Washington : Safety by City
- Anacortes
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Diablo
- Forks
- Gig Harbor
- Kennewick
- Kent
- Kettle Falls
- Longview
- Mercer Island
- Moses Lake
- Neah Bay
- Ocean Shores
- Olympia
- Port Angeles
- Port Townsend
- Poulsbo
- Pullman
- Quinault
- Renton
- San Juan Islands
- Seabrook
- Seattle
- Sequim
- Snoqualmie
- Spokane
- Spokane Valley
- Tacoma
- Walla Walla
- Wenatchee
- Westport
- Yakima
Can’t decide if you want to go to a place with a shoreline, mountains, or forests?
Why not visit Seattle, Washington, where you can have it all?
Tourists must be okay with traveling on the water if they want to enjoy the full scope of the region, as ferries are almost as common as taxis here.
The Space Needle stands as the city’s focal point and signature asset, with a progressive and eco-responsible population of more than 700,000 people underneath it.
Seattle pays a large amount of respect to the Native Americans that first inhabited this land, with the tourism website even offering this message among all the modern attractions, “The city of Seattle resides on the traditional land of the coast Salish peoples, past and present.
We honor with gratitude our shared land and waterways, as well as the history and heritage of our indigenous neighbors.”
The Emerald City, as Seattle is often referred to, is also home to more than half a dozen Fortune 500 companies.
Travelers might care to know that this is the home of Alaska Airlines, which might offer more international flight opportunities.
Seattle is also a major port for Alaska cruises.
Seattle is also rich in music, art, and performance cultures, one being the grunge capital of America when that style was popular.
I cannot tell you how much I have loved researching safety in Seattle.
This city – more so than any other city of the hundreds I’ve researched – makes data and safety information so easy to find and digest.
When the biggest safety concern in a city is the unknown, Seattle really gets ahead of it in every way possible.
Warnings & Dangers in Seattle
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium risk in Seattle, yet it's not among the most dangerous cities in America. Since this is a large area with increasing gun violence, it's worth adding a bit of extra caution. That said, there's no reason to reconsider a trip because of the crime rates.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
NOT using a car is very popular in Seattle to reduce emissions, and there's a robust system to get you anywhere you'd like to go. Using the Transit GO Ticket app, you can purchase tickets for ferries, light rails, buses, and streetcars. The Seattle monorail is another popular option that is ideal for tourists as it goes between the more popular parts of the region. Taxis and rideshares are also available. All options come with low risk, but use standard safety procedures when using public transportation.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Of nearly 27,000 thefts in Seattle in 2021, just 104 of those were pickpockets. I even checked the Port of Seattle data with just 4 pickpockets there. Even while using the transportation system, the biggest safety concern is drug use, not pickpockets. While this is technically a low risk - treat it with a medium risk to keep those numbers low.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
On the city's Emergency Management page, you can use the Seattle Hazard Explorer interactive map - in English and Spanish - to see the biggest natural disaster risks in the place you'll visit and stay. The potential incidents include earthquakes, tsunamis, liquefaction, landslides, flooding, and even climate change.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The robbery rate is three times the national average, so treat that with a medium risk. While just 26% of those are in the category most likely to be against tourists, a total of 51% happen in public places and businesses.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
The port, population, and prominent business and military presence will require us to consider Seattle a medium risk. It's also a socially conscious city known for protests that could trigger acts of extremism. A city document states, "The terrorist threat in Seattle comes from multiple sources. Al Qaeda and related jihadism, the extreme right, and radical environmentalism have been the most frequent causes." A robust emergency management plan is in place should the worst happen, but there's an elevated level of security you'll see on the streets and some that you'll never know are happening behind the scenes.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
I went to local social media pages to get an answer about this, as law enforcement lists the standard scams that impact every city. The overwhelming message is "Don't stop and talk to anyone." Whether it's someone trying to force their latest music CD into your hands, then demanding payment, or a social activist pressuring you to sign a petition, many people are looking to get your attention. Say not and confidently walk away.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Statistically speaking, women have a 37% chance of being victims of violent crime, making men much more vulnerable. The sexual assault rate is one category below the national average. You'll still need to use caution when enjoying the nightlife or walking around at night, but it's nothing more than basic personal safety steps.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Seattle Public Utilities has some of the best-tasting and cleanest water in America. The utility also explains on its website why drinking tap water is better than drinking bottled water. The 2021 Water Quality Report backs up these statements with full compliance all federal and local standards. You can call (206)615-0827 if you have water quality questions closer to your visit.
