| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Seattle/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 43,952 | n/a (estimate) | 5,783 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 52 | n/a | 6.8 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 352 | n/a | 46.3 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,677 | n/a | 220.6 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3,810 | n/a | 501.3 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5,891 | n/a (estimate) | 775 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8,756 | n/a | 1,152.0 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 21,905 | n/a | 2,882.0 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7,400 | n/a | 973.6 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 38,061 | n/a (estimate) | 5,008 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
The Seattle crime rates are 172.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 5891 violent crimes in Seattle (775 per 100,000 people), which is 115.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 38061 property crimes (5008 per 100,000 residents) which is 184.5% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 5783 per 100,000 residents, Seattle experiences a crime rate that is 172.87% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Seattle contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Seattle is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 775 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Seattle is 1 in 130.
Every year, one in 20 people fall victim to a property crime in Seattle - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5008 per 100,000 people, Seattle has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
With a total of 7400 vehicle thefts last year, Seattle has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 974 per 100,000 people. This lands Seattle in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 103.
What do the local residents think about crime in Seattle? Well, based on a recent survey of 481 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Seattle residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Seattle a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Seattle has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 173%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 120.42 daily incidents, encompassing 16.14 violent crimes and 104.28 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Seattle as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Seattle crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Seattle has decreased by 4.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 0.4% and property crime has decreased by 5.3%.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Seattle, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 78 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Seattle are areas such as Hawthorne Hills, Broadmoor and Blue Ridge, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Sand Point, First Hill and Belltown are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Seattle crime rates. Seattle registers a population density of 9125.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Seattle has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.87 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Seattle is $1,265,605, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Seattle | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,801 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brier, WA | 7,174 | 16 | 404 | 420 |
| Meadowdale, WA | 3,259 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Maple Heights-Lake Desire, WA | 3,651 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Clearview, WA | 3,993 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Sammamish, WA | 67,314 | 28 | 539 | 567 |
| Lofall, WA | 2,172 | 74 | 562 | 636 |
| Southworth, WA | 2,388 | 75 | 569 | 644 |
| Seattle, WA | 765,050 | 775 | 5,008 | 5,783 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Denver, CO | 739,923 | 993 | 4,762 | 5,755 |
| Washington, DC | 721,713 | 926 | 3,588 | 4,514 |
| Boston, MA | 715,604 | 628 | 2,022 | 2,650 |
| El Paso, TX | 703,663 | 278 | 1,494 | 1,772 |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
| Seattle, WA | 765,050 | 775 | 5,008 | 5,783 |
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