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Whatcom, BC

British Columbia · Abbotsford-Mission Metro

Whatcom is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 10,270. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
10,270 Population 76/sq mi density
$76,768 Median Income $46,858 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 27.8% income on rent
51°F Avg Temperature 225 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.6 / 5.0
$76,768 median income, 5.1% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.5 / 5.0
$560,468 home value, $1,072/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Whatcom, BC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $76,768
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $560,468
99% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,072
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 14.1%
14% higher than US avg

How Whatcom Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population10,270
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density76/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%

Economy

B+
Median Income$76,768
Per Capita$46,858
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty14.1%
Commute25 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$560,468
Rent$1,072
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units4,108
Rent Burden27.8%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
Rain51.5 in/yr
Sunny Days225/yr
Elevation236 ft (72 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute25 min

Is Whatcom a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Whatcom receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Whatcom offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Whatcom is $76,768, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Whatcom is $560,468, making it a premium housing market at 99% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Whatcom experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 225 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches, including 26.8 inches of snow.

Whatcom has a population of 10,270 with a density of 76 people per square mile, spread across 134.6 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 4.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents.

Population

10,270
Total Population
76
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
134.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Whatcom vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish 1.4%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 10.8%

Social Characteristics

Whatcom vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Whatcom is $76,768, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,858 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $901, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 318 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Whatcom vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$76,768
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$46,858
Avg Weekly Wage$901

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate14.1%
14% above US avg
Establishments (County)318

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time24.6 min
Drive Alone79.5%
Public Transit2.3%
Work from Home22.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Whatcom is $560,468, 99% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,072 (8% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,108 total housing units in the city. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$560,468
99% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,072
8% below US avg
Rent Burden27.8%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units4,108

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Whatcom receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Whatcom vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Whatcom experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 225 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 236 feet.

Temperature

39°F Jan (4°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average50.5°F
6% below US avg
January Average39°F (4°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days225 days/yr

Geography

Elevation236 ft (72 m)
Area134.6 sq mi (348.7 km²)
Population Density76/sq mi
Coordinates49.0414°N, 122.2399°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 51.5"
35% above US avg
Snowfall 26.8"
Wettest Month (Nov) 9.21"
Driest Month (Aug) 2.28"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

414 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

May 3, 1996 8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington M5.4 145 km
Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 23 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 119 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 142 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 131 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 63 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 103 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 24 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 81 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 90 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 25 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 23 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 90 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 86 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 99 km
Mar 6, 2025 14 km SW of Blyn, Washington M3.9 141 km
Mar 17, 2004 3 km SW of Clear Lake, Washington M3.8 66 km
Sep 8, 2022 7 km WNW of Lofall, Washington M3.7 139 km
Dec 11, 1999 10 km NNE of Oak Bay, Canada M3.7 93 km
Jun 16, 2017 2 km NNW of Quilcene, Washington M3.7 142 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 38.0 m (125 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2007 CHEHALIS LAKE, CHILLIWACK Meteorological 38.0 m — 50 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 148 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 110 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

6 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (43 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 43 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 105 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 113 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 133 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 141 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 198 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: SOURDOUGH (7,517 ac, 2023).

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 SOURDOUGH 7,517 86 km
2015 GOODELL 6,624 84 km
2022 COPPER LAKE 3,825 61 km
2022 BRUSH CREEK 2 3,186 64 km
2022 SILESIA 2,737 54 km
2022 MCALLISTER CREEK 2,581 96 km
2022 THREE FOOLS 2,451 98 km
2022 LITTLE CHILL 2,242 57 km
2003 BIGBEAVER 1,807 86 km
1998 UNNAMED 1,174 83 km
2004 FREEZEOUT 1,155 94 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 39°F (4°C) 8.0 in
February 40°F (5°C) 6.1 in
March 44°F (7°C) 5.8 in
April 49°F (9°C) 5.0 in
May 55°F (13°C) 4.0 in
June 60°F (16°C) 3.4 in
July 66°F (19°C) 2.4 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 2.3 in Driest
September 59°F (15°C) 3.5 in
October 51°F (10°C) 6.3 in
November 42°F (6°C) 9.2 in Wettest
December 37°F (3°C) 8.4 in Coldest

