Whatcom County Real Estate and Livability Trends
In Whatcom County, Washington, median home values surged from $274,700 in 2015 to $475,000 in 2022, outpacing state and national trends, suggesting attractive investment prospects. Real estate tax increases and a drop in farm tax returns point to shifting economic priorities, while notable declines in mortgages for investment properties and second residences in 2022 could signal a cooling market.... Read more
Whatcom County Market Trends
In Whatcom County, Washington, median home values experienced a substantial increase from $274,700 in 2015 to $475,000 in 2022, outpacing both state and national trends. This suggests strong investment potential, making the county appealing for buyers and investors. The average residential energy tax credit per tax return also saw a dramatic rise, peaking in 2018 at $4,743.75, indicating... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Whatcom County, Washington Over the Last 8 Years
Over the past eight years, median home values in Whatcom County, Washington surged from $274,700 in 2015 to $475,000 in 2022, outpacing both state and national trends. While median home values in Washington state increased to $473,400 and national values to $179,400 during the same period, Whatcom County's growth reflects a robust real estate market that could indicate strong investment potential. Prospective buyers and investors might find Whatcom County particularly appealing given this significant market activity, suggesting a dynamic and evolving housing market compared to broader trends.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 9 Years
Whatcom County, Washington has seen a significant increase in the average residential energy tax credit per tax return over the last nine years, with notable peaks. Beginning at $690.80 in 2013, the credit spiked dramatically in 2018 to $4743.75. This trend suggests that homeowners have increasingly invested in energy-efficient upgrades, likely driven by rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness. These tax savings can be an attractive incentive for potential buyers and investors looking to reduce long-term utility expenses. For builders and real estate agents, promoting energy-efficient homes could be a substantial selling point. Insurance agents might also find relevance in these trends as energy-efficient homes can sometimes equate to lower risk.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, real estate taxes per tax return in Whatcom County, Washington have generally trended upwards, starting at around $3,406.98 in 2012 and reaching approximately $6,373.02 by 2021. There was a noticeable surge between 2017 and 2018, where taxes jumped from about $4,254.92 to $5,751.88. This could suggest increasing property values or shifts in tax policies. Investors and real estate professionals might view these trends as indicative of growing demand and an appreciating market, while those looking to move or appraise properties should consider the potential for higher future tax liabilities.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade in Whatcom County, Washington, the percentage of farm tax returns has experienced a gradual decline, dipping from approximately 1.01% in 2012 to around 0.83% in 2021. Farm tax returns are tax filings from agricultural businesses, providing a snapshot of the economic activity within the farming sector. This downward trend could be an indicator for potential investors or newcomers looking at broader economic patterns, suggesting a possible shift in local economic focus or challenges in the agricultural sector. As farming forms a critical part of Whatcom County's economy, these figures might reflect broader trends in agricultural viability and rural economic health.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 5 Years in Whatcom County
Over the past five years, Whatcom County, Washington has seen varied trends in mortgage counts for different occupancy types. Principal residences consistently lead in mortgage numbers, highlighting strong demand for primary living spaces. Investment properties and second residences show fluctuations, with a notable drop in mortgage counts for both categories in 2022 compared to previous years. For investors, the decline in investment property mortgages might indicate a cooling market or shifting investment strategies. For those looking to buy or build, understanding these trends can provide insights into market demand and potential areas for growth. These shifts also matter for appraisers and insurance agents assessing property values and potential risks in the area.
Economic Outlook
In Whatcom County, Washington, the average taxable income per tax return jumped from approximately $57,788.92 in 2013 to $95,292.49 in 2021, highlighting economic growth and a potentially higher standard of living. Meanwhile, average state and local income taxes also saw a significant rise, reaching $15,122.89 in 2019, which may indicate robust economic advancement. Notably, total tax liability per tax return surged from about $9,647.36 in 2012 to $16,453.91 in 2021, hinting at rising property... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Whatcom County, WA over the last 9 years
Whatcom County, Washington has seen a notable upward trend in average taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, rising from approximately $57,788.92 in 2013 to $95,292.49 in 2021. This consistent increase, especially the sharp rise between 2020 and 2021, could indicate a burgeoning local economy and a potentially higher standard of living. For investors, appraisers, and real estate agents, this growing income trend may suggest increasing property values and a stronger real estate market. Prospective residents and builders might find this data reassuring when considering the economic viability and long-term investment potential of Whatcom County.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Whatcom County, Washington has experienced considerable fluctuations in average state and local income taxes per tax return, significantly peaking at $15,122.89 in 2019. The data shows a marked increase from just $7,863.11 in 2012, with intermittent spikes, particularly in 2015 and 2017. This trend might suggest a robust economic growth and increasing incomes, which could be of interest to potential real estate investors and property developers eyeing opportunities in this region. Insurance agents and appraisers might note the rising tax burden as a factor influencing property values and homeowner costs.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Whatcom County, Washington has experienced a notable increase in total tax liability per tax return, escalating from approximately $9,647.36 in 2012 to around $16,453.91 in 2021. The most significant spike occurred between 2020 and 2021, where liabilities jumped by over $4,348.03. This trend suggests economic growth, possibly driven by rising property values or higher incomes, appealing to investors, real estate agents, and those considering relocation to capitalize on the area's economic trajectory. However, this upward shift may impact appraisors and insurance agents by influencing property evaluations and insurance premiums.
