Bellingham, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bellingham, WA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Bellingham is 197.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Bellingham, there were 378 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 406 per 100,000 individuals, 9.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 6058 property crimes, amounting to 6513 per 100,000 residents, 233.3% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 6919 per 100,000 residents, Bellingham experiences a crime rate that is 197.71% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Bellingham contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Bellingham maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 406 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Bellingham shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

Every year, one in 16 people fall victim to a property crime in Bellingham - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 6513 per 100,000 people, Bellingham has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Bellingham has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Bellingham reported 493 vehicle thefts, which equates to 530 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Bellingham is 1 in 189.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bellingham?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Bellingham residents. Out of the respondents (89 in total), 46% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Bellingham were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 54% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Bellingham a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Bellingham, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bellingham presents a total crime rate that is 198% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bellingham experiences an average of 17.63 daily crimes, comprising 1.04 violent incidents and 16.6 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Bellingham Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Bellingham has increased by 24.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bellingham, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 3.3%, while property crime has increased by 26.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bellingham is a safe place to live.

Bellingham Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Bellingham region comprises an array of over 21 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Bellingham are exemplars such as Whatcom Falls, Western Washington University and Samish Hill, whereas South Hill, Puget and Roosevelt grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bellingham

In Bellingham, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Bellingham crime rates.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Bellingham crime rates. Bellingham registers a population density of 3227.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Bellingham has a median home price of $405,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Bellingham crime map