Whatcom County, Washington
Encyclopedia
Whatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Washington. Its name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." As of 2010, the population was 201,140. The county seat is at Bellingham
, which is also the county's largest city. Whatcom County's northern border is the international boundary with the Canadian province of British Columbia
; adjoining the county on the north are four of metropolitan Vancouver's
suburbs, Delta
, White Rock
, Surrey
, Langley
, and, in the central Fraser Valley, Abbotsford
, with several shopping malls and other services in Bellingham
and elsewhere in the county geared to cross-border shopping and recreation. The five crossing points are two at Blaine
(one at the Peace Arch
, located on the Interstate 5 crossing, and the other a commercial and passenger crossing on the Pacific Highway at State Route 543, both to Surrey, British Columbia
), as well as at Lynden
(SR 539, to Aldergrove)
, Sumas (SR 9, to Abbotsford
), and Point Roberts
(Tyee Drive, to Tsawwassen
). Whatcom County is contiguous with Bellingham Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Whatcom County was created out of Island County by the Washington Territorial Legislature on March 9, 1854, and originally included present day San Juan and Skagit Counties.
holds legislative powers granted to counties. The council consists of seven members elected for a term of four (4) years. Council members are elected at the general election in November of odd-numbered years. Three council members are elected one year before a Presidential election; four council members are elected one year after a Presidential election. Two members are elected from each of three districts; the seventh member is an at-large member. The County Council also serves as the county board of health.
The executive branch consists of six elected officials, a County Executive and five department heads. The County Executive is similar to a mayor or governor. The Assessor, Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer are elected independently from the County Executive and serve as department heads. These six officials serve four year terms. The county council establishes various departments by ordinance. The county council or county executive appoint department heads. These departments include administrative services, health, medical examiner, planning and development services, parks and recreation, and public works.
The judicial branch consists of a district court and superior court. The district court is a court of limited jurisdiction. The district court handles civil and criminal cases. Criminal cases are limited to adults charged with misdemeanor and/or gross misdemeanor offenses. State law specifies what cases are in the district court's jurisdiction. The district court operates a small claims court to resolve civil cases involving monetary damages not exceeding $5,000. No attorneys are permitted to appear in small claims court. Cases are heard using less formal procedures. The district court has two judges, a court commissioner, and a support staff. The superior court is a court of general jurisdiction. Superior court hears civil cases exceeding $75,000 or requesting nonmonetary remedies. Superior court hears all juvenile criminal cases and all adult felony cases. Superior court also hears appeals from district court and municipal courts. Superior court staff include three judges, three full-time court commissioners, two part-time court commissioners, and support staff. District and superior court judges are elected by the county voters for a term of four (4) years. Court commissioners are appointed by and serve at the discretion of elected judges; commissioners have powers and responsibilities equal to elected judges.
for emergency calls. Whatcom County has one 911
call center located in Bellingham. Fire/EMS calls are processed and dispatched at a second PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) called Prospect that is located at a fire station in Bellingham. Additional dispatching locations provide backup capacity to answer emergency calls.
Whatcom County Fire Districts are:
° outside Lynden city limits only. The Lynden Fire Department serves Lynden.
, the county has a total area of 2504 square miles (6,485 km²), of which 2120 square miles (5,490.8 km²) is land and 384 square miles (995 km²) (15.34%) is water, including Lake Whatcom
, which empties into Bellingham Bay
by way of Whatcom Creek. Physiographically, Whatcom County is an extension of the Fraser Valley
or "Lower Mainland
" area of British Columbia
, which is essentially the lowland delta plain of the Fraser River - at some times in the past one of the Fraser River
's lower arms entered Bellingham Bay
near Bellingham
via what is now the mouth of the Nooksack River
. A very small part of the county, Point Roberts
, about 5 square miles (13 km²), is an extension of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, which is bisected by the international boundary along the 49th Parallel. The highest point in the county is the peak of the active volcano Mount Baker
at 10778 feet (3,285 m) above sea level. The lowest points are at sea level along the Pacific Ocean
.
Whatcom County also has land borders with two administrative units of British Columbia
, Canada, which together comprise the region known as the Lower Mainland
, and also a water border with the Gulf Islands
, which form Electoral Area G of the Capital Regional District
.
These districts are:
Numerous private schools operate in Whatcom County including Lynden Christian Schools, Bellingham Christian Schools, and the Waldorf School.
is a public technical and vocational college located in Bellingham. Trinity Western University
(TWU) is a private, Christian university based in Langley, BC
about 25 miles north of Bellingham. TWU operates a branch campus in Bellingham offering undergraduate courses and supports TWU's bachelors degree completion program. Western Washington University
(Western) is the third largest public university in Washington. Western offers bachelors and masters degrees through seven colleges. Western enrolls over 15,000 students. Whatcom Community College
is a public community college offering academic certificate programs and associates degrees.
