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Ferndale, WA

Frequently asked questions

Ferndale, WA

Ferndale is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. It had a population of 15,048 as of the 2020 census. Ferndale is the third largest city in Whatcom County and is situated near the Lummi Nation within the Bellingham metropolitan area.

A Lummi settlement was historically located on a prairie on the east bank of the Ferndale area. Early European settlers call the area near the Nooksack River the "lower crossing" to distinguish it from the principal river crossing at Everson. Billy Clark, a Texan who came to the Northwest during the Gold Rush, was the first European full-time resident of what eventually became the City of Ferndale. He lived here with his wife and family for over a decade. 

First settled in 1872, Ferndale was given its name because of the ferns that once grew around the original schoolhouse. Ferndale was originally called Jam because the town was located next to a log jam on the Nooksack River, but the original schoolteacher decided it needed a more picturesque name. Ferndale was officially incorporated on March 19, 1907.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.69 square miles (17.33 km²), of which, 6.61 square miles (17.12 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km²) is water. Downtown Ferndale is located near the river, along with Griffintown and a largely industrial area east of the Nooksack River. Northwest of these areas are suburban developments. Ferndale borders Hovander Homestead Park and Tennant Lake along its southeast boundary.

Ferndale places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Open Door Community Health and Ferndale Family Medical Center offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Locker Room Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For a more vigorous workout, head to Snap Fitness for their top-notch gym facilities and fitness classes. If you need some pampering, visit Greenhaven Spa for a range of treatments, from massages to facials. For holistic health services, check out London Health Center which offers acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments.

Top sites in Ferndale WA include Hovander Homestead Park, Centennial Riverwalk Park, and Tennant Lake Park.

Population: 15,992 (2023). Elevation: 69 feet (21 m). ZIP code: 98248. Area code(s): 360. Area: 7.13 sq mi (18.47 km²).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Ferndale, WA?

With 15,992 people, Ferndale is the 89th most populated city in the state of Washington out of 635 cities. The largest Ferndale racial/ethnic groups are White (72.4%) followed by Hispanic (13.3%) and Asian (6.7%). In 2022, the median household income of Ferndale households was $82,466. Ferndale households made slightly more than Lake Ketchum households ($82,431) and Summitview households ($82,382) . However, 10.4% of Ferndale families live in poverty.

What are some interesting facts about Ferndale, WA?

Located in the northwest corner of Washington State near the Nooksack River, Ferndale was officially incorporated on March 19, 1907. Once called Jam because of its location next to a logjam on the river, the city was renamed Ferndale by the schoolteacher who admired ferns that once grew around the original schoolhouse. Today, Ferndale is a vibrant community of 16,330 people located on the Interstate 5 corridor, approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian Border. 

What is Ferndale, WA famous for?

Unlike its neighbors, Ferndale began as a timber and dairy town and holds strong to its agricultural roots.  But today is considered a more industrial or manufacturing city.  With strong economic growth, small-town charm, and stunning views of Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands, it’s one of the most desirable cities to live in in Whatcom County and Washington State.

Sources

City of Ferndale

Wikipedia

Washington Demographics

Ferndale Chamber

Hovander Homestead Park

Centennial Riverwalk Park

Tennant Lake Park

Open Door Community Health

Ferndale Family Medical Center

Locker Room Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Snap Fitness

Greenhaven Spa

London Health Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.