Is Poulsbo Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Poulsbo, Washington, sits on the Kitsap Peninsula across the Puget Sound from Bainbridge Island and Seattle.

This charming city of 12,000 people is tucked away on Liberty Bay, offering waterfront beauty with a protected harbor.

Poulsbo (“PAULS-beau”) is also known as Little Norway for its Scandinavian history and vibe.

Originally inhabited by the Suquamish for time immemorial, settlers arrived in the late 1800s.

Legend has it that the city was supposed to be named Paulsbo, but a typographical error led to Poulsbo.

That’s why the name is pronounced differently than it looks.

The stunning scenery here offers views of Mount Olympus to the west, but it’s not in the rainshadow of the mountains.

An annual festival celebrates Viking history here, but it’s well worth a trip beyond that event.

Adventures await throughout the Kitsap Peninsula on the water, on hiking trails, and in the charming downtown districts.

It’s also a perfectly positioned town to be close to Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympic National Park.

Warnings & Dangers in Poulsbo

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Poulsbo and the greater Kitsap Peninsula area. Plus, you have plenty of activities to do in urban settings and in the wilderness or on the water.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Poulsbo's public transportation is primarily served by Kitsap Transit, offering convenient bus routes connecting key areas within the town and neighboring cities. The system includes local routes, commuter services to Bainbridge Island for ferry access to Seattle, and paratransit services. Taxis, rideshares, and car rentals are available, too. You can get to Poulsbo by car.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Six purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, which is a low risk considering how many tourists come through the town annually.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Poulsbo faces natural disaster risks, including earthquakes, due to its location near fault lines and potential tsunamis, given its coastal proximity. Additionally, the area is susceptible to flooding, particularly during heavy rains and occasional wildfires in the surrounding forests. Treat this as a medium risk and make the choice to be informed about best safety practices for these threats.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Poulsbo hasn’t had a year with more than 10 robberies in at least a decade. The majority of robberies are in homes, not muggings on the street. This is another low risk, but never low enough to let your guard down or go walking around at night alone in the dark.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There’s a naval base on the Kitsap Peninsula, which automatically gets a medium risk. Plus, as part of a large metro area, vigilance is key. However, the risk also comes with a lot of extra security. You don’t need to worry about this risk extensively, but you should report any suspicious activity to the local police.

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 focus on residents using run-of-the-mill tactics like a fake police officer call. You should know that law enforcement will never call you and demand money or threaten arrest. If they want to arrest you, they certainly won’t call to tell you about it.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is a family-friendly town with a low risk for women of all ages. Basic safety practices are still recommended, and you should know about water safety if you plan to go paddling or boating. However, nothing stands out in Poulsbo compared to any other town.

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 Poulsbo shows full compliance and no violations. Plus, it details steps taken to reduce the iron and manganese in the water, which used to cause some discoloration.

Safest Places to Visit in Poulsbo

The city’s tourism website is visitpoulsbo.com.

Also, check visitkitsap.com to learn about all the places to visit on the Kitsap Peninsula, including Poulsbo.

Downtown Poulsbo (historicdowntownpoulsbo.com) is the heart of the city, with its picturesque waterfront and Scandinavian-style architecture.

Here, you can stroll along Front Street to explore unique shops, cafes, and restaurants.

You’ll also find the Poulsbo Heritage Museum, Poulsbo Maritime Museum, and the SEA Discovery Center here.

Liberty Bay is a protected body of water that is ideal for paddling.

The Olympic Outdoor Center is located right on the docks, with all the gear you need to have a safe and fun time.

Liberty Bay Waterfront Park in Poulsbo offers scenic views of the bay, a charming boardwalk, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors enjoy picnicking, kayaking, and watching marine life.

A public boat launch is right next door.

Poulsbo’s Fish Park covers 40 acres with nearly two miles of trails, another boardwalk and viewing platforms of the estuary.

Informational panels along the way offer education in this unique landscape.

A pedestrian trail connects Fish Park to Nelson Park, where the Poulsbo Historical Society runs the Martinson Cabin Museum.

The Suquamish Museum, six miles east of Poulsbo, offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Suquamish Tribe.

This modern museum features artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight the tribe’s rich heritage.

Check out the tour options so you can book a spot.

The Port Gamble Heritage Trails, just a short drive from Poulsbo, offer scenic hiking and biking paths through lush forests and picturesque landscapes.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, 65 miles of trails provide a peaceful escape with opportunities for wildlife spotting and stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Places to Avoid in Poulsbo

Poulsbo usually doesn’t have more than 25 violent crimes in a year, which means there isn’t a dangerous part of town or bad neighborhood to avoid.

Be aware that Viking Fest is held in May, which means the town will sell out hotel rooms and campsites well in advance.

Plan ahead if you want to visit for this event, or choose an early June trip to avoid the crowds.

Downtown Poulsbo can easily get packed with traffic.

Several proposals could designate employee-only parking areas or lead to paid parking spots.

Please check the downtown Poulsbo website before your visit to get the most recent parking map.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Poulsbo

So... How Safe Is Poulsbo Really?

First, I need to address the 2023 crime data for Kitsap County law enforcement agencies, including Poulsbo.

The region recently changed its crime data reporting program from an outdated system to a more modern option.

However, there are a lot of inconsistencies with the 2023 crime data that led to the chiefs and sheriff issuing a statement.

“As local law enforcement executives, we would urge caution on using 2023 crime data with a hundred percent accuracy.

We want to note that there was an aberration in the statistical reporting for 2023, which should be kept in mind when reviewing local crime data.” –  Joint statement signed by Sheriff John Gese and police chiefs Tom Wolfe of Bremerton, Matt Brown of Port Orchard, Joe Clark of Bainbridge Island, and Ron Harding of Poulsbo.

One example in Poulsbo is that there were eight robberies in 2022 but none in 2023.

Whether it’s a software glitch or human error, nobody knows.

The agencies also aren’t going to take steps to track down and correct the errors.

So that takes us back to 2022, when the violent crime rate was 15% lower than the national and state averages.

The theft rate in 2022 was 94% higher than the national average, but there’s something to know about that number as well.

The raw number was 324 thefts.

That’s a little less than one per day on average.

The percentage takes into account the raw number and the population but doesn’t include the thousands of people who visit this tourist town each year.

About 25% of all thefts between 2018 and 2022 were shoplifting.

More than half were “Other Thefts,” which can include antics like someone trying to steal an ATM, stolen construction equipment, or items taken from a yard or campsites.

Up until 2020, Poulsbo had fewer than 20 car thefts dating back a decade.

However, the number was up to 62 in 2022.

That’s a trend we’re seeing a lot across Washington.

When you look at the big picture, from historical crime data in Poulsbo to news headlines, there’s little to no reason to worry about your safety in this charming city.

Of course, common sense, basic safety steps, and situational awareness go a long way.

How Does Poulsbo 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

Poulsbo experiences mild winters with average highs around 45°F and lows near 35°F. Annually, the town gets about 25 inches of rain and two inches of snow. The rainiest season is winter and early spring, bringing the majority of the area's precipitation. Summers stay pretty cool, with highs only making it into the mid-60s on average.

Airports

Seattle Tacoma International Airport is 71 miles from Poulsbo, with the route taking you around the southern edge of the Puget Sound. That’s the largest and best option in the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Poulsbo Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City