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
Whatcom County is a county in Washington with a population of 228,432. It ranks #9 among counties in Washington by population. The median age is 38.2, in line with the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Whatcom County is $80,989, above the US median of $74,580. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $536,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,465. The homeownership rate of 63.5% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Whatcom County reflects 38.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
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
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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.
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Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.