98121 Zip Code, Seattle
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 13% of zip codes in Seattle
Safety at a Glance
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in Seattle
Is 98121 a Safe Zip Code?
Mostly yes — this zip code is fairly safe. Zip code 98121 in Seattle, WA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 189, which is 89% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 13% of zip codes in Seattle.
Compared to the Seattle average (crime index 109), zip code 98121 is 80% 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: 190, 90% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 141).
98121 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
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
179 | +79% | High | |
|
Rape
|
141 | +41% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
187 | +87% | High | |
How 98121 Compares
Crime index by category: 98121 vs Seattle average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
98121 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
98121 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 98121, Seattle?
Zip code 98121 in Seattle, WA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 189, which is 89% above the national average. Compared to the Seattle average, crime in Zip code 98121 is 80% higher. Zip code 98121 is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Seattle.
Is Zip code 98121 a safe neighborhood in Seattle?
Zip code 98121 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Seattle, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 190), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 141).
How does Zip code 98121 compare to the rest of Seattle?
Zip code 98121's overall crime index is 189, compared to the Seattle average of 109. This means crime in Zip code 98121 is 80% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 173, 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 Zip code 98121?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 98121 is Murder, with a crime index of 190 (90% 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 Zip code 98121?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 98117, 98199, 98112 and 98177. These areas are close to Zip code 98121 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 98121?
Zip code 98121 has a population of approximately 13,561. The median household income is $82,139. The median home value is $752,575. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 98121 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 98121's overall crime rate is 89% above the national average (index 189 vs 100). Within Seattle, it is safer than 13% 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.