Bellingham, WA local economy

46th

percentile among United States metros

– +0.1 3-month trend

Bellingham, WA ranks in the 46th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum falling over the past 12 months.

Business formation

New business applications or registrations was 3,825 in January 2025, up 23.9% from January 2024.

Building permits

Dwelling units authorized by permit was 92 in July 2026.

Employment

Payrolled or covered employment was 92,566 in January 2026.

New business applications or registrations was 3,825 in January 2025, up 23.9% from January 2024. Dwelling units authorized by permit was 92 in July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How does Bellingham, WA rank among United States metros?
Bellingham, WA ranks in the 46th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum falling over the past 12 months.
What is the new business applications or registrations in Bellingham, WA?
New business applications or registrations in Bellingham, WA was 3,825 in January 2025.
What is the dwelling units authorized by permit in Bellingham, WA?
Dwelling units authorized by permit in Bellingham, WA was 92 in July 2026.
What is the payrolled or covered employment in Bellingham, WA?
Payrolled or covered employment in Bellingham, WA was 92,566 in January 2026.

Nearby and related

Sources and methodology

Method: 2026.09. Updated 2026-09-10. Coverage: 100% of weighted components available.

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Bellingham, WA local economy score, via LocalEconomy.com
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Bellingham, WA local economy indicators. LocalEconomy.com. Retrieved 2026-10-09 from https://localeconomy.com/us/metro/bellingham-wa/