| ZIP Code | 98226 |
|---|---|
| City | Bellingham |
| State | Washington (WA) |
| County | Whatcom County |
| Area Code | 360/564 |
| Elevation | 178 ft |
| Latitude | 48.796704 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -122.432388 |
| Timezone | Los Angeles (DST) |
| FIPS | 53073 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.9 yrs ↑ 8% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.32 |
| Below Poverty | 11.4% ▲ 14% above avg |
| College Grads | 50.3% ▲ 30% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.4% ▼ 11% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 180 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 6,800 (21.4%) |
| Some College | 3,463 (10.9%) |
| Associates | 5,355 (16.8%) |
| Bachelors | 3,473 (10.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 12,524 (39.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $79,684 ≈ Avg ↑ 24% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $568,400 ▲ 104% above avg ↑ 59% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 7.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,557/mo ↑ 42% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 20,609 |
| Vacant Units | 1,051 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 20,609 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,051 |
| Owner Occupied | 62.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 37.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
ZIP code 98226 is located in Bellingham, Washington, within Whatcom County. With a population of 45,739, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.9 years. Economically, 98226 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $79,684 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 98226 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $568,400 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,557 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 62.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 59% since 2019.
The population of 98226 is primarily White (72.12%). Residents are well-educated — 50.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 11.4%. Household income has grown by 24% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 98226 stands at 4.4%, which is near the national average. About 13% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 71%.
Overall, ZIP code 98226 in Bellingham, WA is characterized as middle-income, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 45,739 residents, a median household income of $79,684, and a median home value of $568,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Washington.