Whatcom
Washington

What stands out

Against every county in America, Whatcom County is unusual in three ways: winter sunshine is among the cloudiest in America (-3.0 on the USDA scale), rainfall is among the wettest in America (74 inches a year), and the median home price is in the top 3% of American counties ($621K). Within Washington it ranks 15th of 39 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Whatcom County, Washington. 226,523 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,034).

Washington has no income tax on wages but since 2022 taxes long-term capital gains above $278,000 at 7% and above $1,000,000 at 9%, and it has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption starting in 2025. Sales tax is high, over 10% in Seattle. Home prices in King County are among the highest in the country. The state does not tax retirement income of any kind.

Money

The typical household here brings in $77,581 a year, higher than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $65,174. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 87% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

Washington has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $621K, pricier than 97% of American counties, about 4.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,358 a month. Property tax is 0.74% of home value, roughly $3,523 a year on that median home, lower than 61% of American counties. 63% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 38 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 80.0 years, longer than 91% of American counties. There are 665 active physicians in the county, about 29.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 8.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.80 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 80% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 62 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 81% of eligible voters turned out. Under Washington law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 54 and lows near 38, colder than 88% of American counties. About 74 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 91 out of 100, riskier than 91% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 201 Mbps down, faster than 50% of American counties. There are 13 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 17 breweries, 6 museums, 1 National Park Service site.