98181 Zip Code, Seattle
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 8% of zip codes in Seattle
Safety at a Glance
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in Seattle
Is 98181 a Safe Zip Code?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Zip code 98181 in Seattle, WA has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 199, which is 99% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 8% of zip codes in Seattle.
Compared to the Seattle average (crime index 109), zip code 98181 is 90% 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: 199, 99% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 110).
98181 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
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Assault
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
199 | +99% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
199 | +99% | High | |
How 98181 Compares
Crime index by category: 98181 vs Seattle average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
98181 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
98181 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 98181, Seattle?
Zip code 98181 in Seattle, WA has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 199, which is 99% above the national average. Compared to the Seattle average, crime in Zip code 98181 is 90% higher. Zip code 98181 is safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Seattle.
Is Zip code 98181 a safe neighborhood in Seattle?
Zip code 98181 has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 199), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 110).
How does Zip code 98181 compare to the rest of Seattle?
Zip code 98181's overall crime index is 199, compared to the Seattle average of 109. This means crime in Zip code 98181 is 90% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 177, and for property crime it is 185. 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 98181?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 98181 is Murder, with a crime index of 199 (99% 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 98181?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 98117, 98199, 98112 and 98177. These areas are close to Zip code 98181 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 98181?
Zip code 98181 has a population of approximately 49. The median household income is $18,846. The median home value is $388,889. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 98181 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 98181's overall crime rate is 99% above the national average (index 199 vs 100). Within Seattle, it is safer than 8% 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.