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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Sehome neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington, exhibits a transition from a predominantly White community to one of moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 66% of residents, with Hispanic residents at 15% and Asian residents at 7%. Over the past decade, Sehome has evolved from a low diversity area to one with increasing racial variety. Economically, the neighborhood has experienced substantial income growth, with the median income increasing from $21,024 in 2013 to $37,756 in 2022. Sehome's proximity to Western Washington University likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
From 2013 to 2022, Sehome transitioned from a Low Diversity area with a 78% white population to a Moderate Diversity area. The Hispanic population more than doubled from 7% to 15%, while the Asian population increased from 4% to 7%. This shift indicates a Transitional Community, moving towards a more diverse racial composition. Factors contributing to this transition may include the influence of the nearby university, changes in local housing policies, and broader regional trends of increasing diversity in urban areas of the Pacific Northwest.
The demographic shifts in Sehome correlate with significant economic changes. The median income increased by nearly 80% from 2013 to 2022, rising from $21,024 to $37,756. This growth suggests the influx of higher-skilled workers, possible gentrification, or overall economic development in Bellingham. Despite the upward trend, there were fluctuations, including a notable dip in 2021 to $28,189, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The population grew significantly, from 4,106 in 2013 to 5,196 in 2022, a 26.5% increase.
The trends observed in Sehome align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, including increasing racial diversity and growth in Hispanic and Asian populations. The income growth in Sehome outpaces national averages, potentially indicating that this neighborhood is becoming more desirable within Bellingham. The presence of a major university likely contributes to these trends, as college towns often experience more rapid demographic changes and attract diverse populations. The economic fluctuations, particularly the dip in 2021, mirror national trends related to the pandemic.
Sehome represents a neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and local development, and may require thoughtful policy approaches to ensure equitable growth and integration as the neighborhood continues to evolve.