Crime and Pollution in Bellingham

Crime Data in Bellingham

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Bellingham's crime levels are perceived as low, with significant public confidence in safety throughout the city. The crime index reflects a positive outlook, with minimal concerns about severe criminal activities.

Residents feel particularly safe during daylight hours and express a high level of comfort navigating their surroundings at night, a testament to the city's effective safety measures.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes in Bellingham are not a significant concern, with residents indicating only minimal worries about theft and vandalism. The effective policing and community vigilance are contributing to these low levels of concern.
• Drug-Related Issues - While there is a mild concern regarding drug-related issues, the overall sentiment is that such problems are under control, with community initiatives actively addressing any rising concerns.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes are a low concern among Bellingham residents, with many expressing confidence in the safety of their neighborhoods and low threat levels regarding mugging or physical assault.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Bellingham is perceived as excellent, with residents feeling safe both during the day and at night. The proactive community and local law enforcement efforts contribute significantly to this sense of security.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - Although there is a slight perception that certain crime types may be increasing, such as property theft, these concerns do not overshadow the overall positive crime and safety perceptions.
• Specific Fears - Specific concerns, such as racial or ethnic threats, are notably low, indicating a strongly positive community environment that values diversity and inclusive safety for all residents.

Summary of Crime in Bellingham

Bellingham continues to thrive as a safe and welcoming community, with low crime rates and a strong safety index. Continued efforts in law enforcement and community programs play a crucial role in maintaining these positive conditions.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Memphis

Tennessee

2. Detroit

Michigan

3. Baltimore

Maryland

4. Albuquerque

New Mexico

5. Saint Louis

Missouri

6. Oakland

California

7. New Orleans

Louisiana

8. Milwaukee

Wisconsin

9. Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

10. Chicago

Illinois

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Bellingham prides itself on maintaining excellent air quality, with pollution levels well within acceptable limits. This contributes positively to the city’s high livability and health standards.

The perception of air quality is overwhelmingly positive, with residents and visitors alike appreciating the clean and fresh environment away from urban pollution.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels in Bellingham are low, indicating minimal risk to residents' respiratory health and contributing to the overall perception of excellent air quality.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels remain modest and pose no major health risks, reflecting the city’s success in managing industrial and traffic-related particulate matter.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a concern in certain parts of Bellingham, where some residents experience disruption from traffic and urban activities. However, overall satisfaction with noise control measures remains positive.

Garbage disposal services in Bellingham receive high marks from residents, reflecting efficient waste management and community engagement in maintaining a clean city environment.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Bellingham’s garbage disposal satisfaction is high, with effective systems in place that ensure timely and adequate waste management throughout the city.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Despite some isolated concerns, the overall perception of noise and light pollution is largely positive, aligning with effective municipal efforts in maintaining a peaceful urban atmosphere.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Bellingham’s green spaces are a cornerstone of its environmental appeal, providing residents with well-maintained parks and recreational areas that support a high quality of life.

The drinking water quality in Bellingham is rated exceptionally high, underlining the city’s commitment to providing clean and accessible water, which is a key aspect of its livability.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of parks and green spaces in Bellingham is celebrated by residents, who acknowledge these areas as crucial for recreation, relaxation, and supporting a vibrant ecological environment.
• Drinking Water Quality - With high standards in accessibility and purity, Bellingham’s drinking water quality stands as a significant benefit for its residents, ensuring health and satisfaction with municipal services.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Los Angeles

California

2. Salt Lake City

Utah

3. Detroit

Michigan

4. New York

New York

5. Phoenix

Arizona

6. Houston

Texas

7. New Orleans

Louisiana

8. Las Vegas

Nevada

9. Chicago

Illinois

10. San Francisco

California