New study ranks Bellingham as one of the least affordable cities in the U.S.

Bellingham has emerged as the fourth least affordable city in the United States and ranks first among small cities, according to a new study by Construction Coverage. The analysis draws from Zillow’s Home Value Index and a recent U. S. Census Bureau survey. Bellingham's housing affordability issues are comparable to those found in southern California cities, with Bellevue, another Washington city, positioned at 28th.

In response to the housing crisis, Mayor Kim Lund issued an executive order last November aimed at increasing housing opportunities. Initiatives include focusing on middle housing and developing denser population areas to alleviate inventory shortages. My Bellingham Now previously reported on steps taken to implement this order, such as removing parking minimums and incentivizing affordable housing construction. Washington state, as a whole, ranks fifth in terms of least affordable cities. These findings highlight significant challenges in housing affordability that local officials aim to address.