The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) has just released its official 2025 population estimates — and Bellingham has reached a major benchmark: 98,340 residents, bringing the city closer than ever to the historic 100,000 milestone. If current trends hold, Bellingham is poised to pass that mark as early as next year.

Meanwhile, Whatcom County has surpassed 240,500, gaining more than 13,650 residents since 2020. The vast majority of that growth has come through net migration, with new residents continuing to pour into the region from across Washington and beyond.

This year’s estimates also reflect a significant shift in the balance of Whatcom’s population centers: Ferndale is now officially larger than Lynden, marking the first time Ferndale has overtaken its neighbor in total population. Ferndale’s population jumped by more than 3.5% year-over-year, ranking it among Washington’s top 15 fastest-growing cities by percentage.

Growth Fuels New Opportunities — and New Challenges

Bellingham’s population increased by over 1,500 new residents in just one year, making it one of the top-growing cities in Washington. And with Whatcom County’s combined population now exceeding a quarter-million residents, questions about infrastructure, housing, and long-term planning are taking center stage.

This surge in population has real implications: these figures help determine how more than $220 million in annual state funding is allocated — supporting everything from public safety and schools to roads and utilities.

But beyond the numbers, this growth represents something deeper: Bellingham is transitioning from a mid-sized city into a true regional powerhouse.

Why Bellingham?

Situated along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., Bellingham is uniquely positioned as a gateway city. Its proximity to the Canadian border, international ports, and ample development opportunities make it increasingly attractive to domestic and international developers.

The Port of Bellingham continues to expand, bringing new industrial and maritime activity to the region. At the same time, urban infill and mixed-use development are reshaping areas like Downtown, Fairhaven, Samish Way, and Bakerview — injecting new life into long-standing corridors.

With zoning reforms, transit investments, and increasing attention from real estate and tech sectors, the city is becoming a magnet for both people and capital.

What Happens Next?

As Bellingham edges toward the 100K milestone, urban planners, city officials, and residents face a critical question: How do we manage this growth responsibly?

Should the city…

• Raise height limits in urban villages to accommodate more housing?
• Redesign corridors like Lakeway, Meridian, or Alabama to support density and transit?
• Expand walkable, mixed-use zones in areas currently underutilized?
• Protect green spaces and neighborhoods while increasing infill opportunities?

Growth is inevitable — but how a city grows is a choice.

Community Input Needed

This population boom offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Bellingham’s future — a future that could see the city emerge as the economic, cultural, and logistical anchor for the entire northwestern corner of the state.

But that future must be shaped with purpose.

📊 Quick Stats:

• Bellingham (2025): 98,340
• Whatcom County (2025): 240,500
• Ferndale: One of WA’s fastest-growing cities (3.5% YoY)
• State Funding Impact: $220M tied to population data

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