Seattle, WA Crime Rate & Safety

Seattle, WA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 14% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 229 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 41 chance for property crime. Seattle has higher crime than 76% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Seattle has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 91% of the city's 145 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Innis Arden is one of the safest areas, while International District has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Seattle is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Seattle are Innis Arden, Beaconsfield on the Sound, Richmond Beach, Briarcliff, and Normandy Park Riviera. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Seattle include International District, Holly Park, Yesler Terrace, High Point, and Sunnydale. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Seattle is 436.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 229 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.8 per 100K (16% above average); aggravated assault at 329.2 per 100K (23% above average); robbery at 71.7 per 100K (3% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Seattle is 2,433.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 33% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 41 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 251.6 per 100K (7% below average); larceny/theft at 1,787.5 per 100K (28% above average); vehicle theft at 394.4 per 100K (24% above average).

Seattle's overall crime rate is 14% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (28% above average), while rape is 12% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Seattle has higher crime than 76% of them.

Visitors to Seattle should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 33% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Innis Arden, Beaconsfield on the Sound, Richmond Beach.

Washington as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Seattle's crime rate is 14% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Washington city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Seattle, with an estimated rate of 1,787.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 28% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,434 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (436 per 100K) in Seattle, which is consistent with national trends.