Bitter Lake Neighborhood, Seattle
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 17% of neighborhoods in Seattle
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Seattle
Is Bitter Lake Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Bitter Lake in Seattle, WA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 165, which is 65% above the national average of 100. Bitter Lake is safer than 17% of neighborhoods in Seattle.
Compared to the Seattle average (crime index 109), Bitter Lake is 56% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 118).
Bitter Lake Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Seattle city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Assault
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
How Bitter Lake Compares
Crime index by category: Bitter Lake vs Seattle average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Bitter Lake Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Bitter Lake Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bitter Lake, Seattle?
Bitter Lake in Seattle, WA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 165, which is 65% above the national average. Compared to the Seattle average, crime in Bitter Lake is 56% higher. Bitter Lake is safer than 17% of neighborhoods in Seattle.
Is Bitter Lake a safe neighborhood in Seattle?
Bitter Lake is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Seattle, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 175), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 118).
How does Bitter Lake compare to the rest of Seattle?
Bitter Lake's overall crime index is 165, compared to the Seattle average of 109. This means crime in Bitter Lake is 56% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 150, and for property crime it is 153. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Bitter Lake?
The most prevalent crime type in Bitter Lake is Assault, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Bitter Lake?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Broadview, Haller Lake, Westminster Triangle and Pinehurst. These areas are close to Bitter Lake and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Bitter Lake?
Bitter Lake has a population of approximately 9,347. The median household income is $50,288. The median home value is $666,157. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Bitter Lake crime compare to the national average?
Bitter Lake's overall crime rate is 65% above the national average (index 165 vs 100). Within Seattle, it is safer than 17% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.