Between 2010 and 2020, Washington State added around one million new residents, which equals a 15$ growth and the seventh-highest among all states.
With such a rapid expansion, Washington is certainly an attractive destination.
Therefore, for those considering making the move or visiting for a vacation, it is important to understand the crime and safest destinations.
Statistically speaking, Washington is a relatively safe place to call home, even in major cities.
Therefore, if you are considering visiting or relocating to Washington in the future, keep reading to learn more about the safest cities based on crime data, a few safety tips, and the most frequently asked questions!
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10 Safest Cities in Washington
10: West Richland
As part of the Tri-Cities Metropolitan area with Kennewick and Pasco, West Richland is fairly quiet and a wonderful place to raise a family.
The town features extensive shopping, two grocery stores, movie theaters, good schools, and farmers’ markets with countless organic and natural items.
Also, the town is located on the Columbia River, which is a beautiful place to go fishing, swim, and enjoy nature.
West Richland sneaks onto this list at number 10 because of a violent crime rate of 1.2 crimes per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000 people.
9: Kenmore
Located in King County as a suburb of Seattle, Kenmore offers residents and visitors a dense suburban feel where most residents own homes.
The Main Street area of Kenmore boasts a plethora of parks, coffee shops, and excellent restaurants.
Many young professionals and families have decided to call Kenmore home due to its excellent public schools, good nightlife, and diversity.
Kenmore has a violent crime rate of only 0.8, which makes it a safe place to live.
8: East Wenatchee
With a population of just over 14,000, East Wenatchee regularly lands on the Best Places to Live in Washington list.
From stunning seasons to charming neighborhoods and a vibrant cultural and arts scene, East Wenatchee is a great place to live with low crime.
The violent crime rate is practically non-existent at 0.6, while the property crime rate is 13.4.
7: Maple Valley
Situated in King County near Covington, Maple Valley boasts a rural and quiet feel, which is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
With endless hiking trails, farmers’ markets, and a variety of other outdoor activities, visitors to Maple Valley will feel safe.
The violent crime rate in this cute little town is only 0.5 and the property crime is 11.2.
6: Mercer Island
Mercer Island is no stranger to safety top 10 lists and this year it falls right in the center.
Located in Lake Washington, just a few miles from Seattle, Mercer Island is a suburban community that offers good schools and a simple commute into downtown Seattle.
This island community is clean, new, and safe, with a violent crime rate of only 0.3 and a property crime rate of 14.
5: Selah
Most famous for the delicious apples the farms in town grow, Selah boasts a small population of only around 7,000 residents.
Those who live in the town enjoy the outdoors with countless climbing opportunities and hiking trails surrounding the town limits.
For those who are interested in nature sightseeing, the Selah area is home to a variety of animals ranging from bald eagles to bighorn sheep.
Given that it is a quiet agricultural city, Selah is the fifth safest location in Washington.
4: Ridgefield
The smallest city amongst these top five is Ridgefield.
Located in southwestern Washington, next to the Oregon border, Ridgefield was originally home to the Chinook Tribe, but then settled by James Carty in 1840 and incorporated in 1909.
Boasting rolling hills and a charming Main Street America feel, this tranquil setting is not surprisingly one of the safest in the Evergreen State with an overall crime score of 2.57.
3: Snoqualmie
Famous for its 268-foot waterfall, Snoqualmie offers a variety of outdoor activities to keep residents and visitors busy.
Ranging from the Northwest Railway Museum to extensive hiking trails and proximity to Seattle, Snoqualmie is a versatile destination.
The 12,000 citizens who call Snoqualmie home are thrilled to know it is the third safest town in the state with a crime score of 2.00.
The violent crime rate in 2021 was 0.4 ad the property crime rate was 12.
2: Duvall
Incorporated as a town just 100 years ago, Duvall was settled by Francis and James Duvall, both of whom worked in the logging industry.
Since then, Duvall has expanded to a quaint town of 7,000 residents, with 62% growth since 2000.
That is to police chief Carey Hert and all the other brave officers in the town, this community ranks as the second safest in Washington State.
With an overall crime rating of 1.99 crimes, Duvall is a very safe place to live and visit.
1: Sammamish
Each year Sammamish is always in the top three safest towns in Washington State.
Located only 30-minutes from downtown Seattle in King County, Sammamish has received previous accolades as the friendliest town and best place to live in the United States.
