What's a good cap rate in Bellingham?

In Bellingham, cap rates typically run around 5.5% (Washington state median). A deal above that line is outperforming the local market; below it, you're paying up for appreciation or stability. TrueCap shows where any specific Bellingham deal lands versus this benchmark.

What's the average rent for a rental in Bellingham?

A typical rental in Bellingham runs about $1,500–$1,950/mo (estimate; varies by neighborhood, size, and condition). TrueCap auto-fills HUD Fair Market Rent for the exact address you enter.

What is the property tax rate in Washington?

Washington's effective property tax rate is about 0.87% of value per year — the figure TrueCap applies by default for Bellingham deals. You can override it with the exact local rate.

Bellingham, WA

Bellingham rental property analysis

Bellingham pairs Western Washington University with Pacific Northwest lifestyle demand near the Canadian border — steady, low-vacancy occupancy.

Bellingham market snapshot

Appreciation market

Compressed cap rates — the play here is long-term price growth over day-one cash flow.

Typical cap rate

5.5%

Washington state median

Typical rent

$1,500–$1,950/mo

est., SFR / small multi

Typical price

$420,000–$520,000

est., all-in

Property tax

0.87%

Washington effective

Rent is HUD Fair Market Rent where available, otherwise a market estimate; price is a market estimate. Cap-rate and tax are the defaults TrueCap applies — enter a specific address for exact, auto-filled numbers.

Sources & methodology. These are screening defaults and market estimates — not an appraisal, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Verify rents, taxes, insurance, and local landlord/tenant law against the county assessor and your state's landlord-tenant statute before relying on them.

Data: HUD Fair Market Rent · FRED 30-yr mortgage rate · Tax Foundation (property tax) · Updated June 2026

Metro-level estimates — precision is lower at the neighborhood and parcel level; pull a specific address for exact, auto-filled figures. Reviewed by the TrueCap team. See our full methodology.

Is Bellingham a good place to buy rentals?

University and lifestyle demand keep occupancy high; high prices mean appreciation-leaning returns. Washington tenant rules apply.

See the full Washingtoninvesting guide — taxes, landlord law & top metros →

Neighborhoods to look at in Bellingham

Near WWU

Student rentals, high occupancy.

Barkley

Family renters, low vacancy.

Neighborhood notes are starting points, not recommendations — always underwrite the specific property.

Run a Bellingham deal in 60 seconds

Paste a Bellingham address into TrueCap and get cap rate, cash-on-cash, DSCR, cash flow, and a 10-year projection — auto-filled with Washington tax and HUD rent so you start from the right assumptions.

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