The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98226 sells for about $609,182, or $345 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (-0.5%), a market in balance. Homes take about 226 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,000 a month.
ZIP 98226 — Bellingham
The 98226 housing market is currently in a neutral state, characterized by a balance between supply and demand. While home values have seen a slight year-over-year decline, the area remains competitive due to its desirable location and proximity to key amenities. Market activity is stable, with inventory levels sufficient to meet current buyer interest.
This ZIP code is ideal for families and professionals seeking a balance between suburban living and urban convenience. It attracts a mix of long-term residents and renters due to its proximity to major employment centers and recreational amenities.
Median prices moved down 0.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 226 days on market with 5.2 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.8% · poverty 8.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 98226, 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.
Crime rates in the 98226 area are generally consistent with regional averages for Bellingham, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains a stable presence, and community safety initiatives are active.
Schools serving the 98226 ZIP code are part of the Bellingham School District, which is generally well-regarded for its academic performance and extracurricular offerings. Most schools in the area maintain average to above-average ratings.
The area faces moderate risks related to winter storms and occasional heavy rainfall, though it is not considered a high-risk zone for major wildfires or flooding compared to other parts of Washington state.
Economic momentum is driven by the proximity to Western Washington University and the expanding Barkley Village mixed-use district. Infrastructure improvements continue to focus on enhancing connectivity between residential hubs and the city center.
Property taxes are assessed by Whatcom County based on the fair market value of the property. The rate includes state, county, city, and school district levies, with no state-level personal income tax applied to residential property owners.
Residents typically commute via I-5 toward downtown Bellingham or north toward the Canadian border. Public transit options are available through the Whatcom Transportation Authority, though most residents rely on personal vehicles.
The area features extensive access to outdoor amenities, including the Whatcom Falls Park and various trail systems. Barkley Village provides a central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment within the ZIP code.
The rental market is characterized by moderate demand and low vacancy rates, driven by the student population and local workforce. Short-term rentals are present but subject to local municipal regulations.
The local economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and retail sectors. Major employers include PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and Western Washington University.
The area is served by I-5 and a network of arterial roads. Public transit is provided by the Whatcom Transportation Authority, connecting the ZIP to the broader Bellingham area.
Development is focused on high-density residential projects near the Barkley Village core. City planning emphasizes sustainable growth and transit-oriented development.
The Whatcom County Assessor's office conducts annual property valuations to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.
Parcels are subject to Bellingham School District taxes and various local utility district assessments.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional wildfire and storm risk factors, with most properties remaining insurable through standard carriers.
Washington state continues to see net positive domestic migration, driven by economic opportunities in the Puget Sound region.
Washington is a non-judicial foreclosure state, with specific notice requirements and a defined timeline for the trustee sale process.
Sellers are required to provide a comprehensive disclosure statement regarding the condition of the property, including known defects.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
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.
- Castle Fun Park4.419.7 mi
- The Outdoor Experience4.618 mi
- Play Abby Abbotsford4.318.7 mi
- Summit Adventure Park4.11.7 mi
- Exit Abbotsford4.518 mi
- Maan Farms Market and Estate Winery3.917.1 mi
- Rogers Forum4.417.8 mi
- Castle Fun Park4.419.7 mi
- Merry & Bright at Martini Town4.415.7 mi
- Tradex4.116.1 mi
- Regal Barkley Village4.41.8 mi
- Whatcom Falls Park4.83.4 mi
- Larrabee State Park4.79.2 mi
- Oyster Dome Trailhead4.812.9 mi
- Bellingham Farmers Market4.73.6 mi
- Peace Arch4.519.8 mi
- Whatcom Falls4.83.2 mi
- SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention4.83.3 mi
- Whatcom Museum4.73.3 mi
- Gur Sikh Temple National Historic Site4.818.8 mi
- Whatcom Falls Park4.83.4 mi
- Larrabee State Park4.79.2 mi
- Oyster Dome Trailhead4.812.9 mi
- Boulevard Park4.85 mi
- Bloedel Donovan Park4.53 mi
- Bellingham Yacht Club4.63.6 mi
- Blaine Harbor Boating Center4.819.5 mi
- Port of Bellingham4.63.3 mi
- Semiahmoo Store & Café4.419.7 mi
- Olympic Marine & Rec - Abbotsford4.817.6 mi
- Sudden Valley Golf Course4.38.1 mi
- Lake Padden Golf Course4.46.3 mi
- North Bellingham Golf Course4.42.9 mi
- Shuksan Golf Club4.34.2 mi
- Bellingham Golf and Country Club4.51.9 mi
- Fred Meyer4.23.7 mi
- Bellis Fair41.9 mi
- WinCo Foods4.41.5 mi
- Taylor Shellfish Farms4.512.8 mi
- Fred Meyer4.12.8 mi
- Abbotsford International Airport4.116.2 mi
- Bellingham International Airport4.53.7 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 mixed-use development featuring retail, restaurants, and a cinema.
A large municipal park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
A primary water source and recreational area for boating and fishing.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.