Question 1

Is 98226 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98226 in Bellingham has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Bellingham city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 98226 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 98226?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98226 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 98226. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 98226 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Bellingham. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 98226?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 98226 is approximately $647K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 98226 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 98226 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 98226 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98226 has an overall NeighborScore of 66/100, placing it in the moderate range for Bellingham. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 66/100, 98226 scores similarly to the middle tier of Bellingham neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Bellingham — ZIP 98226

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Intergenerational High School	09–12	—	—	—
Roosevelt Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Silver Beach Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Squalicum High School	09–12	—	—	—
Northern Heights Elementary Schl	PK–05	—	—	—
Cordata Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
North Bell Learning Center	PK–KG	—	—	—
Irene Reither Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Meridian High School	09–12	—	—	—
Harmony Elementary	KG–06	—	—	—
Lummi High School	09–12	—	—	—
Lummi Nation Tribal School	KG–08	—	—	—