Safest Places to Visit in Seattle
VisitSeattle.org is the official tourism website.
We like to point out the tourism sites backed by visitor and convention bureaus because it means you can feel safe using a secure website with little to no risk of being scammed or getting viruses on your devices.
You can also check out Visit Seattle TV if you prefer to learn about a city through videos instead of reading.
Seattle has 21 neighborhoods to explore, so we’ll be unable to dive deeply into each one here.
We will talk about some of the biggest and safest places to see.
Of course, everyone wants to see the view from the Seattle Space Needle, built in 1962 for the World’s Fair.
Standing more than 600 feet in the sky, you can get some great views on a clear day with an elevator ride up that takes less than a minute.
Smith Tower and the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center are two other locations with dynamic views.
If you’re traveling with kids, you have some great options to explore indoors.
The Seattle Aquarium is full of sea life from Puget Sound and beyond, plus several performances are put on each day for the crowds.
The Pacific Science Center is an exploration of imagination and innovation, complete with two IMAX theaters and a planetarium.
The Seattle Pinball Museum is another show-stopper for all members of the family.
You can explore the waterways around Seattle through ferry trips to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton or rent a kayak/SUP for chartering your own route.
A 19th-century schooner known as Seattle’s Tall Ship does tours seasonally that gets you a little slice of everything in the Pacific Northwest environment.
Tours are available from the sky on a hot air balloon, floatplane, or helicopter, with different lengths and adventures included in each one.
Food, wine, and nightlife tours are also available, which is a safe way to explore different areas in the comfort of a large group with a local leading the way.
For those of you coming to Seattle for a cruise, the tourism website has a section called “Pre & Post Cruise Activities” you can explore to make the most of your time.
There are communities here with cultural and historical experiences for the first peoples, Asians, Scandinavian, Latino, and African American influences.
A city this rich in culture has far too many to list individually, but each neighborhood and culture is detailed on that tourism website.
Of course, first-timers shouldn’t miss Pike Place Market, where the bounty of the Pacific Northwest is on full display with fresh fish, flowers, and farm-to-table food.
Keep a tight grip on your purse or wallet here, as more than 10 million people visit this market every year.
When you see Rachel the Piggy Bank, get an Instagram shot, but drop some spare change in to help a local charity.
This is also where the original Starbucks is located, but with so many non-corporate coffee shops here, it might be better to try a local shop.
Places to Avoid in Seattle
In the 2021 Seattle Police Department 2021 Crime Report, the city offers a “heat map” of the top spots for gun crime in the city.
Of course, those numbers were escalating in 2022, but it gives a great look at the more violent neighborhoods in the city.
One major hot spot is near the Chinatown International District.
Another hot spot is south of I-90 and east of I-5, with a higher penetration just east of the King County International Airport (not to be confused with SEATAC, the major commercial airport).
In the Sodo neighborhoods, residents expressed the highest fear of crime, according to a Seattle University study in 2022.
The Alki neighborhood saw violent crimes double between 2020 and 2021.
While downtown Seattle is one of the higher crime neighborhoods, it also has more people.
Any downtown area worth visiting will have increased crime rates because there are more things to do there.
Seattle Police want to get ahead of your concerns in different areas by publishing a whole website section called “Visitor Safety Tips.”
Safety Tips for Traveling to Seattle
- One of the first things you should do the day before you arrive in Seattle is sign up for Alert Seattle notifications. You’ll get weather alerts, civil emergency information, road closures, and any other important and disruptive information.
- The Seattle Police and local leaders have a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes. Look for the rainbow-colored badge with the words “SAFE PLACE” on local businesses to know that the location supports inclusive and diverse communities while also being a place a person can go if they are the victim of a crime. The signs are available in six different languages and are very easy to see.
- The police department offers interactive crime mapping in two categories; calls for service and crime data. You can look for specific types of crime in a certain neighborhood. For example, you might want to know about robberies in a two-mile radius of your hotel in the past month.
- You can get email updates from the Seattle Police Department, which are different than emergency alerts. These emails could involve new safety measures, a speeding crackdown, or a community event.
- Washington has legalized marijuana use, but there are more restrictions than you’ll probably realize. Be sure you comply with the law and don’t use it publicly. You also can’t bring marijuana into the state or country. Review the city and state rules before considering using marijuana in any form.