Northwest Indian College
is a college supported by the Lummi Nation and serves the Native American community. Northwest Indian College is located on the Lummi Nation (Lummi Reservation) about five miles west of Bellingham.
in the state. According to the Seattle Times, in 2004 Whatcom County growers produced 46 million pounds of raspberries, 85% of the state's crop. Given that the state itself is the #1 producer of raspberries in the country, with over 87.8% of the crop in 2002, this makes Whatcom County responsible for almost 75% of the nation's raspberry production.
of 2000, there were 166,814 people, 64,446 households, and 41,116 families residing in the county. The population density
was 79 people per square mile (30/km²). There were 73,893 housing units at an average density of 35 per square mile (13/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.41% White
, 0.69% Black
or African American
, 2.82% Native American
, 2.78% Asian
, 0.14% Pacific Islander
, 2.49% from other races
, and 2.66% from two or more races. 5.21% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 15.5% were of German, 9.2% English
, 8.2% Dutch
, 7.9% Irish
, 7.0% Norwegian and 6.6% United States
or American ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 64,446 households out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.20% were married couples
living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.20% were non-families. 25.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.10% under the age of 18, 14.20% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 11.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 97.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,005, and the median income for a family was $49,325. Males had a median income of $37,589 versus $26,193 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $20,025. About 7.80% of families and 14.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.20% of those under age 18 and 8.30% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Washington. Its name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." As of 2010, the population was 201,140. The county seat is at Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
, which is also the county's largest city. Whatcom County's northern border is the international boundary with the Canadian province of British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
; adjoining the county on the north are four of metropolitan Vancouver's
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
suburbs, Delta
Delta, British Columbia
Delta is a district municipality in British Columbia, and forms part of Metro Vancouver. Located south of Richmond, it is bordered by the Fraser River to the north, the United States to the south and the city of Surrey to the east...
, White Rock
White Rock, British Columbia
White Rock is a city in British Columbia, Canada, that lies within the Metro Vancouver regional district. It borders Semiahmoo Bay and is surrounded on three sides by the City of Surrey, British Columbia. To the south lies the Semiahmoo First Nation, which is within the city limits of Surrey...
, Surrey
Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey is a city in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is a member municipality of Metro Vancouver, the governing body of the Greater Vancouver Regional District...
, Langley
Langley, British Columbia (district municipality)
The Township of Langley is a district municipality immediately east of the City of Surrey in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It extends south from the Fraser River to the U.S. border, and west of the City of Abbotsford...
, and, in the central Fraser Valley, Abbotsford
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford is a Canadian city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, adjacent to Greater Vancouver. It is the fifth largest municipality in British Columbia, home to 123,864 people . Its Census Metropolitan Area, which includes the District of Mission, is the 23rd largest in Canada,...
, with several shopping malls and other services in Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
and elsewhere in the county geared to cross-border shopping and recreation. The five crossing points are two at Blaine
Blaine, Washington
Blaine is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The city's northern boundary is the Canadian border. Blaine is the shared home of the Peace Arch international monument...
(one at the Peace Arch
Peace Arch
The Peace Arch is a monument situated on the Canada – United States border between the communities of Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia. The Peace Arch, which stands...
, located on the Interstate 5 crossing, and the other a commercial and passenger crossing on the Pacific Highway at State Route 543, both to Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey is a city in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is a member municipality of Metro Vancouver, the governing body of the Greater Vancouver Regional District...
), as well as at Lynden
Lynden, Washington
Lynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County. Named and established in 1874 on the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish , the town of Lynden began as a pioneer settlement headed by Holden and Phoebe Judson and is today home to one of the largest Dutch American communities in the...
(SR 539, to Aldergrove)
Aldergrove, British Columbia
Aldergrove is a small town within the jurisdiction of the The Township of Langley, a municipality within Greater Vancouver. Located at the southeastern edge of both Langley and Greater Vancouver, and nearby to the metropolitan area of Abbotsford, British Columbia just east, Aldergrove has a...
, Sumas (SR 9, to Abbotsford
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Abbotsford is a Canadian city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, adjacent to Greater Vancouver. It is the fifth largest municipality in British Columbia, home to 123,864 people . Its Census Metropolitan Area, which includes the District of Mission, is the 23rd largest in Canada,...
), and Point Roberts
Point Roberts, Washington
Point Roberts is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It has a post office, with the ZIP code of 98281, whose ZIP Code Tabulation Area had a population of 1,314 at the 2010 census.A geopolitical oddity, Point Roberts is a part of the United States that is not...
(Tyee Drive, to Tsawwassen
Tsawwassen, British Columbia
Tsawwassen is a suburban, mostly residential community located on a peninsula in the southwestern corner of the Corporation of Delta, British Columbia, Canada. Tsawwassen provides the only road access to the community of Point Roberts, Washington via 56th Street...
). Whatcom County is contiguous with Bellingham Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Whatcom County was created out of Island County by the Washington Territorial Legislature on March 9, 1854, and originally included present day San Juan and Skagit Counties.
Government
The Whatcom County government is a municipal corporation operating under a County Charter. Voters approved the County Charter in 1978. The Charter acts as a county constitution. Whatcom County is one of only four counties in Washington to use the home rule charter provision of state law. Local government is split between the county, incorporated cities and towns, and special purpose districts. These local governments are established and operate according to state law. These local governments operate independently from the county government.County government
The Charter establishes the structure of Whatcom County government. The County CouncilCounty council
A county council is the elected administrative body governing an area known as a county. This term has slightly different meanings in different countries.-United Kingdom:...
holds legislative powers granted to counties. The council consists of seven members elected for a term of four (4) years. Council members are elected at the general election in November of odd-numbered years. Three council members are elected one year before a Presidential election; four council members are elected one year after a Presidential election. Two members are elected from each of three districts; the seventh member is an at-large member. The County Council also serves as the county board of health.
