Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States, and the county seat of Whatcom County.

Bellingham is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States, and the county seat of Whatcom County. It sits on Bellingham Bay near the Canadian border and is known for Western Washington University, its port, and outdoor recreation. It is the northernmost U.S. city with more than 90,000 people in the contiguous United States.

Geography

Bellingham is located along Bellingham Bay on the northern edge of Puget Sound, with nearby views of Mount Baker and access to the Salish Sea. The city’s location places it close to the U.S.–Canada border, about 18–21 miles south, and between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.

History

The modern city developed from several settlements on Bellingham Bay, including Whatcom, Sehome, Fairhaven, and Bellingham, which consolidated in 1904. The name Bellingham comes from Bellingham Bay, named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792.

Economy and institutions

Bellingham has a diversified economy that includes education, healthcare, trade, transportation, and tourism. Major institutions include Western Washington University and Bellingham International Airport. The city also serves as a regional transport hub and is the southern terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway.

Population and urban role

The city had a population of 91,482 at the 2020 census, with later estimates placing it in the mid-90,000s. It is the largest city in Whatcom County and one of the principal urban centres in northwestern Washington. It is the northernmost U.S. city with more than 90,000 people in the contiguous United States.