- When you look at maps of the city as you plot your adventure, be sure to turn on the topography layer. Seattle is a very hilly city, and you could find yourself facing a steep climb to get between locations. If you’re driving during winter weather, you might want to avoid driving. Check out YouTube videos called “Sliding Cars in Seattle Snow” to see just how risky it can be in some neighborhoods.
- Pike Place Fish Market is a great place to visit, but for those with sensory sensitivities, it’s good to know this is a loud place. Especially when the famous “fish throwers” start chucking fish back and forth, hundreds of people can stand and cheer, making it even louder.
- Bring some bags with you to carry around trinkets or if you plan to do some light grocery shopping. The city has banned plastic bags and strongly encourages reusable bags. I have a stash of Home Goods bags I take with me everywhere. They fold nicely into a small space, even a back pocket, but they are nice-sized and sturdy.
- Businesses here can be fined if recycling isn’t done properly, so help them out by sorting your trash into the right bin and asking a store manager for guidance if you aren’t used to extensive recycling. It might be a great habit you take home at the trip’s end!
- Anglers will need a fishing license from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. To cover fresh and salt water, get a combination license. That will also cover harvesting shellfish. To catch crab, you’ll need an additional license.
So... How Safe Is Seattle Really?
Seattle saw a surge in crime in 2021, and not based on a 10 or five-year trend.
That was just for the year between 2020 and 2021.
Now some of that is explained away by the COVID restrictions loosening and more people being out.
In 2021:
- Crime overall was up 10%.
- Violent crime was up 20%.
- Property Crime was up 9%.
- Violent crime reached a 14-year high.
- Shootings and gunshots were up 40%.
- Shootings and gun crimes related to homeless people were up 122%.
At face value, that sounds rather intimidating.
However, it’s a surge many cities are seeing in America as drug crimes and illegal guns wreak havoc in some communities.
This is just a sample of the information you can get from the SPD 2021 Crime Report.
All that said, a community survey showed just 43% of people were fearful of crime.
This is based in part to improved community relations between citizens and law enforcement.
“Much of the fear of crime is just a perception of how safe people feel about their environment,” said Jacqueline Helfgott, Director of Seattle University’s Crime & Justice Research Center, “and there’s definitely research to support that the more social cohesion there is for people in a community, the more they feel they have some control over what’s happening to them, and the more that decreases fear of crime.”
Considering all that, the city is still not in the top 100 most dangerous cities in America.
A tourist must use street smarts, common sense, and situational awareness.
With 53% of all thefts related to car break-ins, you can easily reduce your risk by using public transportation or locking your car without leaving personal items inside.
With only 17% of violent crimes happening against strangers, there’s a good chance you won’t notice any of the crime happening aside from an occasional panhandler.
However, 75% of violent crime happens outside of public homes, so if you stay out of dangerous neighborhoods and avoid any tense situation, you should be able to exponentially lower the existing risk.
How Does Seattle Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Seattle | 55 |
| 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
You'll need a U.S. Visa and passport whether you arrive by a cruise ship, cross the border in Canada, or fly to the airport. The Visa process can take several months, and you will have to do an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in your country.
Currency
The U.S. Dollar is the only currency accepted here. You can exchange cash at the airport or a local bank. Don't use public ATMs, especially at night. Limit cash usage and bring a credit card for purchases. Buying tickets or transportation fares ahead of time will help keep you financially safer since you won't be pulling out your wallet.
Weather
It can be rainy and gloomy in Seattle, but if you use an umbrella, you'll stand out as a tourist. People here dress in rain jackets and waterproof shoes, but the rain rarely falls hard enough that you'll need an umbrella. Dress in warm layers but always have waterproof outer layers and a hat to keep your hair from getting messy or wet. Winter storms aren't common here, but check the forecast just in case. For all those hills you'll be walking, bring comfortable shoes.
Airports
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) is just 15 minutes from downtown, but that's without traffic. Plan for 30 minutes. The cruise ship terminal is four miles from downtown.
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your flight or cruise. Plan to spend about 5% of the travel costs on insurance and go for the deal that covers your transportation, baggage, and health.
Seattle Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| Low °C | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| High °F | 46 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 68 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 50 | 45 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 52 | 46 | 39 | 36 |
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 |
Do NOT travel to SEATTLE
Seattle is dangerous, I live here and looking to get out.
It is lawless.
Do not travel to Seattle unless you need to and then don’t bring any children or loved ones here with you.
It’s extremely overpriced (they are very grandiose minded), the people are wacked, it’s dangerous and it is filthy.