The executive branch consists of six elected officials, a County Executive and five department heads. The County Executive is similar to a mayor or governor. The Assessor, Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer are elected independently from the County Executive and serve as department heads. These six officials serve four year terms. The county council establishes various departments by ordinance. The county council or county executive appoint department heads. These departments include administrative services, health, medical examiner, planning and development services, parks and recreation, and public works.
The judicial branch consists of a district court and superior court. The district court is a court of limited jurisdiction. The district court handles civil and criminal cases. Criminal cases are limited to adults charged with misdemeanor and/or gross misdemeanor offenses. State law specifies what cases are in the district court's jurisdiction. The district court operates a small claims court to resolve civil cases involving monetary damages not exceeding $5,000. No attorneys are permitted to appear in small claims court. Cases are heard using less formal procedures. The district court has two judges, a court commissioner, and a support staff. The superior court is a court of general jurisdiction. Superior court hears civil cases exceeding $75,000 or requesting nonmonetary remedies. Superior court hears all juvenile criminal cases and all adult felony cases. Superior court also hears appeals from district court and municipal courts. Superior court staff include three judges, three full-time court commissioners, two part-time court commissioners, and support staff. District and superior court judges are elected by the county voters for a term of four (4) years. Court commissioners are appointed by and serve at the discretion of elected judges; commissioners have powers and responsibilities equal to elected judges.
Cities and towns
Incorporated cities and towns provide municipal services. Each city or town has an elected council and mayor.Special purpose districts
Special purpose districts include cemetery, fire, hospital, library, school, and water and sewer districts. Each special district is governed by officials elected by voters within that jurisdiction.Fire districts
There are 12 fire districts, 2 city fire departments and 1 regional fire authority providing fire prevention, fire fighting, and emergency medical services. Each fire district is governed by an elected board of commissioners. Most districts have three commissioners. Fire districts receive most of their revenue from property taxes. All of the fire districts and the regional fire authority have volunteer or paid-call firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), as does the City of Lynden Fire Department. The City of Bellingham is an all-career department. Some of the districts also have full time firefighter/EMTs. All fire districts use 911911
Year 911 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.-Africa:* Rebellion of the Kutama Berbers against the Fatimid Caliphate...
for emergency calls. Whatcom County has one 911
911
Year 911 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.-Africa:* Rebellion of the Kutama Berbers against the Fatimid Caliphate...
call center located in Bellingham. Fire/EMS calls are processed and dispatched at a second PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) called Prospect that is located at a fire station in Bellingham. Additional dispatching locations provide backup capacity to answer emergency calls.
Whatcom County Fire Districts are:
- Fire District 1 serves DemingDeming, WashingtonDeming is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Named for its first postmaster, George Deming, its population was 353 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Deming is located at ....
, EversonEverson, WashingtonEverson is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,481 at the 2010 census.Everson and the nearby city of Nooksack lie near the foothills of the Cascade mountains in Northwest Washington. Located on the banks of the Nooksack River, the businesses support the...
, NooksackNooksack, WashingtonNooksack is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, close to the border with Canada. The population was 1,338 at the 2010 census. This town shares Nooksack Valley School District with Sumas and Everson....
, and Nugents Corner. - Fire District 4 serves the Northshore area near Lake Whatcom.
- Fire District 5 serves Point Roberts.
- Fire District 7 serves areas near FerndaleFerndale, Washington-Demographics:As of the census of 2009, there were 11,681 people, 3,901 households, and 2,303 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,409.1 people per square mile . There were 3,292 housing units at an average density of 529.7 per square mile...
and Cherry Point. - Fire District 8 serves Bellingham International AirportBellingham International AirportBellingham International Airport is a public airport located three miles northwest of Bellingham, in Whatcom County, Washington, USA. The airport has a single runway. Due to the close proximity to British Columbia, the Bellingham International Airport functions somewhat as a reliever airport to...
, the Lummi Nation, and Marietta. - Fire District 11 serves Lummi IslandLummi Island, WashingtonLummi Island is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Lummi Island is located on the east side of Lummi Island in Puget Sound. Lummi Island has a post office with ZIP code 98262....
Lummi IslandLummi IslandLummi Island lies at the southwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington, USA, between the mainland part of the county and offshore San Juan County. The Lummi Indian Reservation is situated on a peninsula east of the island, but does not include Lummi Island. The island has a land area of... - Fire District 14 serves areas around SR 542 between DemingDeming, WashingtonDeming is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Named for its first postmaster, George Deming, its population was 353 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Deming is located at ....
and Maple Falls, WashingtonMaple Falls, WashingtonMaple Falls is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 324 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
, SR 547Washington State Route 547State Route 547 is a Washington state highway located in Whatcom County, south of the Canadian border. The long route runs northwest from in Kendall to in Sumas. The highway was originally created in 1984, but a road extending from Kendall to Sumas has been on maps since 1966 along the...
, and Sumas. - Fire District 16 serves communities along SR 9 south of SR 542.
- Fire District 17 serves Sandy Point.
