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Bellingham, WA Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 232 people in Bellingham.

  • Bellingham's violent crime rate is a bit higher than the national average. It stands at 4.31 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Bellingham's property crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It is recorded at 72.03 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    by | Sep 24, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of Bellingham, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

    Bellingham, like any other city in Washington, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Bellingham, WA. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Bellingham Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number4116,863142
    Rate per 10004.3172.031.49

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Bellingham. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

    Bellingham’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

    Bellingham has a higher violent crime rate compared to both Washington and the national average. In Bellingham, the rate of violent crimes is 4.31 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Washington it is 3.54 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Bellingham vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in Bellingham compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Bellingham in relation to the broader national landscape.

    Bellingham’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number22723913013
    Rate per 10000.020.282.511.360.14
    Population95,279

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Bellingham

    • Bellingham’s murder crime rate is 0.02, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.07 by 71%.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.28, which is lower than the national average of 0.44 by 36%.
    • The assault crime rate of the city stands at 2.51, which is lower than the national average of 2.83 by 11%.
    • Robbery is a significant concern in Bellingham, with a crime rate of 1.36, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.63 by 116%.
    • The city’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.14, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 27%.

    Bellingham’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

    Bellingham has a higher property crime rate compared to both Washington and the national average. In Bellingham, the rate of property crimes is 72.03 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Washington it is 42.31 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Bellingham vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Bellingham compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

    Bellingham’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number618191,669104,1663792
    Rate per 10006.490.217.520.143.723.980.02
    Population95,279

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Property Crimes in Bellingham

    • Bellingham experiences a burglary crime rate of 6.49, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.72 by 139%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.2, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 150%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Bellingham, with a crime rate of 17.52, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 345%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.1, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.04 by 150%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 43.72 in Bellingham, which is significantly higher than the national average of 13.95 by 213%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 3.98, which is higher than the national average of 2.68 by 49%.
    • Bellingham faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.02, which is 98% lower than the national average of 0.87.

    Bellingham’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number488920
    Rate per 10000.50.930.050
    Population95,279

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Other Crimes in Bellingham

    • Drug offenses are not a significant concern in Bellingham, with a rate of 0.5, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.89 by 87%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 0.93, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 15%.

    Conclusion

    When examining the crime rates of Bellingham, it is evident that the city’s violent crime landscape presents certain challenges. Challenges arise from specific crimes that exceed the national average, such as robbery. Similarly, in the realm of property crimes, challenges arise from specific offenses surpassing the national average. These include burglary crimes arson crimes vandalism incidents blackmail incidents theft incidents vehicle theft incidents.

    Explore cities like Kent, WA, which have a similar violent crime rate to Bellingham. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Lakewood, WA.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.