Is Sequim Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Sequim, Washington, is a picturesque town located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, which stands out in several ways from the majority of towns in this special region.

Known as the “Lavender Capital of North America,” Sequim (“Skwim”) enjoys a rare microclimate characterized by mild, dry summers, making it an ideal location for lavender farming.

Sequim is also a gateway to the Olympic National Park, offering easy access to diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to alpine peaks and coastal shores.

Historically, Sequim has deep roots, with Indigenous communities, particularly the S’Klallam tribe, inhabiting the area for thousands of years.

European settlers arrived in the 19th century, and the town has since grown into a vibrant community that celebrates its cultural and natural heritage.

It’s also near the Dungeness River, which might give you an “aha” moment if you’ve ever wondered where the Dungeness crab comes from.

Today, Sequim is not just a stopover but a destination in its own right, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty, rich history, and warm community spirit.

This small town of 8,000 feels much bigger, given the tourist crowds that flock to and through here annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Sequim

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low in Sequim, with a lot of things to do, which is more than you might expect in a small town. The only concern would be petty theft, which is an easy risk to reduce by using smart safety steps.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

In Sequim, Washington, transportation options include local buses operated by Clallam Transit, providing routes around town and to neighboring areas. The town is also bike-friendly, with scenic routes and trails. For drivers, U.S. Highway 101 offers convenient access to and from Sequim. Car rentals and ride-sharing services are also available.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Only four pickpockets or purse snatchings were reported between 2018 and 2022, giving this a low risk. However, shoplifting is a big problem here, meaning there are people capable of theft around you. Don’t create a crime of opportunity; stick to good personal safety practices.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

While some places in America face ongoing severe weather risks, places like Sequim face massive risks of more rare events. That’s still going to be a medium risk just because of the catastrophic scale possible here. Landslides, mudslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and coastal flooding are all concerns. Winter storms are infrequent but can be intense.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The city hasn’t had more than two robberies a year going back at least a decade. That’s a low risk. However, keep using personal safety tactics, no matter how low the rate is.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk is low due to this being a small waterfront city, but I did want to share a specific section of the city’s emergency management plan about this topic. “While Sequim has not been the target of known terrorist activity, Clallam County has been used as an infiltration route by terrorist organizations. Multiple levels of local, state and federal law enforcement carefully observe activities along our borders, highways and in our communities.” Even if there is a risk, you can rest assured that local, state, and federal agencies are there to protect you.

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 of the recent scams targeted residents with spoofed phone calls from fake IRS collectors or bogus law enforcement officers. The risk is low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Statistically, women are less likely to be victims of violent crime. There’s no reason a woman should have a higher risk here. Use common sense and basic personal safety steps and you’ll be fine.

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. You can read through the Sequim 2023 report for in-depth details, but I can tell you that all standards were met or exceeded with no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Sequim

The city’s tourism website is “Visit Sunny Sequim,” and we’ll explain the “sunny” part in the next section.

You can use this website for hyperlocal activities. Plus, there’s olympicpeninsula.org to get a look at things to do across the region.

The sunny weather in Sequim allows for many local events throughout the year.

Check the schedule to time your trip to one of the big events, like the Lavender Weekend, but also realize that it’s going to require booking far in advance.

Sequim is famously known as the “Lavender Capital of North America.”

Visiting the local lavender farms is a quintessential experience, especially during the blooming season in July.

Notable farms include:

• Purple Haze Lavender Farm: Offers expansive lavender fields, a charming gift shop, and even lavender-infused ice cream.
• B&B Family Farm: Known for its educational tours on lavender cultivation and distillation.
• Jardin du Soleil: Features beautifully landscaped gardens and a variety of lavender products.

Downtown Sequim is a mix of shops, restaurants, and tourist stops.

The tourism website has a “Fun Map” that highlights 20 square blocks of the core.

If you’re arriving by public transportation, you’ll be dropped off in the heart of downtown.

For a dose of local culture and history, stop by the Sequim Museum & Arts.

