February 12, 2025

This month I had the opportunity to learn from Matthew Gardner, and dive into key economic and housing trends that will shape the year ahead at my 2025 Economic & Housing Market Update. 

For those of you who couldn’t make it, I’m sorry we missed you! But no worries — I’ve put together the most important insights from the event so you can stay informed and ahead of the curve.

As a local leader, real estate investor, or someone with plans to buy or sell in 2025, you were invited to this event because of your interest in staying ahead of the trends that impact our community. Below, you’ll find the top five takeaways about the broader economic landscape and the specific trends impacting Whatcom County’s housing market in 2025.

Whatcom County Job Growth Slowed in 2024

After a strong post-pandemic recovery, employment growth in Whatcom County has slowed significantly, but there is an expectation for a modest recovery in 2025 with the addition of 1,200 jobs.

Bellingham MSA Employment Forecast Graph

Whatcom County Housing Inventory to Increase

Matthew Gardner forecasts that more listings will equate to more sales in 2025. He anticipates that housing supply in Whatcom County will rise by 8-10% this year.

Whatcom County New Listings
Whatcom County New Listings Data

Whatcom County Home Prices to Rise

Home prices in Whatcom County rose by 7.6% in 2024, and are expected to rise further by approximately 4.5% in 2025. Growth will be more restrained due to ongoing affordability challenges.

Single Family Home Price Forecast

Whatcom County Population Growth

Whatcom County saw an increase of 5,067 people in just the last three years, contributing to steady population growth. The most notable increases have been among the 55-64 and 75-84 age groups, which will continue to drive housing demand.

Washington Total Population Growth

Whatcom County Housing Market's Vitality Tied to National Policy

The vitality of Whatcom County's housing market in 2025 will be influenced by the direction taken by the new administration. Policy changes at the national level could significantly affect the local market.

2025 Economic & Housing Forecast Update

As we move forward into 2025, these insights can help you make more informed decisions, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply stay ahead of the curve.

If you’d like to discuss how these trends specifically impact your real estate goals or have any questions about the information shared, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help guide you through these changes with confidence.

You can access the full presentation and dive deeper into the details by clicking here.