Whatcom County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Washington
The population of Whatcom County, Washington is 228,432 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $80,989, the median home value is $536,100, and the median age is 38.2.
The population of Whatcom County has grown 16.6% since 2010 (201,549 → 234,954), a +1.10% annualized rate.
228,432
Population
+1.10%
Annual growth
108
People / sq mi
$80,989
Median Income
$536,100
Median Home Value
Whatcom County covers 2,108 sq mi of land at 108.4 people per square mile.
About Whatcom County, WA
In Whatcom County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $536,100. Whatcom County is a county in Washington with a population of 228,432. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Washington nationally.
Households take in a median $80,989, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.9%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $536,100, with typical rent around $1,465.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 38.1% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 13.3% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Whatcom County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Whatcom County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Whatcom County had a population of 201,549 in 2010 and 234,954 in 2024, a 16.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 234,954 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.10%.
234,954
Population (2024)
201,549
Population (2010)
234,954
Peak (2024)
1.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 201,549 |
| 2011 | 203,503 |
| 2012 | 204,902 |
| 2013 | 206,139 |
| 2014 | 208,240 |
| 2015 | 211,942 |
| 2016 | 216,486 |
| 2017 | 221,417 |
| 2018 | 225,098 |
| 2019 | 228,675 |
| 2020 | 227,451 |
| 2021 | 226,725 |
| 2022 | 230,701 |
| 2023 | 232,686 |
| 2024 | 234,954 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
38.2
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
18.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,989$-13,963 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,948 |
| Per-capita income | $43,463 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Whatcom County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.6% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
70.2%
Public transit
13.3%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$536,100+$16,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,465
Median rent
63.5%
Homeownership rate
101,928
Total housing units
90.7%
Occupied
9.3%
Vacant
36.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
97.1%
With broadband internet
36.9%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
87.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.8%
High School+
38.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatcom County, Washington has a population of 228,432 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 108 people per square mile.
The population of Whatcom County has grown 16.6% since 2010 (201,549 → 234,954), a +1.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Whatcom County, Washington is $80,989, with mean (average) household income of $105,948 and per-capita income of $43,463. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Whatcom County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.7%), Hispanic or Latino (4.0%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Whatcom County, Washington is 38.2 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Whatcom County is $536,100 and median monthly rent is $1,465. 63.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 101,928 total housing units, 9.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Whatcom County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Whatcom County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
Whatcom County, WA Climate
Whatcom County, WA has an average annual temperature of 5.9°C (43°F) and receives about 1778 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.9°C
Avg Temp
1778
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 246 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 176 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 163 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 122 mm |
| May | 8° / 46° | 100 mm |
| June | 11° / 51° | 87 mm |
| July | 14° / 56° | 57 mm |
| August | 15° / 58° | 60 mm |
| September | 12° / 53° | 85 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 167 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 275 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 240 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Whatcom County, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Whatcom County, WA are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 20°C high). The coldest is December (near -4°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Whatcom County
Visiting or relocating to Whatcom County, WA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.