- Fire District 18 serves southern Lake WhatcomLake WhatcomLake Whatcom Reservoir is located in Whatcom County, Washington. It is the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in the City of Bellingham as well as Whatcom County. It is approximately 10 miles total in length and 1 mile in width at its widest...
and Glenhaven Lakes. - Fire District 19 serves GlacierGlacier, WashingtonGlacier is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 211 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, Glacier ranks 522nd of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked. Glacier is hoping to change this with the opening of the Glacier...
. - Fire District 21 (North Whatcom Fire Rescue) serves northwest Whatcom County including Birch BayBirch Bay, Washington-External links:*...
, BlaineBlaine, WashingtonBlaine is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The city's northern boundary is the Canadian border. Blaine is the shared home of the Peace Arch international monument...
, LaurelLaurel, WashingtonLaurel is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It lies between the cities of Bellingham and Lynden. Today Laurel is included in the Lynden metropolitan statistical area. Laurel is landlocked.-References:...
, and LyndenLynden, WashingtonLynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County. Named and established in 1874 on the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish , the town of Lynden began as a pioneer settlement headed by Holden and Phoebe Judson and is today home to one of the largest Dutch American communities in the...
°.
° outside Lynden city limits only. The Lynden Fire Department serves Lynden.
- The South Whatcom Regional Fire Authority serves GenevaGeneva, WashingtonGeneva is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,321 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, Geneva ranks 85th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked...
, Sudden ValleySudden Valley, WashingtonSudden Valley is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 6,441 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Sudden Valley ranks 97th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be...
, Chuckanut Drive, Lake Samish and Yew Street Road.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 2504 square miles (6,485 km²), of which 2120 square miles (5,490.8 km²) is land and 384 square miles (995 km²) (15.34%) is water, including Lake Whatcom
Lake Whatcom
Lake Whatcom Reservoir is located in Whatcom County, Washington. It is the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in the City of Bellingham as well as Whatcom County. It is approximately 10 miles total in length and 1 mile in width at its widest...
, which empties into Bellingham Bay
Bellingham Bay
Bellingham Bay is a bay located on the northern Pacific coast of Washington state in the United States. It is separated from the Strait of Georgia on the west by the Lummi Peninsula, Portage Island, and Lummi Island. It is bordered on the east by Bellingham, Washington, to the south-east by the...
by way of Whatcom Creek. Physiographically, Whatcom County is an extension of the Fraser Valley
Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is the section of the Fraser River basin in southwestern British Columbia downstream of the Fraser Canyon. The term is sometimes used to refer to the Fraser Canyon and stretches upstream from there, but in general British Columbian usage of the term refers to the stretch of the...
or "Lower Mainland
Lower Mainland
The Lower Mainland is a name commonly applied to the region surrounding and including Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As of 2007, 2,524,113 people live in the region; sixteen of the province's thirty most populous municipalities are located there.While the term Lower Mainland has been...
" area of British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, which is essentially the lowland delta plain of the Fraser River - at some times in the past one of the Fraser River
Fraser River
The Fraser River is the longest river within British Columbia, Canada, rising at Fraser Pass near Mount Robson in the Rocky Mountains and flowing for , into the Strait of Georgia at the city of Vancouver. It is the tenth longest river in Canada...
's lower arms entered Bellingham Bay
Bellingham Bay
Bellingham Bay is a bay located on the northern Pacific coast of Washington state in the United States. It is separated from the Strait of Georgia on the west by the Lummi Peninsula, Portage Island, and Lummi Island. It is bordered on the east by Bellingham, Washington, to the south-east by the...
near Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
via what is now the mouth of the Nooksack River
Nooksack River
The Nooksack River is a river in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. It drains an area of the Cascade Range around Mount Baker, near the Canadian border. The lower river flows through a fertile agricultural area before emptying into Bellingham Bay and, via the Strait of Juan de Fuca...
. A very small part of the county, Point Roberts
Point Roberts, Washington
Point Roberts is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It has a post office, with the ZIP code of 98281, whose ZIP Code Tabulation Area had a population of 1,314 at the 2010 census.A geopolitical oddity, Point Roberts is a part of the United States that is not...
, about 5 square miles (13 km²), is an extension of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, which is bisected by the international boundary along the 49th Parallel. The highest point in the county is the peak of the active volcano Mount Baker
Mount Baker
Mount Baker , also known as Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan, is an active glaciated andesitic stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the North Cascades of Washington State in the United States. It is the second-most active volcano in the range after Mount Saint Helens...
at 10778 feet (3,285 m) above sea level. The lowest points are at sea level along the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
.
Geographic features
- Bellingham BayBellingham BayBellingham Bay is a bay located on the northern Pacific coast of Washington state in the United States. It is separated from the Strait of Georgia on the west by the Lummi Peninsula, Portage Island, and Lummi Island. It is bordered on the east by Bellingham, Washington, to the south-east by the...
- Birch Bay
- Cascade MountainsNorth CascadesThe North Cascades are a section of the Cascade Range of western North America. They span the border between the Canadian province of British Columbia and the U.S. state of Washington and are officially named in Canada as the Cascade Mountains...
- Chuckanut MountainsChuckanut MountainsThe Chuckanut Mountains , or Chuckanuts, are located on the northern Washington state coast of Puget Sound, just south of Bellingham, Washington. Being a part of the Cascade Range, they are the only place where the Cascades come west down to meet the sea...
