People in Bellingham and Whatcom County are always concered about the rapid pace of growth here. Well the latest population estimates by the state Census Bureau says Whatcom County is just the 22nd fastest growing county in the state in 2006, with a 1.4% increase. The state average is 1.7-percent. a total of 2600 people were added to the counties roles last year, for a total of about 187,000 people.