The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98225 sells for about $674,000, or $360 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (-0.3%), a market in balance. Homes take about 40 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,850 a month.
ZIP 98225 — Bellingham
The Bellingham housing market in 98225 is showing signs of stabilization as inventory levels increase and the pace of sales moderates. While prices remain high, the market is moving toward a more balanced state compared to the extreme competitiveness of previous years. Buyers are finding more options, though affordability remains a significant factor for many residents.
This ZIP is well-suited for university-affiliated individuals, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a coastal Pacific Northwest lifestyle, though the high price-to-rent ratio makes it a challenging market for pure cash-flow investors.
Median prices moved down 0.3% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 40 days on market with 3.7 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.2% · poverty 18.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 98225, Whatcom County WA
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
The area is served by the Bellingham School District, which maintains a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools with varying performance ratings.
The region faces standard Pacific Northwest climate risks, including seasonal wildfire smoke and potential wind events, with insurance markets reflecting these regional environmental exposures.
Bellingham serves as a regional hub for education and healthcare, anchored by Western Washington University and PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, with ongoing development focused on urban infill and mixed-use projects.
Property taxes are assessed by Whatcom County based on local millage rates that include state, county, city, and school district levies; there is no state personal income tax in Washington.
Residents primarily utilize I-5 for regional travel, with the ZIP code offering relatively central access to downtown Bellingham and major employment corridors.
The area features extensive access to Bellingham Bay, numerous city parks like Whatcom Falls Park, and proximity to the Chuckanut Drive scenic route and various trail systems.
The rental market is characterized by high demand driven by the university population, resulting in a high price-to-rent ratio that challenges cash-flow for traditional investors.
The local economy is anchored by higher education, healthcare, and a growing professional services sector, with significant influence from the proximity to the Canadian border.
The area is served by the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) bus system and is positioned along the I-5 corridor, facilitating transit toward Seattle and Vancouver, BC.
Development activity is largely focused on downtown revitalization and multi-family residential projects aimed at increasing housing density near the city center.
The Whatcom County Assessor maintains property valuations based on annual market analysis and physical inspections to ensure equitable tax distribution.
Parcels are subject to levies from the Bellingham School District, Whatcom County, and various local utility and fire districts.
Property insurance premiums in the region are influenced by wildfire risk assessments and the general cost of construction in the Pacific Northwest.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 98225 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Summit Adventure Park4.13 mi
- Station 494.516.6 mi
- Lynden Skateway4.412.9 mi
- Cryptid Escapes4.92.5 mi
- Merry & Bright at Martini Town4.418.5 mi
- The Skagit Casino Resort3.915.1 mi
- Tradex4.119.2 mi
- Mount Baker Theatre4.70.6 mi
- Skagit Speedway4.614.3 mi
- Regal Barkley Village4.42.1 mi
- Whatcom Falls Park4.82.9 mi
- Larrabee State Park4.76.6 mi
- Oyster Dome Trailhead4.810.5 mi
- Bellingham Farmers Market4.70.8 mi
- Whatcom Falls4.82.8 mi
- SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention4.80.5 mi
- Whatcom Museum4.70.4 mi
- Lairmont Manor4.93.2 mi
- Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum4.70.5 mi
- Whatcom Falls Park4.82.9 mi
- Larrabee State Park4.76.6 mi
- Oyster Dome Trailhead4.810.5 mi
- Boulevard Park4.81.8 mi
- Bloedel Donovan Park4.53.2 mi
- Cap Sante Marina4.617.6 mi
- Bellingham Yacht Club4.60.7 mi
- Anacortes Marina Enterprises4.618.3 mi
- Port of Bellingham4.60.3 mi
- Sudden Valley Golf Course4.38 mi
- Lake Padden Golf Course4.44.1 mi
- North Bellingham Golf Course4.44.8 mi
- Shuksan Golf Club4.37.4 mi
- Bellingham Golf and Country Club4.51.8 mi
- Fred Meyer4.21.4 mi
- Bellis Fair42 mi
- WinCo Foods4.42.2 mi
- Taylor Shellfish Farms4.510.3 mi
- Fred Meyer4.12.5 mi
- Abbotsford International Airport4.119.3 mi
- Bellingham International Airport4.53.4 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A major municipal park featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
A major regional anchor institution that influences local culture and housing demand.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.