- Mount BakerMount BakerMount Baker , also known as Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan, is an active glaciated andesitic stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the North Cascades of Washington State in the United States. It is the second-most active volcano in the range after Mount Saint Helens...
, highest point in Whatcom County - American Border PeakAmerican Border PeakAmerican Border Peak is a mountain just south of the US-Canada border, in the North Cascades of Washington state, with a corresponding sister peak, Canadian Border Peak, just north along a col connecting to it across the border. It is located within the Mount Baker Wilderness, part of the Mount...
- Sumas MountainSumas MountainSumas Mountain is a mountain located in Whatcom County, Washington, 15 miles northeast of Bellingham and southwest of Vedder Mountain. Located in the Skagit Range the mountain is notable for its high biodiversity and year-round hiking trails. It is sometimes referred to as American Sumas to...
- Mount ShuksanMount ShuksanMount Shuksan is a glaciated massif in the North Cascades National Park. Shuksan rises in Whatcom County, Washington immediately to the east of Mount Baker, and south of the Canadian border. The mountain's name Shuksan is derived from the Lummi word [šéqsən], said to mean "high peak". The highest...
- Chuckanut Mountains
- Chilliwack River/Chilliwack Lake
- Eliza IslandEliza IslandEliza Island is located in the western part of Bellingham Bay in the state of Washington, USA. It lies just east of the southern part of Lummi Island, in Whatcom County. Eliza Island has a land area of 0.571 km² . There was a population of ten persons as of the 2000 census.The island was named...
- Lake WhatcomLake WhatcomLake Whatcom Reservoir is located in Whatcom County, Washington. It is the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in the City of Bellingham as well as Whatcom County. It is approximately 10 miles total in length and 1 mile in width at its widest...
- Lummi IslandLummi IslandLummi Island lies at the southwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington, USA, between the mainland part of the county and offshore San Juan County. The Lummi Indian Reservation is situated on a peninsula east of the island, but does not include Lummi Island. The island has a land area of...
- Lummi Bay
- Nooksack RiverNooksack RiverThe Nooksack River is a river in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. It drains an area of the Cascade Range around Mount Baker, near the Canadian border. The lower river flows through a fertile agricultural area before emptying into Bellingham Bay and, via the Strait of Juan de Fuca...
- North Lookout MountainNorth Lookout MountainGalbraith Mountain is the common name for North Lookout Mountain, located between the communities of Sudden Valley and Bellingham, Washington. A area was owned by the Trillium Corporation until April 1, 2010, when the company surrendered the property to Polygon Financial Partners instead of...
, known locally as Galbraith Mountain - Portage IslandPortage IslandPortage Island is an island in the western part of Bellingham Bay in Whatcom County, Washington, USA. It is separated from the Lummi Peninsula by Portage Bay and from the central part of Lummi Island by Hale Passage, in Whatcom County. Portage Island has a land area of 3.803 km² . There was no...
- Semiahmoo BaySemiahmoo BaySemiahmoo Bay is the southeastern section of Boundary Bay on the Pacific coast of North America. The name "Semiahmoo" is a Coast Salish word for "half moon".From the north to south, the following communities and places are located on its shore:...
- Semiahmoo SpitSemiahmoo SpitSemiahmoo Spit is a spit that protrudes from the westernmost expanse of shore along Drayton Harbor in the city of Blaine, WA located in Whatcom County, WA.-Geomorphology and geography:...
- Semiahmoo Spit
- Skagit RiverSkagit RiverThe Skagit River is a river in southwestern British Columbia in Canada and northwestern Washington in the United States, approximately 150 mi long...
/Ross LakeRoss LakeRoss Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, USA, and southwestern British Columbia, Canada. The lake runs approximately north-south, is 23 miles long, up to 1.5 miles wide, and the full reservoir elevation is 1,604 feet above sea level .The U.S... - Sumas RiverSumas RiverThe Sumas River is a tributary of the Fraser River in the Canadian province of British Columbia and the U.S. state of Washington.-Course:The Sumas River originates in Whatcom County, Washington just north of the Nooksack River and west of Sumas Mountain...
Major highways
- Interstate 5Interstate 5Interstate 5 is the main Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States, running largely parallel to the Pacific Ocean coastline from Canada to Mexico . It serves some of the largest cities on the U.S...
connecting with VancouverVancouverVancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, Seattle, PortlandPortland, OregonPortland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, Los AngelesLos ÁngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, San Diego and points south. - SR 20 connecting US 101U.S. Route 101U.S. Route 101, or U.S. Highway 101, is an important north–south U.S. highway that runs through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington, on the West Coast of the United States...
and Sidney, British ColumbiaSidney, British ColumbiaSidney is a town located at the northern end of the Saanich Peninsula, on Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is one of the 13 Greater Victoria municipalities. It has a population of approximately 11,300. Sidney is located just east of Victoria International Airport,...
with Newport, WashingtonNewport, WashingtonNewport is a city in, and the county seat of, Pend Oreille County, Washington. The population was 2,126 at the 2010 census.-History:Newport was given its name in 1890 because it was selected as a landing site for the first steamboat on the Pend Oreille River. Newport was officially incorporated on...
via the North Cascades Highway. Farthest north highway thru the Cascade Mountains in USA. Note that this highway does not connect to most of Whatcom County - Instead, a person would have to travel south to Sedro-Woolley in Skagit County to connect to Highway 20. - Alaska Marine HighwayAlaska Marine HighwayThe Alaska Marine Highway or the Alaska Marine Highway System is a ferry service operated by the government of the U.S. state of Alaska. It has its headquarters in Ketchikan, Alaska....
connecting Alaska highways to the Interstate Highway SystemInterstate Highway SystemThe Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, , is a network of limited-access roads including freeways, highways, and expressways forming part of the National Highway System of the United States of America...
