Bellingham

The City in Brief

Founded: as Whatcom (1852); renamed Bellingham (1903)

Head Official: Mayor Mark Asmundson (NP) (since 1996)

City Population

1980: 45,794

1990: 52,179

2000: 67,171

2003 estimate: 71,289

Percent change, 1990–2000: 28.7%

U.S. rank in 1980: 466th

U.S. rank in 1990: 477th (State rank: 9th)

U.S. rank in 2000: 461st (State rank: 10th)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 107,000

1990: 127,780

2000: 166,814

Percent change, 1990–2000: 30.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 185th

Area: 31.74 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 68 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 51.5° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38 inches of rain, 20 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: trade, services, government

Unemployment Rate: 6.0% (January 2005)

Per Capita Income: $19,483 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 5,108

Major Colleges and Universities: Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Northwest Indian College

Daily Newspaper: The Bellingham Herald