A comprehensive, data-driven look at safety in Bellingham. We analyze crime patterns, compare neighborhoods, and give you the facts you need to make informed decisions about living in or visiting the city.
The Short Answer
Bellingham is generally considered a safe city, with crime rates below the national average for violent offenses. However, like any city, safety varies significantly by neighborhood and time of day. Our data shows that the vast majority of reported incidents are non-violent property crimes.
Understanding Bellingham's Crime Landscape
To truly understand safety in Bellingham, we need to look beyond simple statistics and examine the patterns in our daily incident data.
Violent vs. Non-Violent Crime
One of the most important distinctions in crime data is between violent and non-violent offenses. In Bellingham, our data consistently shows that over 85% of all reported incidents are non-violent. These include:
- Theft and shoplifting
- Vehicle prowls (break-ins)
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- Disturbances
Violent crimes—including assault, robbery, and weapons offenses—make up a small fraction of total incidents. When they do occur, they're often concentrated in specific areas and times.
Where Crime Happens
Crime in Bellingham is not evenly distributed. Our neighborhood-level data reveals clear patterns:
- Downtown and City Center see the highest volume of incidents, which is typical for commercial districts with high foot traffic, retail, and nightlife.
- Residential neighborhoods like Edgemoor, South Bellingham, and Whatcom Falls tend to have significantly fewer incidents.
- Commercial corridors like Meridian and Barkley experience moderate activity, often related to retail theft.
For detailed statistics on each area, visit our Neighborhood Safety Hub.
When Crime Happens
Temporal patterns are equally important. Our data shows:
- Late evening to early morning (10 PM - 2 AM) sees elevated incident rates, particularly on weekends
- Midday hours have the highest volume of property crimes (shoplifting, vehicle prowls)
- Early morning hours (4 AM - 7 AM) are typically the quietest
How Bellingham Compares
When compared to cities of similar size in Washington State and nationally, Bellingham's overall crime rates are moderate. The city benefits from:
- An engaged community focused on safety
- Active neighborhood associations
- A responsive police department
- Lower rates of serious violent crime compared to larger urban centers
Practical Safety Tips
Based on our data analysis, here are evidence-based recommendations:
- Secure your vehicle - Vehicle prowls are common. Never leave valuables visible.
- Be aware of your surroundings - Especially in commercial areas and during late evening hours.
- Know your neighborhood - Familiarize yourself with the safety profile of your specific area.
- Report suspicious activity - Community engagement helps prevent crime.
The Bottom Line
Bellingham is a safe city for residents and visitors alike. While no city is without crime, the data shows that serious incidents are relatively rare, and most criminal activity is non-violent property crime that can be mitigated with basic precautions.
Stay informed with our daily, weekly, and monthly crime reports, and explore our neighborhood guides for area-specific insights.