Is Gig Harbor Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Gig Harbor, Washington, is on the western edge of Puget Sound.

The name is for the town and the bay.

It’s an extension of the Tacoma area with a special dose of maritime treasures.

The Indigenous people who lived here from time immemorial named the town Lushootseed, which translates to “place where game exists.”

The Gig Harbor name came with settlers in the 1840s, named after a small boat (gig).

A melting pot of settlers brought different ethnic traditions to the region in the late 1800s.

It wasn’t until 1946 that Gig Harbor was incorporated.

Once a bridge connected the town to Tacoma, the population grew.

However, the population as of 2023 was 12,604, giving great small waterfront town vibes.

Speaking of bridges, if you do a YouTube search for Galloping Gertie, you’ll see one of the most dramatic engineering failures of all time when the suspension bridge plummeted into the water just four months after being built in 1940.

Across the water on the west side of Gig Harbor is the Key Peninsula, more often referred to as the KP.

This rural and isolated terrain is a stark contrast to the urban life of Tacoma, with Gig Harbor perfectly positioned between the two.

Warnings & Dangers in Gig Harbor

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Gig Harbor, with petty theft being the biggest concern. You also get several distinct parts of town to explore as a tourist, in addition to the neighboring communities of Pierce County.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Gig Harbor offers several public transportation options. Pierce Transit operates buses connecting Gig Harbor with Tacoma and other nearby areas. The Gig Harbor Trolley provides convenient service throughout downtown during the summer. Additionally, park-and-ride facilities make it easy for commuters to access regional transit services. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are additional options.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With about five pickpockets or purse snatching each year going back five years, the risk is low. However, as someone who has researched dozens of Washington cities, I can tell you that it’s higher than the average for most communities of less than 25,000 people.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Gig Harbor faces several natural disaster risks, including earthquakes due to its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The area is also vulnerable to wildfires, landslides, and flooding. You also have to deal with volcano risks here from Mount Rainier, which could produce a volcanic mudslide on the east/southeast side of Pierce County.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The city averages about 12 robberies a year, most of which are home robberies. The risk of mugging is slim, as there have been no reports in the past five years.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

As part of the greater Seattle Tacoma area, the risk is medium, but there’s no reason to think Gig Harbor is at a particular risk. Plenty of security is on the job at the ports and throughout the communities. The Puget Sound Joint Terrorism Task Force offers an additional layer of security.

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. Most scams here target residents, but knowing the key indicators of a scam will help keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with low crime rates and plenty of places that are safe for women of all ages, mothers, and solo travelers. You shouldn’t let your guard down, however, and keep using street smarts and basic personal safety steps.

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 2023 report for Gig Harbor shows full compliance with the primary regulated substances. However, two violations were found in secondary substances. While the excess of naturally occurring Iron and Manganese aren’t a health risk, they can impact the color and taste of water. The risk is low, but if you’re sensitive to the taste and texture of tap water, you might want to use bottled water for drinking.

Safest Places to Visit in Gig Harbor

The tourism website for Pierce County tourism has a section for Gig Harbor.

You can also check out the Visit Tacoma website for another overview of Gig Harbor and nearby places.

While there isn’t a tourism website just for Gig Harbor, there are two helpful websites for different entertainment districts.

First, there’s the Waterfront Business District (ghdwa.org), which stretches 1.5 miles along Gig Harbor’s picturesque waterway.

Shops, spas, restaurants, water rental spots, and breweries line the street.

You’ll also find several parks and scenic overlooks.

This district also has the Harbor History Museum, a historic walk with interpretive panels along the way.

Another must-see is the historic netsheds of Gig Harbor.

You can take a scenic boat ride or choose a Venetian gondola experience.

Get a nightcap at Heritage Distilling Co., a highly acclaimed franchise in the Pacific Northwest.

Then, there’s Uptown Gig Harbor (uptowngigharbor.com), which is a shopping and entertainment district for a more sophisticated experience.

Sehmel Homestead Park in Gig Harbor is a 98-acre recreational haven.

It features sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and a community garden.

The park also has a restored wetland and forest area.

Rent a bike and ride the nearly seven-mile Scott Pierson Trail, which includes crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

(Don’t worry, the new bridge is MUCH more stable than Gertie.)

Sunrise Beach Park in Washington is a serene waterfront destination near Gig Harbor.

It offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, picnic areas, hiking trails, and beach access for kayaking.

The park’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Of course, it’s also the best spot to see the sunrise.

Places to Avoid in Gig Harbor

You won’t find any bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods here, but the closer to the water you get, the more upscale the community becomes.

Also, Gig Harbor has a rather jagged boundary.

For the most part, it won’t matter, but you might notice that some places with a Gig Harbor address aren’t within the Gig Harbor city limits.

Some of the Key Peninsula locations have a Gig Harbor address.

Just be sure to check the map location of any place you plan to visit that lists Gig Harbor as its location.

Finally, be prepared for traffic in Gig Harbor, especially when heading to Tacoma.