.
Adjacent counties
- Okanogan County, Washington - east
- Skagit County, WashingtonSkagit County, WashingtonSkagit County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Skagit Indian tribe. As of 2010, the population was 116,901. It is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington, Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- south - San Juan County, Washington - southwest
Whatcom County also has land borders with two administrative units of British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, Canada, which together comprise the region known as the Lower Mainland
Lower Mainland
The Lower Mainland is a name commonly applied to the region surrounding and including Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As of 2007, 2,524,113 people live in the region; sixteen of the province's thirty most populous municipalities are located there.While the term Lower Mainland has been...
, and also a water border with the Gulf Islands
Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands are the islands in the Strait of Georgia , between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, Canada....
, which form Electoral Area G of the Capital Regional District
Capital Regional District, British Columbia
The Capital Regional District is a local government administrative district encompassing the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands in the Canadian province of British Columbia...
.
- Metro Vancouver
- Fraser Valley Regional District
- Capital Regional DistrictCapital Regional District, British ColumbiaThe Capital Regional District is a local government administrative district encompassing the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands in the Canadian province of British Columbia...
(water boundary with Gulf Islands only, across Strait of GeorgiaStrait of GeorgiaThe Strait of Georgia or the Georgia Strait is a strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is approximately long and varies in width from...
)
State protected areas
- Birch Bay State ParkBirch Bay State ParkBirch Bay State Park, near Blaine in Whatcom County, Washington, is part of the Washington State Park System. It's , with of shoreline on Birch Bay and 14,900' along Terrell Creek allows camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, crabbing, clamming, and boating....
- Lake Terrell Wildlife Refuge
- Larrabee State ParkLarrabee State ParkLarrabee State Park is a state park in Washington, located six miles south of the city of Bellingham. It was the first state park to be created in Washington.- History :...
- Lookout Mountain (DNRWashington Department of Natural ResourcesThe Washington Department of Natural Resources manage over of forest, range, agricultural, and commercial lands for the people of Washington State. DNR also manages of aquatic areas which include shorelines, tidelands, lands under Puget Sound and the coast, and navigable lakes and rivers...
) - Lummi IslandLummi IslandLummi Island lies at the southwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington, USA, between the mainland part of the county and offshore San Juan County. The Lummi Indian Reservation is situated on a peninsula east of the island, but does not include Lummi Island. The island has a land area of...
(part) (DNRWashington Department of Natural ResourcesThe Washington Department of Natural Resources manage over of forest, range, agricultural, and commercial lands for the people of Washington State. DNR also manages of aquatic areas which include shorelines, tidelands, lands under Puget Sound and the coast, and navigable lakes and rivers...
) - Stewart Mountain (DNRWashington Department of Natural ResourcesThe Washington Department of Natural Resources manage over of forest, range, agricultural, and commercial lands for the people of Washington State. DNR also manages of aquatic areas which include shorelines, tidelands, lands under Puget Sound and the coast, and navigable lakes and rivers...
) - Lake WhatcomLake WhatcomLake Whatcom Reservoir is located in Whatcom County, Washington. It is the drinking water source for approximately 85,000 residents in the City of Bellingham as well as Whatcom County. It is approximately 10 miles total in length and 1 mile in width at its widest...
Watershed
National protected areas
- Mount Baker National Recreation AreaMount Baker National Recreation AreaMount Baker National Recreation Area is a United States National Recreation Area located in northern Washington about 15 miles south of the Canadian border within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest....
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestMount Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestThe Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington extends more than along the western slopes of the Cascade Range from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. Forest headquarters are located in the city of Everett....
(part) - North Cascades National ParkNorth Cascades National ParkNorth Cascades National Park is a U.S. National Park located in the state of Washington. The park is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Several national wilderness areas and British Columbia parkland adjoin the...
(part) - Ross Lake National Recreation AreaRoss Lake National Recreation AreaRoss Lake National Recreation Area is a US National Recreation Area located in north central Washington just south of the Canadian border. It is the most accessible part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex which also includes North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National...