Low quality and high priced.
This city is like something out of the Twilight Zone.
They are going to do a big ole protest again tomorrow over Iraq, yet people get assaulted on the buses and trains… if you call 911 during an assault… the police will not respond.
You actually have to dial a seven-digit number to contact the King County Sheriff’s department for help.
Most citizens in this city don’t even know this… this city is foul.
They will protect anything that is pro American, but they won’t stand up to local assaults on citizens with no police response.
It is a very sick city full of idiots and sickos.
The city council vote was rigged and I know it…the city is criminal from the people in power to the people on the streets.
Good luck getting the truth from travel sites… because they don’t allow the truth about Seattle.
This post won’t be approved to be posted because they don’t want to hurt tourism yet placing people and their families in danger.
It’s all controlled, with no real freedom of speech or a real assessment of the city.
Let me guess: you’ve never even been, and are just parroting what you heard on Fox News. I lived in Seattle for many years, and have many friends that live there. For a city of its size, it’s very safe.
Bla bla bla it has nothing to do fox news at all typical liberals think like that. I’ve been to Seattle several times most places there are very dangerous I would not take my family there. However once you get out of the city it’s relatively safe.
Let me guess you’re a liberal parroting
Cnn ormsnbc or CBS or nbc.
I have family living there on both sides of the aisle and they said it isn’t safe and to tell people to stay away until things calm down.
I live near Seattle and will not go there. The city has transformed so much over the years and I truly do not feel that it is safe. It wreaks of urine and is unsanitary! It is full of homeless and needles are everywhere! The leadership of this city has destroyed the once emerald city!
Avoid Seattle
David B. , claiming that Seattle is “very safe,” is purposely putting potential visitors in danger.
Seattle is falling apart, and businesses are closing because of the crime and lawlessness.
Thank you for your honesty
You are wrong Seattle is super safe I lived in Seattle my whole life nothing that bad has happend only some mass shootings
A terrible city
I also lived here for 20 years, went to the schools, worked here, I agree… Avoid Seattle. This city was okay until around 2015, then all hell broke loose. This city is everything that is wrong with America. Rampant crime, filthy streets, abandoned buildings, high prices, and an insufferable populace. Here is the shocker– I was liberal and left leaning for all my life until recently. The people who disagree live in the nice places far away from the city center and have absolutely no idea on how awful life has become for the rest of us. Godspeed, KM, I hope you can get out of here, I know I am.
I am 17 years old, female, and I walk around Downtown, Belltown, ID/Chinatown, First Hill, etc sometimes as late as 2-4am. The worst things that have happened to me are: I had a small purse stolen ONCE on the *most dangerous street corner in the city* (3rd/pike), it was not violent, someone just slipped it out of my bag, and sometimes I get catcalled. It is fine.
I live in the capitol hill neighborhood – and unlike the news will have you believe, CHOP was not “the whole neighborhood,” it was the main park and a few blocks. It was very safe, day and night; people sitting with friends in the park, cooking free food for anyone that needed it, people donating clothing, food, whatever people needed. The violent crimes did not come from the people occupying the park – they were AGAINST them. People in Seattle simply have the nerve and right to hold SPD accountable for killing Black and Brown people.
This is a safe city for you and your children. Don’t listen to FOX news and idiots who have not formed their own opinions. Seattle is a good place; people are willing to give directions, help you, and there is accessible, reliable public transport nearly 24/7. Just stay away from Pioneer Square at night, you’ll be fine.
Mostly Safe
I’ve lived in various parts of Seattle in the past and now live in Redmond (suburb of Seattle). Please disregard the post from “KM” with the “Do NOT travel to SEATTLE”.
Most neighborhoods in Seattle are very safe. The key is to use street smarts, especially at night. For example, when walking around at night look over your shoulder and project confidence.
Some neighborhoods in Seattle that are extremely safe, including at night are:
Magnolia
Madison Park
Phinney Ridge
Neighborhoods that I’d use caution in at night are:
International District/Chinatown
Rainier Beach
Yet, during the day there are no unsafe neighborhoods in Seattle.
Dangerous
I have lived in and around Seattle for almost 50 years. It has gotten ugly and has lost its charm.
Drug addition and useage is open and common…basically ignored by the police.
Homelessness and mental health issues are prevelant. Criminal activity to support drug addiction is prevelant.
When I lived in Seattle in the 1970s it was a lot safer. Today I hesitate to go downtown areas during the day. I avoid night whenever possible.
