South Lake Union Neighborhood, Seattle

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Seattle

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 191 / 300 High

Violent Crime 178

78% above national avg

Property Crime 182

82% above national avg

City Ranking

11%

safer than other

Seattle neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Seattle

Is South Lake Union Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. South Lake Union in Seattle, WA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average of 100. South Lake Union is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Seattle.

Compared to the Seattle average (crime index 109), South Lake Union is 82% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 191, 91% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 143).

Highest Risk

Murder · Index 191 (91% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 143 (43% above avg)

South Lake Union Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Seattle city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Seattle	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	191	+91%	+83%	High
Assault	188	+88%	+77%	High
Robbery	189	+89%	+92%	High
Rape	143	+43%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	168	+68%	+80%	High
Larceny / Theft	191	+91%	+68%	High
Vehicle Theft	186	+86%	+68%	High

How South Lake Union Compares

Crime index by category: South Lake Union vs Seattle average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South Lake Union Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

South Lake Union Demographics & Context

Population

5,560

Median Income

$72,894

Home Value

$795,494

Median Age

Pop. Density

13,049/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 42.2%

Graduate Degree 18.6%

Housing

15%

85%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 62.1%

Black 11%

Hispanic 7.1%

Asian 16.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Denny Triangle Index: 196

B-

Belltown Index: 188

B-

Lower Queen Anne Index: 176

B+

Westlake Index: 168

Belltown Waterfront Index: 182

B-

Central Business District Index: 192

B-

Pike Market Index: 198

B-

First Hill Index: 184

B-

South Lake Union Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Seattle Crime Statistics

View all Seattle neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in South Lake Union, Seattle?

South Lake Union in Seattle, WA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average. Compared to the Seattle average, crime in South Lake Union is 82% higher. South Lake Union is safer than 11% of neighborhoods in Seattle.

Is South Lake Union a safe neighborhood in Seattle?

South Lake Union is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Seattle, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 191), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 143).

How does South Lake Union compare to the rest of Seattle?

South Lake Union's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Seattle average of 109. This means crime in South Lake Union is 82% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 178, and for property crime it is 182. 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 South Lake Union?

The most prevalent crime type in South Lake Union is Murder, with a crime index of 191 (91% 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 South Lake Union?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Denny Triangle, Belltown, Lower Queen Anne and Westlake. These areas are close to South Lake Union and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of South Lake Union?

South Lake Union has a population of approximately 5,560. The median household income is $72,894. The median home value is $795,494. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Lake Union crime compare to the national average?

South Lake Union's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 vs 100). Within Seattle, it is safer than 11% 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.