(part) - Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (part)
Primary and Secondary Education
Whatcom County residents are served by a number of public and private schools. These schools provide preschool, primary (K-5), and secondary (6-12) education. Public schools are operated by eight school districts. Each school district is an independent local government managed by an elected school board. Seven districts serve the western portion of Whatcom County. One district serves the southeast corner of Whatcom County. The remaining portion of the county is national forest or national park land, which has no permanent residents.These districts are:
- Bellingham School DistrictBellingham School DistrictBellingham School District No. 501 is a public school district in Whatcom County, Washington, USA and serves the city of Bellingham.As of October 2004, the district has an enrollment of 10,763 students....
serves Bellingham, Chuckanut, Lake Samish, and Sudden Valley. - Blaine School DistrictBlaine School DistrictBlaine School District No. 503 is a public school district in Whatcom County, Washington, USA and serves the communities of Blaine and Point Roberts.As of October 2004, the district has an enrollment of 2,272 students.- Mascot :...
serves Blaine, Birch Bay, and Point Roberts. - Concrete School District serves the county's southeast corner including NewhalemNewhalem, WashingtonNewhalem is a small, unincorporated community in northwestern Washington, USA, located in the western foothills of the North Cascades along the Skagit River. It is located within Whatcom County....
and Diablo. - Ferndale School DistrictFerndale School DistrictFerndale School District is a primary and secondary education school district located in Ferndale, WashingtonIn recent years, Ferndale High School and Windward High School in Ferndale have excelled in music and sports...
serves Ferndale, Custer, Lummi Island, and the Lummi Nation. - Lynden School DistrictLynden School DistrictLynden School District is a public primary and secondary education school district located in Lynden, Washington. The Lynden School District operates one high school, two middle schools, and three elementary schools...
serves Lynden and surrounding areas. - Meridian School DistrictMeridian School District (Washington)Meridian School District is a public primary and secondary education school district located in Laurel, Washington. The district serves an area north of Bellingham and south of Lynden. The Meridian School District takes its name from the Meridian area. The main highway in the area is Guide Meridian...
serves rural communities between Bellingham and Lynden. - Mount Baker School District serves communities along the Mount Baker Highway and Nooksack River.
- Nooksack Valley School DistrictNooksack Valley School DistrictThe Nooksack Valley School District in Whatcom County, Washington, U.S.A. is a school district named after the Nooksack River. It has five schools and some 1,870 students as of 2006....
serves Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas.
Numerous private schools operate in Whatcom County including Lynden Christian Schools, Bellingham Christian Schools, and the Waldorf School.
Higher Education
Whatcom County hosts five institutions of higher education. Two universities and two colleges are located in Bellingham. One college is located on the Lummi Nation (Lummi Reservation) west of Bellingham. Bellingham Technical CollegeBellingham Technical College
Bellingham Technical College is located in the Pacific Northwest town of Bellingham in Washington State. Just a mile northwest of downtown Bellingham, the campus resides about north of Seattle and south of Vancouver, British Columbia...
is a public technical and vocational college located in Bellingham. Trinity Western University
Trinity Western University
Trinity Western University is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.The school was founded in 1962 as Trinity Junior College, and now enrolls approximately 4000 students and sits on a campus....
(TWU) is a private, Christian university based in Langley, BC
Langley, British Columbia (district municipality)
The Township of Langley is a district municipality immediately east of the City of Surrey in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It extends south from the Fraser River to the U.S. border, and west of the City of Abbotsford...
about 25 miles north of Bellingham. TWU operates a branch campus in Bellingham offering undergraduate courses and supports TWU's bachelors degree completion program. Western Washington University
Western Washington University
Western Washington University is one of six state-funded, four-year universities of higher education in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located in Bellingham and offers bachelor's and master's degrees.-History:...
(Western) is the third largest public university in Washington. Western offers bachelors and masters degrees through seven colleges. Western enrolls over 15,000 students. Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College , known as Whatcom, is a community college located in Bellingham, Washington, the county seat of Whatcom County. Whatcom, a public associate degree-granting college, has course and program offers in the liberal arts, professional/technical, basic education and...
is a public community college offering academic certificate programs and associates degrees.
Northwest Indian College
Northwest Indian College
Northwest Indian College, operated by the Lummi tribe of Native Americans, is located in Bellingham, Washington. Its President is Cheryl Crazy Bull, a member of the Sicangu Lakota from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.-History:...
is a college supported by the Lummi Nation and serves the Native American community. Northwest Indian College is located on the Lummi Nation (Lummi Reservation) about five miles west of Bellingham.
Agriculture
Whatcom County is the top producer of raspberriesRaspberry
The raspberry or hindberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus, most of which are in the subgenus Idaeobatus; the name also applies to these plants themselves...
in the state. According to the Seattle Times, in 2004 Whatcom County growers produced 46 million pounds of raspberries, 85% of the state's crop. Given that the state itself is the #1 producer of raspberries in the country, with over 87.8% of the crop in 2002, this makes Whatcom County responsible for almost 75% of the nation's raspberry production.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 166,814 people, 64,446 households, and 41,116 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 79 people per square mile (30/km²). There were 73,893 housing units at an average density of 35 per square mile (13/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.41% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.69% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.82% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.78% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.14% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.49% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.66% from two or more races. 5.21% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 15.5% were of German, 9.2% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 8.2% Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
, 7.9% Irish
Irish American
Irish Americans are citizens of the United States who can trace their ancestry to Ireland. A total of 36,278,332 Americans—estimated at 11.9% of the total population—reported Irish ancestry in the 2008 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau...
, 7.0% Norwegian and 6.6% United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
or American ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 64,446 households out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.20% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.20% were non-families. 25.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.10% under the age of 18, 14.20% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 11.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 97.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,005, and the median income for a family was $49,325. Males had a median income of $37,589 versus $26,193 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $20,025. About 7.80% of families and 14.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.20% of those under age 18 and 8.30% of those age 65 or over.