Cost of Living in Whatcom County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,926 | $1,826 | $1,753 | $2,234 | $1,620 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,926 | $1,491 | $1,353 | $2,234 | $1,762 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,926 | $1,492 | $1,515 | $2,234 | $1,352 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,926 | $1,218 | $1,115 | $2,234 | $1,525 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,355 | $1,221 | $1,276 | $1,978 | $1,014 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,355 | $912 | $876 | $1,978 | $1,080 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,355 | $965 | $1,038 | $1,144 | $864 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,355 | $623 | $638 | $1,144 | $801 |
| 2 adults | $1,101 | $775 | $800 | $0 | $643 |
| 1 adult | $1,039 | $423 | $400 | $0 | $545 |
Safety trends & Data
Investors and homebuyers eyeing Whatcom County, Washington should note fluctuating property crime rates over the past five years. Burglary and vandalism have generally increased, hitting peaks in 2022 with 237 and 402 incidents respectively. Larceny-theft has shown consistent high numbers, dropping to a low of 538 in 2021 but spiking to 877 in 2018. These trends could impact property values and insurance rates, with arson and motor vehicle thefts remaining low but varied. This information is... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Whatcom County, WA Over the Last 5 Years
Investors and those looking to build or move to Whatcom County, Washington, should be aware of fluctuating property crime trends over the past five years. While burglary and vandalism incidents generally rose, peaking in 2022 with 237 and 402 incidents respectively, larceny-theft seems to have consistently high numbers, hitting a low of 538 in 2021 but spiking to 877 in 2018. The trend suggests vigilance is necessary, though such data could influence property values and insurance rates. Notably, arson and motor vehicle thefts have remained relatively low compared to other crimes but have seen significant variation. This pattern of property crimes could be crucial for real estate agents, appraisers, and policy makers.
Demographics
In Whatcom County, Washington, the adult population shows a relatively balanced gender distribution, with a slight numerical edge for females. The region's educational attainment highlights a substantial group with some college education or higher, indicating a diverse range of educational backgrounds, which could contribute to the local economy's resilience and dynamism. Age distribution data suggests a healthy spread across age groups, with a notable concentration in the 25 to 34 years range,... Read more
Race Distribution in Whatcom County, Washington (2022)
Educational Attainment in Whatcom County, Washington (2022)
Age Distribution in Whatcom County, Washington
Citizen Population in Whatcom County, Washington (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Whatcom County, Washington, appears to show a tendency towards Democratic policies, with roughly 60% of votes from the 2020 presidential election leaning Democratic. Republicans secured about 36%, while third-party candidates collectively drew around 3.5%. This political landscape might influence local policy decisions and economic priorities, which in turn may impact real estate market dynamics in the... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
In Whatcom County, Washington, voting patterns from the 2020 presidential election lean more Democratic, with potentially around 60% of votes cast for the candidate from that party. Republicans appear to have garnered approximately 36%, while third-party candidates together likely attracted a modest fraction of the vote—Libertarians at nearly 2%, Greens slightly over 0.5%, and other parties under 1%. This distribution might suggest a stronger preference for Democratic policies in the county, indicative of broader political trends within the region.
36.42% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
60.35% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.80% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.52% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.91% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
In Whatcom County, Washington, the student-to-teacher ratio has fluctuated from a high of 38:1 in 2019 to a low of 18:1 in 2023, both significantly above the national average of 14:1. These trends suggest potential challenges in individual attention and resource allocation, critical factors for families and real estate investors. For appraisers and insurance agents, these fluctuations may influence property values and insurance... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Whatcom County, Washington over the last 9 years
The student-to-teacher ratio in Whatcom County, Washington has fluctuated significantly over the last nine years, with a high of 38 students per teacher in 2019 and a recent low of 18 students per teacher in 2023. These ratios are well above the national average of 14 students per teacher, suggesting potential challenges for both educators and students in terms of individual attention and resource allocation. For those looking to invest in the area, understanding these shifts could provide insights into local education funding and priorities. Real estate agents and families might be concerned about the impact on education quality, while appraisers and insurance agents could see these trends influencing property values and insurance risks.
