Whatcom County, situated in the picturesque northwest corner of Washington state and bordered by Canada and the Pacific Ocean, boasts a population of approximately 229,000 residents. Its appeal lies in its natural beauty, cultural offerings, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Yet, like any community, Whatcom County is not immune to crime and violence, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher instances of these issues than others.
Drawing from recent crime statistics provided by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and other reliable sources, the following list highlights the five neighborhoods deemed the most precarious in Whatcom County, Washington.
| Neighborhood | City | Crime Rate (per 100,000) |
| Downtown/CBD | Bellingham | 273.1 violent, 2,925.8 property |
| Peace Portal Drive | Blaine | 209.7 violent, 3,317.4 property |
| Main Street | Ferndale | 110.8 violent, 2,133.1 property |
| Riverside Drive | Everson | 22.6 violent, 903.3 property |
| Grover Street | Lynden | 92.6 violent, 1,739.9 property |
Bellingham – Downtown/Central Business District
Bellingham, with a population of around 74,000, stands as the largest and most populous city in Whatcom County. Serving as the county seat, it functions as a central hub for education, commerce, and culture in the region.
However, Bellingham grapples with the highest crime rate among the county’s cities. In 2019, there were 273.1 violent crimes and 2,925.8 property crimes per 100,000 people.
The downtown and central business district areas are particularly susceptible to criminal activity due to the influx of visitors, shoppers, workers, and homeless individuals.
Read More: This City Emerges as the Most Dangerous Place to Live in Maine
Blaine – Peace Portal Drive
Blaine, a small city with approximately 4,800 residents, sits on the Canadian border. It’s renowned for landmarks like the Peace Arch and the World Kite Museum, as well as its proximity to Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor.
However, Blaine also grapples with a significant crime rate. In 2017, it reported 209.7 violent crimes and 3,317.4 property crimes per 100,000 people.
The Peace Portal Drive area, which intersects with Interstate 5 and borders Canada, stands out for its notoriety in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration.
Read More: Washington’s Safety Analysis: A Closer Look at King County’s Dangerous Neighborhoods to Live in
Ferndale – Main Street
Ferndale, situated approximately 10 miles north of Bellingham, is a burgeoning city with a population of around 11,700. Renowned for its agricultural roots, historic downtown, and yearly gatherings like the Old Settlers Picnic and the Ferndale Street Festival, the city boasts a distinctive character.
Despite these positive aspects, Ferndale faces a challenge in terms of crime, with a relatively high rate. In 2018, there were 110.8 violent crimes and 2,133.1 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in New York
Everson – Riverside Drive
Everson, a quaint town with approximately 2,500 residents, lies about 15 miles east of Bellingham. Renowned for its rustic allure, picturesque setting along the Nooksack River, and yearly gatherings like the Everson Nooksack Summer Festival and Harvest Festival.
Nonetheless, it grapples with a relatively elevated crime rate, recording 22.6 violent crimes and 903.3 property crimes per 100,000 individuals in 2019.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Most Dangerous City to Live in Pennsylvania
Lynden – Grover Street
Lynden, situated approximately 15 miles north of Bellingham, is a mid-sized city with a population of around 12,800. Renowned for its Dutch heritage, impressive flower exhibits, and yearly festivities like the Northwest Washington Fair and the Raspberry Festival, Lynden has a vibrant community.
Despite its positive attributes, the city faces a notable challenge in terms of crime, reporting 92.6 violent crimes and 1,739.9 property crimes per 100,000 individuals in the year 2019.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Ohio
To Conclude
If you’re thinking about residing in Whatcom County, it’s essential to go beyond these statistics and do your own research. Engage with locals, explore the neighborhoods firsthand, and take into account factors beyond crime rates that resonate with your lifestyle and preferences.
Keep in mind that each community has its pros and cons, and Whatcom County provides a variety of neighborhoods to investigate.
Ultimately, the choice of where to live is a personal decision. By responsibly utilizing this information and conducting comprehensive research, you can make an educated decision about the community that aligns best with your requirements.