Noteworthy residents
( Also see List of People from Bellingham, Washington )- Steve AlvordSteve AlvordSteven Lee Alvord is a former professional American football defensive tackle and defensive end in the National Football League and World League of American Football. In his four-year pro career he played for the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals of the NFL, and the Barcelona Dragons of the WLAF...
, defensive tackle in the NFL from 1987-88. - Douglas Spink, known zoophile and convicted cocaine smuggler.
- Ryan StilesRyan StilesRyan Lee Stiles is an American actor, comedian, director, and voice actor whose work is often associated with improvisational comedy. He is best known for his improv and co-production work on the American and British versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and the role of Lewis Kiniski on The Drew...
– Emmy AwardEmmy AwardAn Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
-nominated actor and comedian. - Hilary SwankHilary SwankHilary Ann Swank is an American actress. Swank's film career began with a small part in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and then a major part in The Next Karate Kid , as Julie Pierce, the first female protégé of sensei Mr. Miyagi...
– multiple Academy Award-winning actress.
Cities
Incorporated cities, in order of population (largest to smallest).- BellinghamBellingham, WashingtonBellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
- FerndaleFerndale, Washington-Demographics:As of the census of 2009, there were 11,681 people, 3,901 households, and 2,303 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,409.1 people per square mile . There were 3,292 housing units at an average density of 529.7 per square mile...
- LyndenLynden, WashingtonLynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County. Named and established in 1874 on the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish , the town of Lynden began as a pioneer settlement headed by Holden and Phoebe Judson and is today home to one of the largest Dutch American communities in the...
- BlaineBlaine, WashingtonBlaine is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The city's northern boundary is the Canadian border. Blaine is the shared home of the Peace Arch international monument...
- EversonEverson, WashingtonEverson is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,481 at the 2010 census.Everson and the nearby city of Nooksack lie near the foothills of the Cascade mountains in Northwest Washington. Located on the banks of the Nooksack River, the businesses support the...
- Sumas
- NooksackNooksack, WashingtonNooksack is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, close to the border with Canada. The population was 1,338 at the 2010 census. This town shares Nooksack Valley School District with Sumas and Everson....
Census-designated places
- AcmeAcme, WashingtonAcme is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 246 at the 2010 census.Acme is located in the South Fork Valley between the northern Cascade Mountains and Lake Whatcom...
- Birch BayBirch Bay, Washington-External links:*...
- CusterCuster, WashingtonCuster is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 366 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Custer is located at ....
- DemingDeming, WashingtonDeming is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Named for its first postmaster, George Deming, its population was 353 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Deming is located at ....
- GenevaGeneva, WashingtonGeneva is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,321 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, Geneva ranks 85th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked...
- GlacierGlacier, WashingtonGlacier is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 211 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, Glacier ranks 522nd of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked. Glacier is hoping to change this with the opening of the Glacier...
- KendallKendall, WashingtonKendall is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 191 at the 2010 census.-History:Kendall was founded in 1887 by F.B. Hardmen...
- Maple FallsMaple Falls, WashingtonMaple Falls is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 324 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
- Marietta-AlderwoodMarietta-Alderwood, WashingtonMarietta-Alderwood is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,906 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Marietta-Alderwood is located at ....
- Peaceful ValleyPeaceful Valley, WashingtonPeaceful Valley is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States, near Kendall. The population was 3,324 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Peaceful Valley is located at ....
- Point RobertsPoint Roberts, WashingtonPoint Roberts is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It has a post office, with the ZIP code of 98281, whose ZIP Code Tabulation Area had a population of 1,314 at the 2010 census.A geopolitical oddity, Point Roberts is a part of the United States that is not...
- Sudden ValleySudden Valley, WashingtonSudden Valley is a census-designated place in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 6,441 at the 2010 census.Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Sudden Valley ranks 97th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be...
Other communities
- Bakerview
- Blue Canyon
- Chuckanut
- Clearbrook
- Clipper
- Glenhaven
- LaurelLaurel, WashingtonLaurel is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It lies between the cities of Bellingham and Lynden. Today Laurel is included in the Lynden metropolitan statistical area. Laurel is landlocked.-References:...
- NewhalemNewhalem, WashingtonNewhalem is a small, unincorporated community in northwestern Washington, USA, located in the western foothills of the North Cascades along the Skagit River. It is located within Whatcom County....
- Pleasant Valley
- Saxon
- Snug Harbor
- Strandell
- Van Buren
- Welcome
- Wickersham
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Whatcom County, Washington
- Nooksack Salmon Enhancement AssociationNooksack Salmon Enhancement AssociationNooksack Salmon Enhancement Association was formed in 1990 as a non-profit organization with an overall goal of seeing an increase in returning natural spawning salmon to the over 1,600 km of rivers and streams in Whatcom County, Washington in the United StatesWhatcom County is home to seven...
External links
- Whatcom County official website
- Bellingham/Whatcom County Firefighters Association
- Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the largest business and civic organization in Whatcom County.
- Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, the official tourism agency for Whatcom County.
- Whatcom County Library System
- Whatcom Human Rights Taskforce
- Whatcom County Businesses Prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics
- Whatcom County Workshops, Seminars and Community Events
- Whatcom County Guide - Local, online business and community resource
- WhatcomCounts.org, information on the health of the Whatcom County community.
- Whatcom Peace & Justice Center