The road infrastructure hasn’t caught up with the growth, and those roundabouts on the road can be very confusing for non-local drivers.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor has a local police department. Follow them on Facebook @gigharborpolice to get updates before and during your stay. You can also call (253)851-2236 to ask specific safety questions.
Since crime statistics here can change quickly, I want to bring your attention to the Crime Statistics section of the police department’s website. You can review the county data, the monthly reports, and the police chief’s official presentation from the previous year. Those monthly reports will be the most recent crime data available before your visit.
Pierce County Alert is the way to get emergency notifications in Gig Harbor and throughout the county. You can choose from emails, phone calls, or text messages. Alerts include severe weather, public safety hazards, and local emergencies.
Check out the Go With The Flow section of the city’s website to learn about water safety in the harbor area. You need to prepare to share the water with paddlers and boats while also understanding the currents. One of the most important steps is paddling 25 yards away from all marinas.
Boaters in Washington need to take a safety course and get a boater education card if their boat has more than 15 horsepower. You can check out the online class options through the Washington State Parks website.
If you want to go fishing, you’ll need a license through the Department of Fish & Wildlife. While a safety course isn’t required for that, you do need to carry the license with you at all times while fishing.
Before you catch and clean any fish, check the state Department of Health’s website for fish consumption advisories. Between those health risks and the potential for clams to be toxic, it’s important to know what parts of the water are too risky for fishing or clamming.
The offramp from eastbound State Route 16 to Olympic Drive is one of the most confusing in Gig Harbor, especially for first-time visitors. Check out the “how to” on the police department’s website, and you can avoid the common mistakes drivers make when trying to make a turn.
Shoplifting is a problem in Gig Harbor (and most Washington cities). If you are in a store and see a shoplifter, do not confront them or make a scene. Simply let an employee know or call the police. Even though shoplifting might seem like a petty crime, there are too many shoplifting rings connected to violent groups to take the chance. In fact, some stores even tell their employees to avoid interacting with shoplifting at all costs.
If you notice any issues while you’re visiting Gig Harbor, like potholes, downed trees, or broken street lights, you can report it through the See Click Fix program on the city’s website. Plus, you can see what others have posted that could be along your route.

So... How Safe Is Gig Harbor Really?

There’s always a risk for a small town like Gig Harbor (pop. 12,029) that the crime statistics will be exaggerated when ballooned to “per 100,000 people.”

However, that’s not the case here.

The violent crime rate is 30% lower than the national and state averages, with 32 violent crimes reported in 2023.

The majority of those were aggravated assaults.

However, there has been a 60% increase since 2021.

That is to say, the raw number went from 20 to 32.

The only red flag, if you would even call it that, is that over the past five years, 40% of violent crimes were against strangers, and 20% happened in private homes.

Normally, those numbers are closer to 10% strangers and 50% private homes.

The theft rate in Gig Harbor was 108% higher than the national average in 2023.

However, that is one category prone to the unfortunate exaggeration effect of the “per 100,000” math.

With about one theft per day, on average, 40% of all thefts were shoplifting.

Another 40% are related to car break-ins or car accessory thefts, like catalytic converters that go for a big price on the black market.

Reducing this risk is as simple as locking your car, parking in a well-lit area, and removing personal items from inside your vehicle.

Also, ask your rental car company what accessory theft deterrents come with the car, like an etched VIN on the catalytic converter or a cage covering the object.

Car thefts dropped 43% between 2022 and 2023, with 72 reports in 2022.

Given how high the rates are in nearby communities, that’s a win for Gig Harbor, especially if the trend continues.

Gig Harbor appears to be managing the challenges of safety in a post-pandemic America, giving you no hesitation to visit.

Hopefully, we’ve prepared you for the safest trip possible.

How Does Gig Harbor Compare?

City	Safety Index
Gig Harbor	75
San Francisco	61
Philadelphia	60
Houston	59
Atlanta	58
St. Louis	58
Los Angeles	56
Belize City (Belize)	37
La Paz (Bolivia)	52
Sao Paulo (Brazil)	45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)	43
Sofia (Bulgaria)	73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)	63

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

Like most cities in this region, Gig Harbor has mild weather throughout the year. Summers rarely get above 80°F for daytime highs, and the lows drop into the 50s. July and August only see two days of rain on average. October through April is the rainy season, with 46 inches of rain each year (38 is the national average). Winters drop into the upper 40s for daytime highs and upper 30s for lows.

Airports

Seattle Tacoma International Airport is just 33 miles around the lower half of Lake Washington from Gig Harbor. With traffic, that drive can take upwards of an hour. You can get to the airport in about 90 minutes using public transportation.

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.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Gig Harbor Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 7° C

Feb 7° C

Mar 9° C

Apr 11° C

May 15° C

Jun 17° C

Jul 20° C

Aug 20° C

Sep 17° C

Oct 13° C

Nov 9° C

Dec 6° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	9	10	12	15	19	21	25	25	22	16	11	8
Low °C	4	4	5	7	10	12	14	14	12	9	6	4
High °F	48	50	54	59	66	70	77	77	72	61	52	46
Low °F	39	39	41	45	50	54	57	57	54	48	43	39

Washington - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Anacortes	82
Bainbridge Island	85
Bellevue	84
Diablo	78
Forks	85
Gig Harbor	75
Kennewick	40
Kent	42
Kettle Falls	78
Longview	82
Mercer Island	82
Moses Lake	46
Neah Bay	77
Ocean Shores	79
Olympia	57
Port Angeles	72
Port Townsend	81
Poulsbo	79
Pullman	79
Quinault	82
Renton	70
San Juan Islands	83
Seabrook	78
Seattle	55
Sequim	77
Snoqualmie	78
Spokane	74
Spokane Valley	62
Tacoma	38
Walla Walla	72
Wenatchee	80
Westport	78
Yakima	62

Is Gig Harbor Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Washington : Safety by City