Seattle is very good it’s in King County one of the most growing county since 1999 even though it has shooting and criminal activity it is not UGLY.
Very Safe
Ignore the people saying Seattle is “sooo dangerous”. It is not unlike any other big city; it has its problems with drugs, homelessness, and crime. However, just like any other city it has wonderful, very safe parts as well. As a woman who lived in the Seattle area for over 20 years, I felt safe busing into Seattle and visiting Pike Place Market alone. If walking with a group of girlfriends, and using common sense and avoid sketchy allies/dark empty side streets etc, I felt perfectly safe at night. Come see the Troll, visit Alki Beach, wander Pike Place, and bring your children and friends. You will be perfectly fine.
If you have the option, go somewhere else.
Your local Government let a bunch of teens and domestic terrorists claim an entire neighborhood of your city, I wouldn’t exactly call that safe.
Inaccurate and useless
Literally nothing in this posts is factual/accurate. If referring to the “CHAZ/CHOP”, it was 1.) not specifically (or even generally) teenagers, 2.) not deemed “domestic terrorism” by any reputable source/group, 3.) most definitely not an “entire neighborhood”, but rather a park and the surrounding few blocks. Silly, for sure, but wildly overstated in certain corners of the news media.
DO NOT COME TO SEATTLE! VER DANGEROUS!!!!
I am a street photographer so with this I have spent a ton of time in some of Seattles nicest areas but also have spent a lot of time in its deepest darkest corners. Do I consider Seattle a safe city? No, not by any means is it a safe city especially in the current political climate. The city was ok with a large radical group literally taking over a section of the city and deeming it an “Autonomous Zone” that quickly turned ugly. People were murdered in this zone, they allowed no police in this zone, individuals were sexually assaulted in this zone, businesses absolutely demolished, crime ran rampant. And overall the city of Seattle was ok with it. Seattle is NOT safe to be in period. I’d suggest not coming here.
Not safe at all
I’ve lived here for almost 2 decades. This city has hit the bottom and the police never do anything about the breakins, looting, theft, personal property crimes, rape, assault, or anything of the sort. I’ve been broken into 3x in a supposedly good neighborhood…2x in broad daylight . Don’t come here for the decent prices either. Not gonna find any. Just homelessness, traffic, drug use, and crime
LOL at these reviews
These reviews are nuts. Crime levels are extremely low in Seattle. I walk around after midnight, by myself, near downtown, all the time. It’s as safe as it’ll get. Re: CHAZ, I went several times, it was very safe until, like, 3AM. It doesn’t exist anymore. What’s the concern?
Stay away from Seattle
You are either ignorant and probably a Seattle Business owner. 14 thousand homeless, legal drugs of 30 grams of crack, 168 officers quit, revolving door for criminals,
600 criminal released from the prison, Crimes that won’t be booked include shoplifting, property damage under $750, physical abuse, assault or obstructing a law enforcement officer, trespassing, and vehicle prowling. 1300 criminal with over 35 arrest and no conviction. Wake up!!!!
Yes finally someone knows Seattle is perfect and pretty
Seattle is a great place to spend four days
I agree. The one-star comments all seem the exact same. “I lived in Seattle but now it is bad”. I can’t see who these people are, but when it comes to similar comments on social media, it’s almost always the sort of people who LOVE the suburbs, travel to Disneyland and Branson MO, and drive everywhere. They also hate EVs for some reason. None of them ever find a reason for a two-star rating, it’s always hyperbolic 1-star apocalyptic rants.
Seattle is walkable, if you can handle the hills. Busses are frequent, cheap, and safe. The residential neighborhoods are generally low-crime. Venues for sports and shows are popular, safe, and policed. It is expensive to live here. It can be expensive to be a tourist as well, but there are plenty of decent activities that will provide you with fun for your dollars.
Sporting events are generally friendly, even for those terrible people from rival towns. 🙂 Especially in soccer, American fans are waaaaay nicer than most other places. Drunken encounters happen but are not common. Every game is family-friendly.
Transport outside the city itself varies greatly. Although the city is close to a lot of natural beauty, most of it requires a car. Transport to other big cities is infrequent and requires planning, unlike Europe where you can wander to the main train station and find something within the next hour or two. Seattle to Portland is almost as far as Hamburg to Berlin — with many fewer big towns in between.