Whatcom has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 37°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 64.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (9.2") and August the driest (2.3").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.3% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density76/sq mi
Total Area134.6 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute24.6 min
Drive Alone79.5%
Public Transit2.3%
Work from Home22.1%

Schools in Whatcom

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Mountain Elementary School — — — —
Semá:th Elementary — — — —
Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw Elementary School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Whatcom

4 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Praise 106.5 (US) christian contemporary MP3 64 kbps
CIVL-FM 103.9 University of the Fraser Valley - Abbotsford, BC campus radio, university radio MP3
CKKS-FM 107.5 "Sonic" Chilliwack, BC modern rock, re-branding new format AAC+ 47 kbps
CHWK-FM 89.5 "JR Country" Chilliwack, BC country AAC+ 48 kbps

Museums in Whatcom

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
LYNDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATIONHISTORY MUSEUM3603543675$106,058
BLACK MOUNTAIN FORESTRY CENTERSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM OR PLANETARIUM3605991738
Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame
Aldergrove Community Archives & Telephone Museum
Clayburn Schoolhouse Museum
Gur Sikh Temple
Heritage Gallery
Joey's Playhouse
Mennonite Heritage Museum
Mission Museum
Powerhouse at Stave Falls Visitor Centre
Trethewey House

Libraries in Whatcom

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
FVRL: Abbotsford Community Library0.0
FVRL: Aldergrove Library0.0
FVRL: Clearbrook Library0.0
FVRL: Mission Library0.0
FVRL: Mount Lehman Library0.0
FVRL: Yarrow Library0.0
Library Services0.0
Mission Community Archives0.0
Ray and Millie Silver Aboriginal Library0.0
UFV Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Whatcom

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Abbotsford Farm & Country Market
Abbotsford Flea Market
Hop Loi Market and BBQ House
Lynden Farmers Market4th and Grover Street at Centennial Park06/01/2019 to 09/28/2019Sat: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM;YesVisit
Mission City Farmers’ Market

Hotels in Whatcom

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre

Cafes in Whatcom

4 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Hugs-in-a-Mug
Starbucks
Starbucks
Tim Hortons

Theme Parks in Whatcom

1 theme parks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Castle Fun Park

Dentists in Whatcom

2 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Medora Dental Care
Sumas Mountain Village Dental

Veterinaries in Whatcom

2 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Alpha Animal Hospital
Ellwood Park animal hospital

Gas Stations in Whatcom

4 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Chevron
Esso
Petro-Canada
Shell

Banks in Whatcom

3 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BMO
RBC Royal Bank
TD

Shopping Malls in Whatcom

3 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Parallel Marketplace
Sumas Mountain Village
Whatcom Plaza

Gyms in Whatcom

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Anytime Fitness

Golf Courses in Whatcom

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Fraserglen Golf Course

Breweries in Whatcom

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Field House Brewing
Loudmouth Brewing
Mission Springs Brewing
Mt Baker VineyardsVineyards, Brewers, Wineries4298 Mt Baker Hwy3605922300Visit
North Fork TheBeer & Beverages, Breweries & Brew Pubs, Pizza, Restaurants, Italian, Pub Food6186 Mt Baker Hwy3605992337Visit
Old Abbey Ales
Old Yale Brewing
Old Yale Brewing Co.
Raven's Brewing
Samson Estates WineryBrewers, Wineries1861 Van Dyk Rd3609667787Visit
Temple Bar TheBreweries & Brew Pubs, Restaurants, Bar & Grill Restaurants306 W Champion StVisit
The North Fork Brewery, Pizzeria, Beer Shrine and Wedding ChapelPizza Place, Brewery6186 Mt Baker Highway (sr 542)

Stadiums & Teams in Whatcom

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Whatcom

2 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Mt. Baker 100.0 10 1,525 $50 November - May — Yes
Sasquatch Mountain Resort 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Cell Towers in Whatcom

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
207 Washingon Avenue (59916)MTOWER50
207 Washingon Avenue (59916)MTOWER50
8976 Double Ditch Road (110278)MTOWER38
8976 Double Ditch Road (110278)MTOWER38

