New state estimate shows Bellingham population surpassing Kirkland, nearing top 10 in Washington
Bellingham’s population hasn’t hit six figures yet, but it might not be able to say that for long.
Washington’s Office of Financial Management on Friday released its annual city-by-city population estimates, which are used to determine how the state’s budget is allocated. The estimates, based on each city’s population as of April 1, 2024, list Bellingham’s population at 97,270, up from 95,960 last year.
That’s the sixth biggest total increase of any city in Washington, and amounts to a 1.37% change, higher than the statewide rate of 1.06%. The citywide growth rate is down from the 2.18% population increase that Bellingham saw between 2022 and 2023.
The increase makes Bellingham the 12th biggest city in the state, jumping Kirkland, which saw its population shrink slightly to 96,710. Bellingham fell just behind Yakima, the eleventh biggest city at 99,370, and Federal Way, with 102,500.
Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden and Nooksack
While Bellingham accounted for most of the county’s growth, the OFM estimates that Ferndale added 100 residents, bringing its population to 16,430, and Blaine added 170 people to reach 6,480. Lynden also added 170 residents, taking its population to 16,710.
While it only has 1,670 residents, Nooksack added 170 people last year, giving it a 7.05% growth rate, the fourth highest in the state.
Whatcom County
Whatcom County as a whole grew by 2,200 people, to 238,000, retaining its spot as the ninth most populated county in the state. Its growth rate of 0.93%, the 17th highest in the state, is down significantly from the previous year’s rate of 1.79.
Migration, birth rate, and other components of Bellingham’s growth
Despite its population growing, Whatcom County saw more deaths than births for the third consecutive year. However, that was canceled out by the number of people moving to the area. The county’s net migration — its population change from people moving in or away — was 2,212.