Suburbs and rural areas vary greatly. The eastside towns are mostly wealthy and even safer. Towns and cities north and south from Seattle have equivalent safety, with a bit more overt nationalism and racism. Everett for example has a cute downtown, the Funko Pop HQ, but also a miniature copy of Seattle’s problems with panhandlers and homeless — all in the same 10 blocks. Unless you have a specific destination in mind, or a local’s recommendation, stick to Seattle.
The more your tourism centers on being a little drunk with strangers after dark, the more trouble you will likely encounter, just like every. Other. City. And most small towns, really. I’ve seen more trouble at a roadhouse 2 miles outside Dollar Generalville than in Pioneer Square.
Seattle is a generally liberal city, and overt racism sexism etc. is rare. Not to say it is a paradise for residents of all kinds, because biases persist, but you are much less likely to be hassled randomly on the street for being “different” inside Seattle. As a tourist you’ll be shown the polite face of the city, and Seattle has a concentration of truly LGBTQ+ friendly places. If you’re conservative, just ignore it. You will not be asked to convert! Contrary to claims, it is rare to have anything shoved down your throat while visiting Seattle, without your consent. Yellow-tinted range glasses will blur the rainbows and you can enjoy the history and food.
Kind of Safe
Beautiful city. Pike place, the UW, Arboretum, Discovery Park, lots of great beaches in the summer. What people are saying about crime and homeless is also true.
We have a useless city government, particularly city council, that constantly is doing knee-jerk things to satisfy our delusional progressive social justice warrior population. The most obvious result is the massive homeless problem, lots of property crime, and a seriously demoralized police force. Although I wouldn’t say you’ll ever be in physical danger, there is a decent chance you car is going to get broken into, or you’ll see unpredictable, wacked out of their minds, homeless people. Vote for shitty politicians get shitty results.
If you visit during the day though you’ll be fine, try to get out and go over to the Olympics or up to the Cascades if you can, you’re in a pretty part of the world.
No thank you.
Um , no thanks. I’ll pass. Been there, the scenery and parks are gorgeous, but not nice enough to make me risk my life going there. I want police coverage. I want to know if I was being robbed ( or worse) I could call 911 and someone would help me. I don’t need your drugs, or your coffee, or your autonomous crap. I like my freedom of speech, and press, and pursuits of happiness and other cities have those.
you haven’t even been to Seattle so why reject it i have lived here with my family since the 80’s and its nice sure there are homeless people and drug activity but people days are Scaredy cats PERIOD the space needle is pretty safe and at night it looks gorgeous also Kerry park is very safe bring your children and family here for its size i would say its safer than other U.S. cities.
Um, yes please!! Seattle is a pretty liberal city and Bella you’re saying you like your freedom of speech and press and pursuit of happiness – we have all that here – LOUD AND CLEAR. This city isn’t any worse off than New York, Chicago, LA, San Fran and all the other large cities in the country. You find out where you can go and where you can’t. I have worked in the downtown Seattle area for more than 20 years and I love it! The city hs it’s own special buzz that is coming back after covid. Its beautiful, the surroundings are amazing – water, trees, mountains. You have culture, technology, outdoors. I’ve traveled a lot and been to many different cities and I can’t see myself living any other place. I would recommend Visiting Seattle!!
Terrible
it used to be safe, but not anymore. If you move out to suburbs like Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond, they are safe, but Seattle is dying. There are so many homeless camps everywhere full of drug addicts and sickos around. You can find needles so easily. I moved to the suburb working remotely. I stopped going to the city because there are so many riots and protests. I got jumped once. glad I am working home
Seattle has been “dying” for 20 years, and somehow the population keeps growing and new buildings built and transit built and new sports arenas built and and and.
It’s safer now than any time in the 19xx’s. Old folks have rosy memories. The closest Seattle came to dying was when Boeing cut jobs in the 1970s, before Seattle had Microsoft and Amazon.
Depends on area.
Depends, Seattle inner city? Awful, protests and lots of drugs and stuff. Mercer Island and the other areas? Wonderful!
Unsafe
I’ve lived in Seattle-proper for about 50 years. I am trapped. It is unsafe. Especially downtown. And especially after dark. And especially for women. City council made it so the city is basically lawless. The culture is: to fend for yourself when being mugged or verbally assaulted is considered “inconsiderate” to the person who is assaulting you. The attitude is: criminals are victims and victims should be silent or apologetic. Domestic assault is a huge issue. Property theft is skyrocketing. Anyone who says parks, sidewalks and streets arent overrun with tents, addicts, used needles, criminals, and piles of human feces is lying. If you must visit, for your own safety, stay in a suburb. Do NOT take public buses in Seattle as there is an issue with passenger and driver assaults by people hopped up on drugs and sitting on buses to ‘have something to do.’ Uber is the only semi-safe option.