With a population of just under 50,000, Sammamish boasts an overall crime score of 1.76 crimes.
The violent crime rate for 2021 and 2022 was 0.3 and the property crime rate was 6.0 and 6.6, respectively.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Washington
Safety Tip #1: Don’t Draw Attention
Whether you are on mass transit in Seattle or a small town in Eastern Washington, try not to look like you are from out of town.
Those who do are more vulnerable to crime, so blend as much as possible.
Selecting inconspicuous clothing will not draw attention and always be discreet when looking at maps.
Also, approach others carefully when you need to ask for directions.
Safety Tip #2: Have Copies of Important Documents
You never know when you may need a copy of your driver’s license or another form of identification.
Scanning these documents, saving them online, and printing a few hard copies do not take much time.
This way you will not be scrambling for proper documentation if you need to urgently get home or show proof of identification.
It is also a good idea to make copies of your credit cards in case they are lost.
Safety Tip #3: Check-in with Your Friends and Family
Regardless of where you are going, on a month-long international journey, or on an overnight jaunt, always let your friends and family know that you are leaving.
Before departing, send a copy of your itinerary to several trusted individuals who will track your locations.
Also, inform regularly your contacts about what you are doing and where you should be based on the itinerary.
Safety Tip #4: Utilize the Safe in Your Hotel Room
If you are planning to travel with valuables or large sums of money, then it is best to utilize the hotel room safe.
While it is never advisable to do so, if you must bring expensive items then do not leave them sprawled out on the bed or even in your suitcase.
Safety Tip #5: Be Aware of your Surroundings
This safety tip applies to being in a major city like Seattle or out in the forest.
While the two destinations have different dangers, knowing where you are, where you are going, and not wandering off the beaten path will help you avoid troublesome situations.
In cities, you could be subjected to a crime and in the wilderness, you could be subjected to animals and natural dangers.
Washington Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Washington Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seasonal weather like in Washington?
Washington experiences a continental climate in the west and a semi-arid variant in the east due to the Cascade Mountains.
This means the climate varies greatly across the state from oceanic to Mediterranean, subarctic, and semi-arid.
Therefore, if you plan to venture out across the state, then it is critical to bring a variety of clothes in preparation for the changing weather.
While the eastern area of the state is semi-arid, Seattle and the coast experience a large amount of rain, so it is important to pack accordingly.
What is the best time of the year to visit Washington?
The best time of the year to visit the Evergreen State is between June and September when the days are sunny, and the conditions are pleasant.
The temperatures during this time range from warm to hot throughout the state.
Whale watching season also runs during this period from April to October and summer is peak tourism season.
However, May and September experience fewer crowds but still boast pleasant weather.
What is the worst time of the year to visit Washington?
The worst time of the year to visit Washington is from December to February, which is the cold season.
Winters can be severely cold across most of the state.
The atmosphere is wet, conditions are chilly, and skies are grey due to the moist ocean area and low-pressure centers moving from the ocean inland.
The wet season begins around the start of October with heavy rainfall on the coastline and massive snowfall inland in the highlands.
Bainbridge Island is another gem on the list of Washington’s safest cities. I’ve been living here for five years, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The island’s natural beauty is complemented by its strong sense of community and safety. The local police force is dedicated and approachable, often seen interacting with residents and attending community events. Bainbridge Island also boasts excellent schools and a wide range of activities for families and individuals. The ferry ride to Seattle adds a unique charm to the island life, while still keeping the bustling city at a comfortable distance. Overall, Bainbridge Island’s safety and community spirit make it an ideal place to live.
Living in Camas has been a fantastic experience, especially considering its recognition as one of Washington’s safest cities. The city has a beautiful blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it a great place to live. The local government and police department work tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents. Camas has numerous parks, trails, and recreational areas that are well-maintained and safe for families and individuals alike. The community is very engaged, with neighborhood watch programs and regular town meetings where residents can voice their concerns. It’s a peaceful place to live, and I’m grateful to call Camas home.
I grew up in Ridgefield and have always felt safe there. It’s great to see it recognized as one of the safest cities in Washington. Ridgefield’s small-town charm and strong community bonds play a significant role in its safety. The local police department is very community-oriented, often participating in local events and maintaining a strong presence in the town. The schools are excellent, and the city offers many family-friendly activities and events throughout the year. The low crime rates make Ridgefield an ideal place for raising a family, and the sense of community here is truly special.