Whatcom County

WA · Pop. 172,663 · Mixed County

5Homestead Score

Whatcom County is a mixed county in WA with a population of approximately 172,663.

$/Acre: $8,102

Property Tax: 0.98%

Growing Season: 175 days

Broadband: 61%

Safety: 6/10

Density: 131.9/sq mi

Pros

Rural setting

Cons

Expensive land, Strict building codes

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.98%

Local Sales Tax0.82%

Combined Sales Tax7.32%

Cost of Living Index106.9

Median Household Income$63,890

Poverty Rate11.8%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$8,102

Median Home Price$413K

Acres for Sale3285

Building CodeFull IRC

Permit Required

Zoning TypeNo Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8

Growing Season175 days

Annual Rainfall28.6 inches

Avg Summer High70°F

Avg Winter Low27°F

Soil TypeLoam

Soil Quality6/10

Elevation4,094 ft

Top CropsCotton

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10

Wildfire6/10

Tornado1/10

Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceMunicipal

Well Depth (avg)318 ft

Water AvailabilityAdequate

Solar (Avg PSH)4.2

Wind Potential7/10

Electric Rate$0.16/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceRare

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceAllowed

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessYes

Safety

Violent Crime /100K356

Property Crime /100K251

Overall Safety6/10

Sheriff Response38 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital22.6 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities4

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage61%

Cell CoverageFair

Starlink Available

Nearest Town15 miles

Nearest City56 miles

School District7/10

Farmers Markets3

Public Land Nearby59%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate6.7%

Ag EconomyWeak