The museum showcases exhibits on the area’s history, from its Native American roots to its agricultural heritage.

The art gallery features works by local artists, making it a great place to learn more about the community and its people.

Named after the iconic actor, John Wayne Marina is a great place for boating, fishing, and enjoying the scenic views of Sequim Bay.

It’s also a fantastic spot for a quiet picnic by the water, with facilities that cater to both casual visitors and boating enthusiasts.

One of the oldest lighthouses in the Pacific Northwest, the New Dungeness Lighthouse, offers guided tours and the opportunity to become a volunteer lighthouse keeper.

It’s a unique experience that allows visitors to stay in the historic keeper’s quarters and participate in lighthouse maintenance.

Home to the longest natural sand spit in the U.S., Dungeness Spit stretches over five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

This area is ideal for birdwatching, beach walking, and exploring the historic Dungeness Lighthouse.

The Olympic Game Farm offers a unique experience to see wildlife up close from the comfort of your vehicle.

Originally used as a filming location for Disney nature films, the farm is now a sanctuary for animals such as bison, elk, and bears.

Sequim Bay State Park provides access to forested trails, a scenic beach, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

This is a perfect spot for campers, with nearly 5,000 feet of shoreline, to enjoy the atypical sunny weather Sequim offers.

If you’re traveling the 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail between Port Townsend and La Push, Sequim is a great place to stop.

Of course, you’re also near Hurricane Ridge of Olympic National Park.

Use the National Park Service website or app to find out more about all the various places to visit within this wonderful treasure.

Places to Avoid in Sequim

There are no bad parts of the town or areas to avoid in Sequim.

Most of the hotels are off the main road in the center of the city or near the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge along the water.

The weather in Sequim is a standout feature, as it breaks the mold of the dreary and rainy expectations many have in the Seattle area or the Olympic Peninsula.

I want to help you avoid any wrong assumptions by explaining this topic.

Sequim is part of a region known as the Olympic Rain Shadow.

Forks, about 90 minutes west of Sequim, is the rainiest place in the country.

That town gets about 100 inches of rain a year.

Sequim gets about 16 inches, which is about half of the national average.

This is because of the moisture and elevation combinations approaching the Olympic Mountains.

As the weather systems pass over the mountains, the air stabilizes, essentially sucking the energy for moisture to form and fall.

Overall, the weather patterns in Sequim are more like Los Angeles than Seattle, but once a location is out of the rain shadow, typical wet, dreary weather can prevail.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Sequim

So... How Safe Is Sequim Really?

As a city of just 8,000 people, the crime data can appear skewed when it is adjusted to a “crime rate,” which involves the number of crimes and the population.

In 2022, the Sequim violent crime rate was 11% lower than the national average.

The raw number averages between 13 and 20 crimes in a year–about one to two a month, on average.

About 23% of violent crimes have happened against strangers in the past five years, which is about 5-6 per year.

That leaves the majority of the most dangerous crimes happening between people who know each other.

The theft rate looks ominous, coming in at 92% higher than the national average.

However, the raw data shows that the number averages out to four thefts a week, and 41% of thefts are shoplifting.

Another 20% over the past five years is attributed to car break-ins or car accessory thefts.

In addition, thefts have gone down 31% in the past decade, which is quite impressive considering that the city had grown by 20% in that time.

The crime statistics can be misleading as well, considering that they don’t take into account the thousands or millions of people who pass through each year.

Sequim is a safe place to visit, and beyond common sense and situational awareness, you need not worry about visiting this charming small town.

How Does Sequim 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

No need to worry too much about the rain in Sequim, at least compared to places like Seattle and Forks, but if you are traveling outside the rain shadow, you’ll need waterproof EVERYTHING. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Even for summer visits, you shouldn’t expect it to get too warm. The highs average in the lower 70s (F) at the highest. Winters will drop into the mid-40s for daytime highs. Winter lows get near freezing.

Airports

Seattle Tacoma International Airport is 113 miles away, which will take about two hours by car. Greyhound and airport shuttle services are available to and from Sequim.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancellations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Sequim Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City