Bellingham, Washington, renowned for its lively community and scenic landscapes, contends with crime issues in specific areas. Situated in the state of Washington, this city boasts a population of approximately 118,000 and is celebrated for its picturesque views, outdoor activities, and cultural mix.
Nevertheless, like any urban center, Bellingham faces crime and violence concerns. This article will pinpoint the five most perilous neighborhoods in the city, drawing on crime rates and statistics from various sources.
In assessing neighborhood safety, we’ll primarily consider crime rates per capita and crime grades. Data from websites such as NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade, and AreaVibes, which offer crime maps and statistics for Bellingham and other locales, will inform our analysis.
The 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington, a city renowned for its thriving community and scenic landscapes, but struggles with crime in certain of its districts. The data from the sources cited above indicates the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Bellingham.
South Hill
South Hill, situated along Bellingham Bay, is a residence for over 3,000 people. The neighborhood stands out for its diverse and charming design features, showcasing homes that differ significantly in size, architectural elements, and finishing materials.
Notably, South Hill provides stunning vistas of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the Canadian coastal range mountains. However, despite its aesthetic allure, South Hill ranks highest with 731 violent crimes per 100,000 people, making it 80% more susceptible to crime than Bellingham’s average.
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Roosevelt
Roosevelt is situated to the east of Interstate 5, to the south of Sunset Drive, and to the north of Whatcom Creek. This neighborhood exhibits diversity in its land use, encompassing single-family residential areas to industrial zones.
With a population of 9,038 residents, Roosevelt experiences a violent crime rate of 645 per 100,000 people, representing a 59% increase compared to the city’s average.
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Merdian
Meridian is positioned in the northern part of the city, stretching from the northern city limits to the south towards Interstate 5. It is located between the Cordata Neighborhood on the west and the King Mountain Neighborhood on the east.
The area encompasses a mix of land use zoning categories, including Commercial, Industrial, and Residential. Despite having a smaller population of 1,843 residents, Meridian reports 528 violent crimes per 100,000 people, marking a 30% increase compared to Bellingham’s average.
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Guide Meridian
Guide Meridian is positioned in the northern region of the city, stretching from the northern city limits to Interstate 5 in the south. It is situated between the Cordata Neighborhood on the west and the King Mountain Neighborhood on the east.
The neighborhood encompasses various land use zoning designations, including Commercial, Industrial, and Residential. With a population of 4,301, Guide Meridian experiences 511 violent crimes per 100,000 people, making it 26% more prone to crime than the city’s average.
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Mount Baker
Mount Baker, located in Bellingham, is a neighborhood with limited walkability and around 5,484 residents. Despite its attractiveness, Mount Baker experiences a higher rate of violent crimes, with 473 incidents per 100,000 people, indicating a 16% rise compared to the city’s average.
Read More: Uncovering Delta County’s Riskiest Areas: Exploring the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Colorado
To Conclude
Each neighborhood possesses its own distinctive strengths and challenges. Concentrating solely on the negative aspects can foster unfair perceptions and hinder exploration.
Rather than fearing these areas, let’s leverage this information as a starting point for action. Active community engagement, allocating more resources to vulnerable populations, and fostering collaboration among residents, law enforcement, and social services can markedly influence crime rates.
It’s essential to recognize that safety is a collective responsibility. Through fostering understanding, championing positive change, and backing community initiatives, we can collaborate to establish a safer and more vibrant Bellingham for everyone.
