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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98229

Pop. 33,298·Whatcom County·83rd most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$2,172/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.6%
Month-over-Month
+2.5%
vs US Median
+$207
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98229 · $2,172
More expensive than 68% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,540
1 BR
$1,570
2 BR
$1,890
3 BR
$2,630
4 BR+
$3,170
Research median
$1,890/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$26,064/yr
At $2,172/mo median
Location
StateWA
CountyWhatcom County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.6% YoY, +2.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98229 (Bellingham, WA) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 53.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
33,298
Median income
$90,945
Median age
39.1
Renters
30.3%
Age distribution
18.7%
25.9%
24.7%
20.1%
Under 1818.7%
18–3425.9%
35–5424.7%
55–6410.6%
65+20.1%
Gender
51.1%
48.9%
Male51.1%
Female48.9%
Race & ethnicity
78.8%
White78.8%
Black0.9%
Hispanic10.2%
Asian3.8%
Other6.3%
Education (25+)
30.5%
53.1%
No HS diploma4.7%
HS diploma11.7%
Some college30.5%
Bachelor's+53.1%
Housing tenure
69.7%
30.3%
Owner69.7%
Renter30.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98229 in Bellingham, WA has changed in 5 years

Income
$77,804 → $90,945
up 16.9%
Population
34,182 → 33,298
down 2.6%
Renter share
30.1% → 30.3%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
49.8% → 53.1%
+3.3 pts
Median age
39.6 → 39.1
-0.5 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $77,804 to $90,945 across the same window, up 16.9% versus 2021. The population has contracted by 2.6% since 2021, moving from about 34,182 residents to roughly 33,298. College-educated residents now make up 53.1% of adults here, versus 49.8% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 98229

About renting in ZIP 98229

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98229 covers Bellingham, WA. The median rent here is $2,172/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,570/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,890/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($90,945/yr), ZIP 98229 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98229?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98229 (Bellingham, WA) is $2,172. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98229 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98229's median rent of $2,172/mo is $207 (11%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98229 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98229 falls in the middle range for Washington, ranking #83 out of 209 ZIPs at $2,172/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98229?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $87,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,172/mo in ZIP 98229. The local median household income is $90,945/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98229?

Rent in ZIP 98229 has decreased 0.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 98229 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98229 is considered affordable for renters. At $2,172/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($90,945/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98229 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98229 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.3% of ZIP 98229 households are renters, while 69.7% are owner-occupied. ZIP 98229 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 98229 compare to the rest of Bellingham?

ZIP 98229 is pricier than Bellingham as a whole. At $2,172/mo, it's $196 above the Bellingham citywide median of $1,976/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98229 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98229 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,172/mo, rent takes ~29% of ZIP 98229's median household income ($90,945/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98229 29%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 98229 (Bellingham, WA)

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