“Human Feces” haha…
This reminds me of a story. I lived in PDX for 5 years and have been to Seattle a handful of times. I had a friend (older gentleman) who came up for his brothers funeral from a “dry town” in Mississippi. The friend remembers the “good ole days” of the 60’s and was fascinated by the idea of legal marijuana and wanted to visit Seattle and go to a dispensary for the 1st time. We went and as we entered downtown off the interstate we approached a red light (downtown/broad daylight). This homeless guy was in the middle of the sidewalk, no cover whatsoever, just dropped pants, squatted and began taking a shit like it was completely normal. I’ll never forget my friends face, his jaw dropped and I said, “Welcome to Seattle”. I laugh every time I even think of that story. Folks are right, the city is full of bums, druggies and hustlers. Very expensive to do anything there and dirty. I don’t think a person would face a violent attack under normal circumstances but you’ll be harassed for money and ripped off for pretty much everything. There are so many beautiful things to do right outside Seattle and in the PNW as a whole, why even want to visit that shithole? I would only use SEA to fly in and out of, rent a car and go have fun elsewhere.
visit to hell
Jolene Smith above said Alki Beach was sooooo safe. I was mugged there 2:30pm on a Sunday. the police never came-my memory of this city is a concussion—–I give one star–cant go any lower
“My memory of this city is a concussion” OMG!!
One of the most powerful posts I have read on this site so far
Thank you for sharing the “TRUTH’ about Seattle. You know it is a Wicked city when you see cities burning and the reporter is saying NOTHING is going on.
Wont cruise from here
We love to cruise and there are many cruise ships going out to Seattle. I will never go to Seattle to cruise. It seems to be out of control. The DA doesn’t appear to want to charge people for significant crimes which just encourages more lawlessness. The police have been shut down so much that they appear to be essentially ineffective. I don’t blame the police officers, it’s the political environment that has neutered their ability to respond appropriately. To all those that say the city is as safe as other cities of its size, that is exactly the point. That’s a comparison of dangerous and more dangerous. Those on this website that say Seattle is safe are probably either business owners or employees of the city. There may be a motivation to misinform. Just saying.
Won't cruise from here
My wife and I like to travel especially cruising. I will never travel to Seattle to take a cruise. I suggest all cruise lines reexamine whether it makes sense to entice their clients to cruise from/to Seattle. The politics have neutered the police department to such a degree that the officers are unable to effectively protect law abiding residents or travelers. It’s not the officers fault, it’s politics. Playing with your safety; its’s not worth it.
Relax, take a breath
For anyone using this to truly determine if Seattle is a safe city to visit, I’d strongly recommend 1.) Using a better, more authoritative source, and 2.) Ignoring the trolls in these reviews who clearly are trying to offer political commentary rather than a level-headed assessment of the safety of the city. That said, visible homelessness and *property* crime are indeed big problems in this city, yet actual violent crime is not very common. Look past anecdotal evidence and headline-grabbers (“OMG, the CHOP!”) and consider the actual data: Seattle is quite safe for a city of its size. Yes, there are risks in certain areas and at certain times of day, but if you take general precautions, it’s nowhere near the level of risk as some on this board make it out to be (seriously, it’s not like Kabul for Christ’s sake). I wouldn’t for a split second advise anyone against visiting Seattle due to safety issues – it just isn’t that bad.
Seattle is dangerous
Ballard, your urging people to visit the city of Seattle is morally wrong. Seattle is NOT safe, and that applies to ALL areas of the city. Crime, both violent and non-violent, is everywhere in Seattle, and the police don’t have the manpower to protect people, as the police have been told they are the enemy by liberal politicians.
Beautiful city with idiotic leadership
Beautiful city ruined by foolish politicians. Fine to visit if you are young, healthy and used to dealing with big city problems like street crazies, drug use and petty crime. Not a safe place to take your kids. Could be so much nicer.
Amazing City
Very good city it’s so pretty and big. It has lot’s of buildings and one of the most growing cites people are just yabbering nonsense just because of they heard on fox news. I lived in Seattle my whole life and it’s super safe
It can be great but right now, visit some other place
As a city, Seattle looks nice and there are plenty of places to go to. But, recently crime is going up at an alarming rate and right now, I wouldn’t advise anyone to travel there. Lots of homeless and the problem keeps getting uglier plus there’s the drug problem. Seattle can become a safe city again but that’s not the care at this time.
