Is Bellevue Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Bellevue, Washington, is part of the greater Seattle metro area and a fast-growing city with 150,000 residents and growing.

With massive companies like Amazon and T-Mobile headquartered here, it’s hard to believe that 100 years ago, this was all farmland.

Once Bellevue was connected to Seattle by bridges, the once-weekend getaway retreat became a powerful force in the economic landscape.

The name Bellevue translates from French to “beautiful view,” and there are plenty of those views throughout the waterfront.

Yet, you can enjoy a park picnic with views of Mount Rainier while still surrounded by the skyscrapers of this dynamic city.

You’ll see familiar names like Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Meta in the businesses here.

Along with the diverse things to do in Bellevue, you’ll find a diverse community.

Half of Bellevue’s residents speak a language other than English at home.

Up to 43% of locals were born outside the country.

This diversity is especially important for international travelers, as you’ll likely find guides in various languages to help get the most important information.

Warnings & Dangers in Bellevue

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Bellevue has a low risk with a lot of things to do in space and inclusive spaces. It's one of the safest cities in the tri-city metro region.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Getting around Bellevue is convenient because of the multiple transportation options. The city offers a comprehensive public transit system with King County Metro buses and Sound Transit Light Rail. Additionally, rideshare services, bike-friendly paths, and pedestrian-friendly streets make navigating Bellevue easy. All options are low-risk, and you'll be strongly encouraged to reduce your carbon footprint.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About 30 pickpockets or purse snatchings are reported each year, which is a low risk in a city of 150,000 people. However, the overall theft rate is high and should prompt you to take extra security measures.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Bellevue's biggest risk comes from earthquakes, which can cause a slew of issues such as flooding, tsunamis, and landslides. Wildfires aren't likely in Bellevue, but wildfire smoke can drift over the city and cause air quality issues. The risk is low, but the potential is dangerous enough that you should review the emergency management plan before you visit.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 10% lower than the national average, and just 10% of those are highway robberies. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

As part of such a large metro area, we have to give this a medium risk. However, the main tactic law enforcement recommends is just staying aware of your surroundings and reporting suspicious activity. No part of Bellevue would specifically be considered a hard target.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Check the fraud section of each department’s website for more information and to learn about common tactics. While most scams here target residents, a handful have happened that prey on the good nature of people. The most important one to avoid is the roadside jewelry scam.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women of all ages can find something to enjoy about Bellevue, as the options are abundant. Common sense and basic safety measures should prevail, but this is a place where even a solo traveler should feel safe visiting.

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 2024 report for Bellevue details everything that is done to clean the water before it is sent through the pipes while also showing full compliance with all standards.

Safest Places to Visit in Bellevue

The Visit Bellevue website and the Bellevue Downtown Association website are two great resources for planning your trip.

You can find travel guides, suggested itineraries, and transportation information.

Downtown Bellevue is the city’s bustling urban core, filled with skyscrapers, shopping centers, and dining options.

One of the main attractions here is the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM), which focuses on contemporary visual art, craft, and design.

Docent-led tours are available on certain days of the week.

Otherwise, you’ll go at your own pace.

For shopping and dining, The Bellevue Collection, comprising Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place, provides a range of upscale shops and diverse restaurants.

Lincoln Square South also features Cinemark Reserve, an upscale movie theater with luxury seating and a full bar.

(Psst – there’s free parking here, too!)

The Bellevue Downtown Park covers 20 acres with a large open lawn, a stunning waterfall, and a meandering canal.

You can also spot Mount Rainier from here, so get ready to answer the all-too-common question, “Is the mountain out today?”

Old Bellevue, located along Main Street, retains a charming small-town feel with its boutique shops and restaurants.

Meydenbauer Bay Park is one of several waterfront areas near downtown, with REI offering paddle rentals.

Enjoy the waterfront on the pedestrian path that curves around 400 feet.

Wilburton is home to the Bellevue Botanical Garden, a 53-acre area showcasing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The garden includes a variety of themed areas, such as the Yao Japanese Garden and the Perennial Border.

The garden is free and open year-round, even on holidays.

Bellevue also has zip line locations, a rope course, and indoor climbing walls to tap your inner adventurer.

You can also work with local tour companies to plan a trip on the water, to the mountains, or to the rainforest.

Places to Avoid in Bellevue

Bellevue is a safe city to explore, with no dangerous parts of town or bad neighborhoods.

The average income here is $150,000 a year, with just a 7% poverty rate.

Downtown Bellevue has more than 4,000 hotel rooms and another 1,500 throughout the city.

You can pick the best place for your travel needs.

You might come across Safe Parking Area information, but you should know that it’s not a place for tourists to park.

The Safe Parking pilot program is only for people who live out of their vehicles while looking for stable housing.

These areas aren’t necessarily dangerous, but the name can just be a bit misleading for a Bellevue first-timer.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Bellevue

So... How Safe Is Bellevue Really?

Washington state has about the same crime rate as the national average, and Bellevue’s violent crime rate is 65% lower than both.

Over the past five years, just 17% of violent crimes involved strangers.

The theft rate is 103% higher than the national average.

Shoplifting is one of the biggest contributors to that category, accounting for 28% of all thefts.

We do need to focus on car break-ins, accessory thefts, and car thefts for a minute.

This is a major problem in Bellevue.

About 13 car break-ins happen each week as of 2023, which is down 25% from the previous year.

Another dozen car thefts each month, which was up in 2023 due to a surge of Kia and Hyundai thefts.

The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has one of the highest car theft rates in the nation.

2023 also saw a major drop (59%) in thefts of car parts, such as the pricey catalytic converters.

Overall, Bellevue is safe to visit but also sees a lot of retail theft and growing juvenile crimes that range from car break-ins to minor assaults.

During the past decade, the city has grown by 25%, and violent crime rates have increased by 60%.

However, it’s still a long way away from being even a remotely dangerous city.

It’s the type of place where people work their whole lives to live and has an affluent edge that can attract a shady crowd.

At the same time, it’s more likely to make you feel underdressed.

Bellevue can make an incredible place to visit if you just use basic common sense and street smarts.

How Does Bellevue 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. Downtown Bellevue has Travelex currency service. 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

The weather stays pretty mild here, but even in winter, the temperatures don't frequently go below freezing. Summers usually remain in the upper 70s for highs, with lows in the 50s. The rainy season is from November through March. You'll want to bring a jacket year-round with a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes.

Airports

Seattle Tacoma International Airport is about 35 minutes from Bellevue. If you're using public transportation, expect that trip to take at least an hour.

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.

Bellevue Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City