Is Port Townsend Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Port Townsend, Washington, is a charming seaside town known for its Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant arts scene.

Founded in 1851, the town was initially a bustling port at the mouth of Puget Sound, attracting settlers and businesses with the promise of becoming the “New York of the West.”

However, the boom was short-lived, leaving behind a rich array of 19th-century buildings that today form a historic district.

The town’s picturesque waterfront and scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound draw visitors year-round.

However, those aren’t the only reasons to visit.

The eclectic art vibes are showcased in many festivals and events, including the Wooden Boat Festival, a celebration of the craft and culture of traditional boat-building.

Nature lovers find a bounty here, too. Fort Worden State Park, kayaking, and whale watching are top activities.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Port Townsend offers a distinctive experience that captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

While Port Townsend is a popular retirement community, it serves as a great place for all types of travelers.

Romantic getaways, family-friendly vacations, and solo adventurers will all find something special in this seaside village.

Warnings & Dangers in Port Townsend

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low here, with below-average crime rates and plenty of things to do in the city and beyond.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Jefferson Transit Authority is the public transportation system that gets you around the county, from Port Townsend to Sequim, Port Hadlock, Kingston, and more. You can also take the ferry to Coupeville, where the movie Practical Magic with Sanda Bullock and Nicole Kidman was filmed. Taxis, rideshares and rental cars are available, too.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With three pickpockets or purse snatchings over the past five years, the risk is low. Theft rates are lower than the national average overall as well.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Port Townsend faces a medium natural disaster risk for threats like earthquakes and tsunamis due to its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. It’s one of the driest cities in the region, but you should still prepare for emergencies such as landslides and strong winter storms. The medium risk is due to the potential severity of an incident, not the frequency.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Port Townsend hasn’t had a year in the past decade with more than five robberies, and in 2023, there was just one. In addition, just one robbery over the past five years falls into the category that includes muggings. This is another low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Port Townsend has a relatively low risk of terrorism compared to larger urban centers. While the city does not face significant threats, the fact that a port is there could escalate the risk slightly. However, that also comes with extra 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. The risk here is low, with the most common complaints coming from residents who received spoofed phone calls.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women are 12% less likely to be victims of violent crimes. While strong personal safety tactics are recommended in any city, the risk here is low for women of all ages. In fact, as a retirement community, seniors might especially enjoy Port Townsend.

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. Port Townsend’s 2023 report shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Port Townsend

The city’s official tourism website is enjoypt.com.

You’ll notice that many website references here use the P.T. initial for Port Townsend.

Port Townsend has two main areas, often referred to as “Uptown” and “Downtown,” each with its own unique character and offerings.

The downtown area  (ptmainstreet.org) is also where you’ll find the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and the Northwest Maritime Center, which highlight the city’s connection to the sea.

Uptown Port Townsend sits on a hill overlooking the downtown and the water.

This area is more residential, with beautiful old homes, some of which date back to the 19th century.

Uptown has a quieter, more laid-back feel compared to the bustling downtown.

Key spots in Uptown include Chetzemoka Park, a lovely place for picnics and waterfront views, and the Rothschild House, a historical home that offers a glimpse into the city’s past.

Uptown also has some small shops and cafes, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.

A visit to the Jefferson Museum of Art & History provides a deeper understanding of the town’s rich past.

Located in the historic City Hall building, the museum showcases artifacts from the region’s Native American heritage and its development during the Victorian era.

Fort Worden State Park is a must-see, and it’s less than two miles from downtown.

This former military base has been transformed into a sprawling park with hiking trails, beaches, and old bunkers to explore.

The park also features the Point Wilson Lighthouse, offering stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Adjacent to the state park, the Centrum Arts organization hosts various events and workshops throughout the year, including the well-known Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival.

For a unique shopping experience, the Undertown area beneath Water Street features a collection of boutiques and cafes.

This subterranean space, once part of the town’s original street level, adds a quirky twist to the shopping scene.

If you’re interested in local crafts and products, stop by the Port Townsend Farmers Market.

Held on Saturdays, this market offers a variety of fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious food from local vendors.

To round off your visit, take a walk along the Larry Scott Trail, which stretches from the marina into the surrounding countryside.

This scenic trail is perfect for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Lastly, no trip to Port Townsend would be complete without a visit to its charming marina.

Here, you can watch boats of all sizes come and go, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the resident sea otters playing in the water.

If you want to go beyond the water, take a ferry to Coupleville or Friday Harbor.

Places to Avoid in Port Townsend

You don’t have to worry about parts of town that are too dangerous or bad neighborhoods in Port Townsend.

The community is safe and friendly, with a year-round retiree community.

It’s also worth noting that Port Townsend can have a foul stench at times.

The problem has been ongoing for almost a century due to the paper mill.

The stink can range from ammonia to rotten eggs.

If you’re sensitive to smells, avoid the quarter-mile area around the mill.

The smell doesn’t take over the entire city.

If you’re looking to avoid the dreary, rainy reputation of western Washington, you should know that Port Townsend is one of several cities in the Olympic Rain Shadow.

That phenomenon happens when the moisture coming off the ocean hits the mountains and is zapped of all energy by the time it moves into the Port Townsend area.

The rain shadow also impacts Port Angeles and Sequim.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Port Townsend

So... How Safe Is Port Townsend Really?

Violent crime rates here are half the national and state averages.

While that already sounds like a safe place to visit, there’s more context that is important to know.

First, in a town of 10,000 people, it’s easy for the raw data to get skewed when it’s inflated to “crimes per 100,000 people,” as is the format for FBI data.

Violent crime includes homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies, and sexual assaults.

In 2023, there were 19 violent crimes in Port Townsend.

All but two were aggravated assaults, and no homicides were reported.

Digging deeper, we know that over the past five years, 82% of violent crimes involved people who know each other.

That lowers the risk of a random act of violence against a tourist even more.

In addition, 41% of all violent crimes happened in private homes.

One place where small towns can get hit hard on the “per 100,000” is with theft.

However, Port Townsend even manages to keep that rate 17% lower than the national average, with 117 thefts reported in 2023.

Then there’s the fact that the crime rate doesn’t include the hundreds of thousands of people who visit each year.

That lowers the rate even more.

The police department puts together an annual report and posts it online if you want to review it for the most recent calendar year.

The police chief summarized the 2023 report.

“Crime is down, community policing missions are up, the department continues to grow, and we are being more proactive and we’re getting the support from our community,” Port Townsend Police Chief Thomas Olson told the Peninsula Daily News in February 2024.

How Does Port Townsend 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. If you’ll be going to Canada during this trip, please review the Canada Border Services Agency information for requirements to get through Canadian customs.

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

Since Port Townsend is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, you’ll find more sunny days and a lot less rain than in cities outside the shadow. Summers stay pretty mild, with highs in the low 70s and lows in the 50s. Winters aren’t too bad, either, with highs in the upper 40s and lows in the 30s. (All temps F)

Airports

Charter flights are available from the Jefferson County International Airport, about four miles southwest of Port Townsend. It will take about two hours by car to get to Seattle Tacoma International 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.

Port Townsend Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City