Is Pullman Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Pullman, Washington, is in the southeast corner of the state in a region known as the Palouse, characterized by rolling hills and rich agricultural soil.

Home to Washington State University, Pullman thrives on the energy and diversity that a major university brings.

The campus itself is a focal point, featuring striking architecture, lush gardens, and sports facilities that draw fans for Cougar football and basketball games.

Pullman, Washington, was founded in 1881 and originally named Three Forks due to its location at the confluence of three small creeks.

It was renamed after George Pullman, the inventor of the Pullman sleeping car.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred its growth, but it is the university that has sustained its development to this day.

The city also consistently gets national accolades for being safe and affordable while still offering a great quality of life.

Warnings & Dangers in Pullman

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Pullman with consistently low crime rates and a great vibe that welcomes visitors of all ages.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Pullman Transit provides public transportation for the university and the community. Be sure to look at the bus routes for weekend getaways and holidays, which can reach as far as the Seattle area. Taxis, rideshares and rental cars are another option. All options have a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

An average of three pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year in Pullman, giving it a low risk. In addition, theft rates are almost half the national average.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Pullman, Washington, is relatively low risk for natural disasters but faces potential hazards such as wildfires, especially in dry summer months. Earthquakes are infrequent but possible due to regional seismic activity. Occasional flooding can occur, particularly during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt in the spring.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

In the past five years, just three highway robberies happened. That's on top of the robbery rate being 88% lower than the national average.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Pullman, Washington, has a low risk of terrorism. The small city, primarily centered around Washington State University, does not present a significant target. Any town could be a target of domestic terrorism, so it's still important to report any suspicious activity to 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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk for women in Pullman, but university students and their parents should review the safety guidance on WSU's website. You don't want to get a false sense of safety because of crime rates and create a crime of opportunity.

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 in Pullman shows all federal standards were met or exceeded, and the only hiccup was an excessive amount of manganese in the water for August 2022. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Pullman

The city’s tourism website is visit-pullman.com.

A free visitor’s guide is available to download.

If you want a physical copy mailed to you, just fill out the form on the front page of the website.

Downtownpullman.org is the website for the city’s core, a charming district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The downtown area recently completed a major overhaul of the streets, facades, and sidewalks to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to use.

The Pullman Heritage Depot is another recently revamped historic space to explore downtown.

Several train cars sit outside on the tracks, with special decorations that come to life at night.

Washington State University is the heart of Pullman, offering a lively campus atmosphere.

Plus, it’s where the best museums in the city are found.

The Museum of Art at Washington State University hosts a variety of contemporary art exhibitions by both regional and international artists.

The WSU Conner Museum of Natural History is another fascinating stop, featuring an extensive collection of mounted birds and mammals.

The WSU Museum of Anthropology focuses on the archaeological and ethnographic collections from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

This museum offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and provides a deeper understanding of human societies.

One museum that really shines is the S. Elroy McCaw Fluorescent Mineral Display Museum.

With more than 150 minerals on display, just wait until you see what they look like under blacklights.

The Palouse offers wonderful hiking trails and serene spots to explore, with a few key vistas along the way.

Kamiak Butte County Park is perfect for those who love hiking and nature.

The park offers trails with panoramic views of the Palouse region, making it a great spot for photography and outdoor relaxation.

The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail connects Pullman to Moscow, Idaho, and is popular with cyclists and joggers.

The trail runs through scenic countryside, providing a picturesque route for outdoor enthusiasts.

Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site is home to the official state waterfall, dropping a breathtaking 198 feet into a pool of water below.

The falls cascade into a deep, rugged canyon surrounded by dramatic basalt cliffs.

As you might expect, the park gets crowded during peak seasons and weekends, and the drive is about 90 minutes from Pullman.

Places to Avoid in Pullman

You don’t need to worry about ending up in a bad part of town or a dangerous neighborhood in Pullman.

However, the closer you are to the university, Greek Row, and “Apartment Land” on the northeast side of town, the more petty theft or loud parties you might run into.

I don’t want to avoid the elephant in the room, as this college town is just 10 miles from another university, which is the University of Idaho in Moscow.

In November 2022, a brutal stabbing in Moscow took the lives of four university students.

Their alleged attacker lived in Pullman at the time.

The murders would be shocking for any community but were downright atrocious for a slice of America considered to be among the safest in the nation.

That shouldn’t concern you or dissuade you from visiting, but if you’re wondering, “Is that the place?” it is one of two places connected to the real-life horror story.

At the same time, I know true crime fascinates many people, and some might be tempted to go to Moscow and see the house where the murders happened.

You should know the house has been torn down, and the community is still healing, so avoid the temptation to ask people about it.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Pullman

So... How Safe Is Pullman Really?

Pullman is a safe city by many accounts, but notably for its low violent crime rate.

The Washington and national averages are about the same percentage, around 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

In Pullman, that number is 91 per 100,000.

The risk of a visitor being a victim of violent crime is even lower, with 67% of all crimes in that category happening in a residential area.

Between 2018 and 2022, just 23% of violent crimes involved strangers.

Since 2019, Washington State University’s violent crime rate has been steadily decreasing from 10 crimes a year to six in 2022.

Almost 75% of all violent crimes over the past five years have happened in university housing.

Theft isn’t a big problem on campus, either.

In 2022, fewer than 70 thefts were reported.

Theft rates on campus have dropped 61% in the past decade.

I came across several articles that tout how safe Pullman is, even going as far as to say that people leave their cars unlocked because there’s such a low risk.

I definitely would advise against following that lead.

No matter how safe a community is, locking your car, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding poorly lit parks of town after dark is essential to having a safe trip.

How Does Pullman 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. If you're a potential student, check the International Students section of the WSU website to learn about requirements. 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

Pullman gets a nice mix of all four seasons, with cold winters and warm, dry summers. Expect temperatures below freezing at night from November through March. Summer highs generally don't get above the mid-80s (F). The wettest months are November through May.

Airports

Pullman Moscow Regional Airport offers flights to Seattle or Boise. It's just four miles from downtown Pullman. Spokane International Airport is about 90 minutes north. Check Pullman Transit's website for shuttles to and from both airports throughout the year.

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.

Pullman Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City