Seattle is a nice city with weather I like 🙂
My experience with Seattle was a nice one. While prices here can be a bit too big sometimes, I won’t hold it against them. I’ve seen a few pickpockets at work but didn’t fall prey to any until now. Guess I was lucky or just paid attention, I don’t know. I know of someone’s phone being stolen but heck, that happens or can happen in any big city so nothing special I think.
Of course, I wouldn’t go alone in a dark alley at night because you never know what can happen. But from what I can tell, the city is fine and things will be fine if you just pay a bit of attention to what you’re doing instead of having your eyes on your phone like some people do nowadays. If you visit a new place or city, try to pay attention to your surroundings at all times and keep your belongings close and hard to reach for thieves.
I like the weather in Seattle as I’m a rain fan. I would actually like it to rain more often if you can believe it. Yes, I’m crazy like that haha. There’s plenty to do here, starting with the Space Needle and Seattle Center. There’s a park area here with lots of things to do (restaurants, theaters, sports area, etc). The view from the Needle is pretty spectacular so make sure to try it.
If you’re into walking and exploring then Discovery Park might be perfect for you. At over 550 acres this place is a giant, with forest, meadows, coastline, all beautiful and all awaiting you to explore them.
The Seattle Aquarium has a 120.000 gallon tank with a huge window you can look through. You could sit here for 30 or even 60 minutes, just watching all the fishes going about their day. The aquarium has a lot of things to offer but the huge tank is one of its main attractions.
We are taking a cruise to Alaska on June 2022 and would like to spend 2 days in Seattle seeing the sights (Pikes Market, Space Needle, Chihuly Gardens) how safe is the area? I know Seattle has had its share of violence since 2020 but has it calmed down?
Seattle is now "the pits"
I’ve visited Seattle about twice a year for the last forty years for business. It gets worse and worse each time. Downtown looks like a third world country, and many businesses have closed their doors permanently due to the crime. The old Macy’s location is flooded with drug addicts and criminals
Thank goodness my March 2022 trip was my last to Seattle. The liberals voted for the far-left Seattle city council, so the residents are getting exactly what they deserve.
There are places to go and places not to go. Major tourist areas like Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Seattle Center, etc are safe to go to especially during the day. At night may be a different call. Avoid Pioneer Square at night. The new mayor is trying to clean things up and is mostly succeeding but it takes time. If you’re aware of your surroundings, downtown Seattle is mostly safe. The areas away from the downtown core like Fremont, Ballard, Capitol Hill are perfectly safe.
pretty safe
I live near Seattle and it is pretty dangerous but just avoid going to alleys in the nighttime. And, I’d recommend going to the Space Needle, the Seattle science center, and the Ferris wheel. If you come to Washington I’d recommend going north or going around the olympic national park
Avoid 3rd Ave
I love to walk and have walked for hours in cities around the world. Seattle is not good for walking. I did not feel safe especially after being approached by someone under the influence while waiting to cross the street. The mountains and sea are beautiful but some of the streets look like skid row. It was very sad. Locals will advise you to stay off 3rd Ave. A tour guide stated to avoid it unless you like crack and living in cardboard boxes. The sad scenery does not discriminate; comprised of White, Black and Asian. The city needs fixing.
P.S.
A taxi driver tried to scam me. I should’ve reported him.
Lived in Seattle for 9 years and have since visited twice. in all that time, the only thing that happened to me was a car break in and that was my fault for leaving my luggage in my car. public transport is very safe and i never had problems with homeless. downtown is amazing and has many things to do.
Don’t listen to the political bullsh*t. I lived in Seattle for 9 years and have since visited twice, and the only thing that has happened was a car break in and that was because i was an idiot and left my luggage in the car over night. I never had issues with drugs or homeless people. The sports games are all incredibly fun, (Go Kraken) And On the whole, a very enjoyable city.
Safe destination for travelers
I recently visited Seattle and felt incredibly safe throughout my trip. The city’s commitment to cleanliness and public safety was evident. I explored popular attractions, wandered through neighborhoods, and never once felt uneasy. The local community’s friendliness added to the overall positive experience.
Seattle is a city with a diverse range of neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere. My experience varied depending on where I was. In some parts, I felt completely at ease, while in others, I exercised more caution. Travelers need to be aware of their surroundings and take common safety measures.