Superfund Sites Near Whatcom

5 EPA Superfund sites (hazardous waste cleanup locations).

SiteAddressCounty
NORTHWEST PIPELINE GP SUMAS4738 JONES RDWHATCOM
SUMAS GENERATING FACILITY1340 THOMPSON LANEWHATCOM
SUMAS GENERATING FACILITY1340 THOMPSON LANEWHATCOM
SUMAS GENERATING FACILITY1340 THOMPSON LANEWHATCOM
SUMAS GENERATING FACILITY1340 THOMPSON LANEWHATCOM

Airports Near Whatcom

44 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Abbotsford International AirportYXXMedium Airport
Bellingham International AirportBLIMedium Airport
Langley AirportYLYMedium Airport
Orcas Island AirportESDMedium Airport
Pitt Meadows Regional Airport—Medium Airport
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (Ault Field)NUWMedium Airport
Acme Field—Small Airport
Allan Island Airport—Small Airport
Anacortes AirportOTSSmall Airport
Barker Airport—Small Airport
Bayview Farms Airport—Small Airport
Becker's Landing Airport—Small Airport
Blakely Island AirportBYWSmall Airport
Blanchard Mountain Landing Zone—Small Airport
Butler Field—Small Airport
Center Island AirportCWSSmall Airport
Chilliwack AirportYCWSmall Airport
Clam Harbor Airport—Small Airport
Crow Valley Airport—Small Airport
Cutty Field—Small Airport
Cypress Island Airport—Small Airport
Decatur /Jones/ Airport—Small Airport
Decatur Shores AirportDTRSmall Airport
Delta Heritage Air Park—Small Airport
Eliza Island Airport—Small Airport
Floathaven Airstrip—Small Airport
Fort Langley Airport—Small Airport
Hope Airport / FVRD Regional AirparkYHESmall Airport
Horse Fly Airport—Small Airport
Intergalactic Aerodrome—Small Airport
J C's Airport—Small Airport
Kendall Airstrip—Small Airport
Lopez Island AirportLPSSmall Airport
Lynden Airport—Small Airport
Meadow Mist Airport—Small Airport
Mears Field Airport—Small Airport
Pretty Estates Resort Airport—Small Airport
Riverside Airport—Small Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Sinclair Island Airport—Small Airport
Skagit Regional AirportMVWSmall Airport
West Wind Airport—Small Airport
Wilding Farm Airport—Small Airport
Windsock Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Whatcom

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Sumas Mountain

Treatment Centers in Whatcom

6 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Motionlab
Revive Rehab
Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy
Synergy Rehab
the Apollo Clinic
Worthington Pavilion

Churches & Religious Organizations in Whatcom

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Cascade Community Church
New Life Christian Reformed Church

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Whatcom.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whatcom

What is the population of Whatcom?

Whatcom has a population of 10,270 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 76 people per square mile, spread across 134.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Whatcom expensive to live in?

The median household income is $76,768, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $560,468 (99% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Whatcom safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Whatcom receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Whatcom?

Whatcom has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 225 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 51.5 inches, with 26.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Whatcom?

The unemployment rate in Whatcom is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $901. There are 318 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 22.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Whatcom?

The median home value in Whatcom is $560,468. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,072. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Whatcom?

32.9% of adults in Whatcom hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Whatcom?

The average commute in Whatcom is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 22.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Whatcom?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whatcom is 93.4% White, 4.5% Asian. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

McMillan, BC 9,250 pop · 1.2 mi Abbotsford, BC 153,524 pop · 1.3 mi McKee, BC 4,840 pop · 1.4 mi Highway 11, BC 5,500 pop · 2.0 mi Clayburn, BC 11,755 pop · 2.2 mi Historic Downtown, BC 9,910 pop · 2.5 mi UDistrict, BC 3,775 pop · 2.6 mi Huntingdon, BC 1,224 pop · 2.6 mi Marshall-McCallum, BC 10,055 pop · 2.8 mi Sumas, WA 1,384 pop · 3.4 mi Fairfield, BC 11,165 pop · 3.8 mi South Clearbrook, BC 10,120 pop · 4.0 mi Townline, BC 21,095 pop · 5.6 mi Peaceful Valley, WA 2,661 pop · 7.5 mi
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