Bellingham , city (1990 pop. 52,179), seat of Whatcom co., NW Wash., a port of entry on Bellingham Bay, one of the best harbors on the U.S. Pacific coast, near Canada; inc. 1904. It is an important shipping point for lumber, pulp, paper, and canned and frozen fruit. There is shipbuilding and diverse manufacturing (machinery, electrical equipment, concrete and wood products, food and beverages, and aircraft and vehicle parts). Settled in 1852 as Whatcom, it merged with three adjoining towns to form Bellingham in 1903. Western Washington Univ., Bellingham Technical School, and Whatcom Museum of History and Art are in the city, which has many notable scenic parks. The Lummi reservation is nearby. Moran State Park is on Orcas Island in Bellingham Bay.

Bellingham: Introduction

Bellingham, a coastal city built around the deep water harbor of Bellingham Bay, is set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Bellingham is the last major city before the coast of Washington state meets the border of Canada. It was named in honor of Sir William Bellingham, who was director of stores for the British Admiralty. The renovated old, historic buildings, views of the water and the mountain, and gorgeous sunsets make for a picture-postcard setting.

Bellingham

The City in Brief

Founded: as Whatcom (1852); renamed Bellingham (1903)

Head Official: Mayor Mark Asmundson (NP) (since 1996)

City Population

1980: 45,794

1990: 52,179

2000: 67,171

2003 estimate: 71,289

Percent change, 1990–2000: 28.7%

U.S. rank in 1980: 466th

U.S. rank in 1990: 477th (State rank: 9th)

U.S. rank in 2000: 461st (State rank: 10th)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 107,000

1990: 127,780

2000: 166,814

Percent change, 1990–2000: 30.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 185th

Area: 31.74 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 68 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 51.5° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38 inches of rain, 20 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: trade, services, government

Unemployment Rate: 6.0% (January 2005)

Per Capita Income: $19,483 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 5,108

Major Colleges and Universities: Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Northwest Indian College

Daily Newspaper: The Bellingham Herald