for all ages

Education Level

85%

Estimated graduates

Student Age

10055

School-age residents

School Quality

Above Average

Based on area demographics

Healthcare & Wellness

Medical facilities and health resources in your area

Healthcare facility

Quality Healthcare Access

Bellingham area has multiple medical facilities serving the community

5-10

Healthcare facilities nearby

< 5mi

Average distance to hospital

Parks & Recreation

Outdoor spaces and recreational activities

Community park

Community Parks

Multiple green spaces and recreational facilities for families

🏞️

Parks

3-5 nearby

Sports

Fields & courts

🏃

Trails

Walking paths

🎪

Events

Community gatherings

Shopping & Dining

Retail, restaurants, and local businesses

Shopping district

Local Shopping

Bellingham offers diverse shopping and dining experiences

🍽️

Restaurants

20+ dining options

🛍️

Retail Stores

Major & local shops

Cafes & More

Local favorites

Pros & Cons of Living in ZIP 98226

Advantages

  • Suburban setting balances urban access and residential calm

Considerations

  • Housing affordability challenge with prices at 5.8x median income

Living in Bellingham, WA 98226

Bellingham offers a unique lifestyle in the heart of WA. This suburban community provides residents with abundant amenities and services.

Spacious Living

Large lots, privacy, and connection to nature.

Car-Dependent

Personal vehicle necessary for most daily activities.

Community Feel

Active neighborhood associations and local events.

Who Lives Here

Working class families, young professionals, and service industry workers.

Lifestyle & Activities

Rural residents who appreciate open spaces, privacy, and connection to nature.

Household Composition

Predominantly families with children, along with empty nesters and some young professionals.

What's Life Like Here? (AI Insights)

Data & Demographics

Demographic Distribution

Age Distribution

Education Levels

📊 Data Insights

ZIP 98226 by the Numbers

Interactive data visualizations for Suburban living

12%

Total Population

0

8%

Median Income

$0

15%

Home Value

$0

0%

Quality Score

0/100

Comparative Metrics

Population Density
45,703

45.7% of max (100,000)

Income Level
71,943

48.0% of max (150,000)

Housing Market
418,900

52.4% of max (800,000)

0

out of 100

Affordability

Below Average

91.41

out of 100

Community Size

Excellent

47.96

out of 100

Economic Strength

Fair

Transportation & Commute

Average commute time is approximately 30 minutes, typical for suburban areas.

Distance to Major Cities

Regional Hub

15-40 miles

25-60 min

drive time

Note: Commute times are estimates and may vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific locations.

Weather & Climate

Climate Type

Oceanic/temperate

Seasonal Pattern

Mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers

Weather Highlights

  • Green, lush landscapes
  • Moderate temperatures
  • Relatively low humidity
🏘️ Neighborhood Explorer

Discover Bellingham Amenities

Everything you need, right in your neighborhood

Schools in Bellingham, WA

Schools

12+ locations

Healthcare in Bellingham, WA

Healthcare

8+ locations

Shopping in Bellingham, WA

Shopping

50+ locations

Parks in Bellingham, WA

Parks

15+ locations

📈 Comparative Analysis

How Does Bellingham Stack Up?

See how ZIP 98226 compares to state and national averages

Income Comparison

This ZIP$72k
WA Average+8%
National Average+12%

Home Value Comparison

This ZIP$419k
WA Average+10%
National Average+15%

Ready to Explore More?

Compare Bellingham with other areas or find your perfect ZIP code match

Living Here: Pros & Cons (AI Analysis)

Who Lives Here?

Community Profile

ZIP code 98226 in Bellingham, WA (Whatcom) is a established community with approximately 45,703 residents. The area is classified as suburban, offering a balance of convenience and space.

Income Demographics

The median household income is $71,943, which is above national average. This suggests a community with diverse economic backgrounds and accessible cost of living.

Fun Fact: Suburban areas are popular with families looking for good schools and community feel.

Housing & Rent

Median Home Value

$418,900

Above Average Market

Est. Monthly Rent

$1,676

Typical 2-3BR

Market Overview

The housing market in ZIP 98226 is competitive market with strong appreciation. With a median home value of $418,900, this area represents a premium investment in a sought-after location.

Rent vs Buy

Renting in this ZIP code typically costs around $1,676/month for a 2-3 bedroom home. The moderate rental prices make this area accessible for both renters and buyers.

Jobs & Income

Median Household Income

$71,943

Per Year

Job Market

Bellingham offers a diverse job market with opportunities primarily in retail, education, healthcare, and corporate. Many residents commute to nearby city centers while enjoying suburban living.

Commute & Transportation

Average commute times in this area are approximately 25-35 minutes. Most residents drive to work, with access to major highways and roads.

Schools Overview

School Quality

ZIP code 98226 in Bellingham, WA generally features quality schools with diverse offerings. The area's good school ratings make it suitable for families seeking quality education options.

Education Options

Families in this ZIP code typically have access to public schools, private institutions, and charter options. Suburban schools often feature strong extracurricular programs and community involvement.

Check School Ratings

For detailed school ratings and reviews in ZIP 98226, visit:

GreatSchools.org →

Is ZIP 98226 a Good Place to Live?

Whether ZIP code 98226 in Bellingham, WA is right for you depends on your priorities. Here's a balanced look:

Pros

  • Balance of space and convenience
  • High-value, appreciating properties

Cons

  • May require commuting for work

The Bottom Line

ZIP code 98226 is perfect for families and professionals seeking community, space, and quality of life. Consider visiting the area and exploring nearby neighborhoods to get a true feel for the lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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