Is Anacortes Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Anacortes, a charming town on Fidalgo Island in Washington State, is known as a gateway to the San Juan Islands.

However, this place is filled with plenty of places to see and things to do.

Fidalgo Island, where Anacortes is located, is the ancestral land of the Samish and Swinomish Tribes.

These Coast Salish peoples have lived in the region for thousands of years, relying on the island’s rich marine resources.

Anacortes initially thrived as a fishing and lumber town when pioneers arrived in the late 1800s.

Its deep harbor and strategic location made it a hub for these industries.

The town’s history is well-preserved, with landmarks like the W.T. Preston steamboat and the Anacortes Museum.

Today, Anacortes attracts more than a million visitors each year for a variety of reasons.

Outdoor lovers are drawn to its extensive network of trails, which offer everything from easy walks to challenging hikes with rewarding views.

The town’s waterfront is another highlight, featuring marinas, piers, and parks where you can watch the ferries come and go or enjoy a sunset over the water.

Anacortes is also a key departure point for the Washington State Ferries, making it the perfect starting place for exploring the San Juan Islands, including Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island itself.

Additionally, the town’s proximity to Deception Pass State Park, one of Washington’s most iconic parks, adds to its appeal.

In fact, you don’t need to leave Anacortes if you’re looking for paddling, boating, or scenic tours.

Even whale watching is popular on Fidalgo Island.

Whether you are just passing through or staying for a few days, you’ll find a treasure trove of activities in Anacortes.

Warnings & Dangers in Anacortes

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Anacortes and a lot of great things to see and do. Plus, you have the option to explore additional islands using the ferries.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Skagit Public Transit has options to get around the town and county, while two ferry systems can take you to nearby islands. The Washington State Ferry system is one, and the other is the Guemes Ferry. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are other options. Plus, maps are available for bicycle and pedestrian corridors.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, just six pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported. That's a low risk, but never low enough to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Anacortes faces medium natural disaster risks, primarily from earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides, due to its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The proximity to the ocean and steep terrain increases vulnerability. Be prepared for high wind events, wildfires, and winter storms as well.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

With just one robbery in 2023 and no more than four per year in the past decade, this is another low risk. I would still use extra caution at night, especially on the later ferry rides. Just stay aware of your surroundings.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk of terrorism in Anacortes is generally low. Its remote location and relatively small population reduce its likelihood of being targeted. However, as a coastal city with industrial facilities, including oil refineries, there is some risk, and you can help by reporting any suspicious activities.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. The city's website also has an "Avoiding Common Scams" section that helps keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing about the crime data or recent headlines suggests that women are at a higher risk than anyone else. This is a popular retirement community, so it's safe for all generations as well as for solo travelers.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The Anacortes 2023 CCR shows no violations and full compliance. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Anacortes

Two websites can help you plan a perfect itinerary for this region.

First, there’s Anacortes.org, which focuses just on the city.

The other is VisitSkagitValley.com, which covers the nearly 50-mile-long valley from Concrete to Anacortes.

Visit the city’s website to get a list of walking tours throughout downtown and the historic districts.

Guided tours are available on occasion.

Downtown Anacortes has the typical offerings of restaurants, shops, and businesses just a few blocks from the water.

To find events or specials, check out the Facebook page @DowntownAnacortes.

Anacortes Museum is housed in the historical Carnegie Library building.

You’ll find exhibits on the area’s Indigenous peoples, the early settlers, and the development of the fishing, logging, and shipbuilding industries.

The Maritime Heritage Center nearby showcases the region’s nautical past, including displays on boat building and fishing.

The W.T. Preston Museum is moored at the Anacortes waterfront.

This sternwheeler is a National Historic Landmark and was once used by the Army Corps of Engineers to clear rivers and maintain navigable waterways.

Sugarloaf and Mount Erie are popular hiking spots in Anacortes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, Puget Sound, and the Cascade Mountains.

Mount Erie, the higher peak, is accessible by car or trail, while Sugarloaf provides a slightly less challenging hike with equally stunning vistas.

Both are local favorites.

Washington Park is one of the most popular parks in Anacortes.

Located on a peninsula at the western edge of the town, it features over 200 acres of forested land, with trails that offer stunning views of the San Juan Islands.

Sunset Beach is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun go down.

Situated on a hill overlooking downtown Anacortes, Cap Sante Park offers some of the best panoramic views in the area.

From the top, you can see the marina, Mount Baker, the Cascade Mountains, and the surrounding islands.

Seafarers Memorial Park in Anacortes is a waterfront park dedicated to those lost at sea.

The park features a poignant memorial, a small beach, picnic areas, and a pavilion.

It’s set on a picturesque working waterfront.

Beyond Fidalgo Island, the ferry can take you to one of three stops on the San Juan Islands.

Deception Pass State Park is just nine miles south of Anacortes and one of the most popular stops in this part of Washington.

This state park, including two bridges and ten islands, sees more visitors than Mount Rainier National Park.

Places to Avoid in Anacortes

As far as dangerous parts of town, you won’t need to worry about that in Anacortes.

The community is safe to travel throughout.

The only caution I would give is on March’s Point, where there is “beach access” and a “recreation area.”

This peninsula has a couple of refineries and is heavily industrial.

You’ll be sharing the road with big, noisy trucks.

The water here is generally filled with toxins or other pollutants, and shellfishing is never allowed here because of that.

There are plenty of other beaches to explore, with great views and even more stunning backdrops.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Anacortes

So... How Safe Is Anacortes Really?

The violent crime rate in Anacortes as of 2023 is 75% lower than the state and national average.

What’s particularly impressive is that the rate is that low before the annual visitors are figured into the numbers.

The raw number comes out at 19 violent crimes.

All but one year in the past decade saw no more than 23 violent crimes.

About half of those crimes happened in private homes, and just 25% were committed against strangers.

The theft rate is 53% higher than the national average, but again, it’s important to note that with a population of less than 18,000 people, the raw number was 378.

That was also a 20% decline from 2022.

Over the past five years, 38% of all thefts were either vehicle break-ins or car accessory thefts.

It’s important to lock your car, roll up the windows, and remove personal items when parking.

That’s especially true if you’re parking to take the ferry to another island.

There’s little reason to worry about a trip to Anacortes, provided you use common sense and basic personal safety measures.

How Does Anacortes Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Anacortes has mild weather year-round, with summers only getting into the mid-70s for highs and into the low 50s at night. Winters stay between the mid-30s and upper 40s. Like most Washington cities, the rainy season is from October through April. Bring layers of clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and bug spray.

Airports

The city is less than 100 miles from Seattle Tacoma International Airport, and that trip should take less than two hours. Unless you travel through Clinton, you won't need to take a ferry to get from Anacortes to the airport.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Anacortes Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City