Is Longview Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Longview, Washington, is a charming city located in southwestern Washington, nestled along the banks of the Columbia River.

Established in 1923 by industrialist R.A. Long, Longview was one of the first planned cities in the United States.

It was built to support the burgeoning timber industry, with the Long-Bell Lumber Company at its heart.

The city’s layout, designed by the renowned landscape architect John Nolen, features wide streets, beautiful parks, and a variety of public amenities, reflecting the vision of a well-organized, livable community.

Located approximately 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon, and 130 miles south of Seattle, Washington, Longview boasts a strategic position that has contributed to its economic and cultural development.

The city is known for its picturesque setting, including the iconic Lake Sacajawea Park, which offers serene walking trails, lush gardens, and recreational activities for residents and visitors.

All that outdoor beauty brings a bounty of squirrels, which have their own bridges over the roads.

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 had a significant impact on Longview.

The city, situated about 50 miles southwest of the volcano, experienced heavy ashfall and disruptions.

In the aftermath, Longview played a crucial role in the recovery efforts, providing support and resources to the affected areas.

Today, Longview continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong sense of resilience.

Its proximity to natural wonders, including Mount St. Helens, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking both urban amenities and outdoor adventures.

Warnings & Dangers in Longview

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low in Longview, but there isn’t a lot to do within the city to fill a week of time. Explore the greater Cowlitz County region and Mount St. Helens for more cool options.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Longview offers reliable public transportation through RiverCities Transit, providing bus services throughout the city and neighboring Kelso. Additionally, intercity connections are available via Greyhound and Amtrak for broader travel needs. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are also available.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Only four pickpockets were reported over the past five years, which is a statistically low risk. However, theft rates are high across the board. Don’t let your guard down here.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Longview faces several natural disaster risks, including flooding due to its proximity to the Columbia River, earthquakes caused by regional seismic activity, and landslides in hilly areas. Additionally, the region is vulnerable to wildfires, especially during dry seasons. Then, there’s the risk of volcanoes, windstorms, and winter storms.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is at the national average, with about one-third of those being highway robberies. In 2023, the actual number of robberies was 29, which would mean about 10 of those were muggings. The risk is low but still consistent enough to use extra caution at night and to stay in well-lit areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

While terrorism can happen in any U.S. city, Longview isn’t a place where there’s an overwhelming risk. The best you can do is report suspicious activity and stay aware of your surroundings. Every little bit of information can help, but the natural disaster risks are the bigger concerns here.

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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women are slightly more likely to be the victim of violent crime. However, most of those are domestic in nature. Try to travel in pairs or groups, and don’t walk around at night alone.

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. Longview’s 2023 report shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Longview

The city’s website, mylongview.com, is the best place to find a list of tourist attractions and things to do.

Visitmtsthelens.com is another website that can help you get information about Longview and the surrounding communities near the volcano mountain.

Downtownlongview.com is the website for the city’s core.

As a town of 35,000 people, you get the charm of a small town and the beauty of the outdoors mixed in one charming place.

Be sure to get a look at the Nutty Narrows Squirrel Bridge downtown, a way for squirrels to cross the road without risking getting hit by cars.

This safety step has gone “nuts” and led to the “Nuttiest Event in the Northwest” every August at Squirrel Fest.

Lake Sacajawea is a serene urban park featuring beautiful walking trails, picturesque gardens, and inviting picnic spots.

The lake is ideal for paddle boating and fishing, while the surrounding park hosts seasonal events and concerts.

Several bridges cross over the lake, allowing for more places to explore.

The Cowlitz County Historical Museum offers exhibits on local history, including Native American artifacts and pioneer memorabilia.

If you want to get outside, visit the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce website, as there’s a trail guide that is free to download.

Kelso, WA, is just across the Cowlitz River from Longview and Rainier, OR, is just across the Columbia River.

Please note that the city of Rainier is not the same thing as Mount Rainier in Washington.

A visit to Mount St. Helens from Longview, WA, is an unforgettable journey through breathtaking scenery.

The 50-mile drive takes you along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, offering panoramic views of the Toutle River Valley.

Stop at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake for exhibits on the 1980 eruption.

Further along, the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center provides stunning views and a chance to grab a bite.

As you ascend, you’ll pass the scenic Castle Lake viewpoint and the informative Johnston Ridge Observatory, where you can witness the awe-inspiring volcanic landscape and learn about the area’s dramatic geological history.

Seaquest State Park is another great spot to stop for a picnic or campsite on Silver Lake with Mount St. Helens views.

Places to Avoid in Longview

Longview has a few neighborhoods that might not be as desirable, but there isn’t a part of town that is too dangerous to visit.

To find the crime hot spots, use the crime mapping technology I detail in the next section.

Mount St. Helens is a great place to visit, but it’s not just as simple as “going to the volcano.”

There are the west, east, and south sides, and two of those are only out of snow cover for a few months in the summer and early fall.

Do plenty of research before you go.

Also, the industrial area filled with paper mills can put off a horrendous stench.

People who live there can become nose blind to it, and the stink can come and go depending on the wind direction and speed.

Staying close to the mills can also lead to lots of loud noises, humming, or the sound of equipment.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Longview

So... How Safe Is Longview Really?

The violent crime rate in Longview, Washington, is 24% lower than the national and state averages as of the 2023 crime data in Washington report.

About 75% of violent crimes happen between people who know each other, leaving an even lower rate for a random act of violence against a visitor.

In addition, 44% of violent crimes happen in private homes.

Longview’s theft rates are 99% higher than the national average.

At the same time, they are still 40% lower than a decade ago.

About one in three thefts involve either a car break-in or a car accessory theft, such as the expensive catalytic converters.

One thing that did stand out in the 2023 crime data was the number of illegal drug offenses.

Compared to 2022, the numbers were up 253%.

While almost every other crime category was down year to year, drug numbers exploded.

Keep in mind that it could be due to stronger enforcement instead of just a rash of drug use.

When it comes down to it, theft is the biggest concern in Longview, and standard safety practices will go a long way to a safer experience.

Don’t leave your car unlocked, remove all personal items from inside, and ask your rental car company what precautions are in place to reduce catalytic converter thefts.

How Does Longview 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

Winters are relatively mild, with highs in the 40s (F) and lows in the 30s. It gets near, but not always below freezing. The hottest part of summer is near 80°F, with lows in the 50s. It rains about half the month between October and May, with June through September being notably drier. About 46 inches of rain falls each year, and snowfall is minimal at five inches.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Longview are Portland International Airport (PDX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Portland International Airport, about 50 miles south, offers a wide range of domestic and international flights and is the most convenient option. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, approximately 120 miles north, is another major hub with extensive flight options, although it is a bit farther from Longview.

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.

Longview Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City