Is Seattle Safe? (Honest Info From a Local)
👉 Jump to: Is Seattle Safe? | Safe Areas | Crime | Scams | Weather | Solo Female | LGBTQ+ & BIPOC | Water | Safety Tips | FAQ
Asking yourself ‘Is Seattle safe?’ is an important question if you want to visit. There’s a lot of information to sift through to get to the truth about Seattle’s safety for both visitors and potential residents.
I’m a local who’s lived in Seattle for over a decade, and I explore the city often. I’ll walk you through the data and my take on the city’s safety as a longtime resident. This way, you have the information you need before you book your trip.
So, is Seattle safe? In general, yes, Seattle is a safe city to visit. But keep reading and we’ll take a closer look at the details to back this up. I’ll address everything from crime statistics to media portrayals and homelessness concerns.
Is Seattle Safe?
For the most part, Seattle is a safe destination for travel as long as you follow the basic safety precautions you would in any big city. Visitors should be aware of property crime risks and the prevalence of homelessness.
According to the Seattle Police Department’s crime dashboard, the city primarily struggles with property crime. Violent crime in Seattle has risen slightly in recent years. However, both violent and property crime rates have been on a downward trajectory since 2022.
Depending on where you are in the city, you may see a significant population of homeless camps. You may also see people in various stages of mental crisis, including drug addiction.
Some areas of the city that took a hit during the pandemic are still struggling to recover. Downtown and Pioneer Square in particular saw many businesses shutter during this time, though some of this was due to remote work becoming the norm.
Seattle’s weather is generally mild, albeit rainy, with little chance of natural disasters.
Some of this may be concerning, but it’s important to know that there are ways to safely explore the city and safe neighborhoods and areas for all visitors.
Things to Know About Safety in Seattle
Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Seattle
The majority of the neighborhoods in Seattle are safe for tourists to explore, especially in the daytime.
West Seattle, Magnolia, Fremont, Phinney Ridge, and Columbia City are some of the safest neighborhoods with lower overall crime rates. In addition, the main tourist attractions like Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the Space Needle, and the waterfront are safe to explore.
There are no particularly dangerous or unsafe neighborhoods that you should never visit. But there are areas you’ll want to steer clear of if you’re out alone at nighttime.
Avoid downtown Seattle’s 3rd Avenue, particularly between Pike and Pine, and James and Yesler. I tend to avoid getting off at Pioneer Square Station when using the light rail. Be cautious at the International District light rail station in the evening. I would also generally recommend avoiding Aurora Ave N, north of 80th St.
Be cautious when exploring Pioneer Square, SoDo, the International District, First Hill, and Belltown, especially at night. Capitol Hill, Northgate, and Queen Anne have higher rates of property crime.
While the downtown core and adjacent areas are relatively high crime areas, they also contain some of the best things to do in Seattle. Don’t completely write them off!
My personal experience is this: Certain parts of the city have been in recovery mode since the pandemic, but I’ve never felt unsafe at Seattle’s main attractions. I still regularly go out to the bars in Belltown, grab dinner in the International District, and enjoy shows and events in Capitol Hill without incident.
Downtown has less activity than it used to, particularly because many companies moved to remote work and there’s simply less foot traffic. You’ll likely be safe in these areas if you use common sense and remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Still worried about staying in the big city? Bellevue and Mercer Island are two neighboring suburbs with much lower crime rates. And if you’re still having trouble deciding where to stay in Seattle, check out my article for even more details on the most visitor-friendly areas.
👉 But What About CHOP? During the protests of 2020, Seattle made the news because of the creation of CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest). Media outlets portrayed this in wildly different (and often exaggerated) ways. Some claimed that CHOP encompassed the entire city or that it continues to the present day.
In reality, CHOP was in a small area of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and lasted for a few weeks. It is no longer in existence, did not spread through the entire city, and all evidence of its existence is basically gone. Visitors will not encounter it.
Crime in Seattle
Seattle’s crime rate rose from 2020 through 2021, but both have been steadily declining since 2022.
According to the crime dashboard from the Seattle Police Department, the most common crimes in Seattle are larceny, motor vehicle theft, and burglary. Car break-ins at King County hiking trailheads have been on the rise since 2022. There was legislation proposed to deter this problem, and a local hiker even made a list of the most targeted trailheads.
Seattle also has one of the highest rates of people experiencing homelessness compared to other cities in the United States.
There is homelessness throughout the city. This does not translate to criminal activities, but certain travelers may feel uncomfortable in areas where it is most visible. These areas include Pioneer Square, Downtown, and parts of the International District, University District, and Capitol Hill.
Most criminals don’t specifically target tourists. The majority of tourists will find that Seattle is not a dangerous city.
Common Scams in Seattle
There are not a lot of scams in Seattle, but that doesn’t mean they’re non-existent. If you’re visiting some of the downtown area’s tourist sites, you may want to be on alert for a few of the following scams, though they’re not unique to Seattle:
💿 CD/Mixtape Scam – Just walk away if someone tries to hand you a CD or asks you to listen to their mixtape. If you take the CD, they will pester you to pay them for it, hoping to wear you down for a few bucks.
📿 Monk Scam – If someone comes up to you claiming to be a monk and tries to hand you a bracelet, pamphlet, medal, or anything else, don’t take it from them. It’s not a free gift. Once you take it, they will expect a donation.
💸 Panhandling – You may encounter people asking for money for gas, their baby, the bus, or any other kind of panhandling. Politely decline and move on.
Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters
Seattle doesn’t have particularly hazardous weather, but it rains often. This can affect driving conditions and comfort when going out.
Seattle’s rainfall is not always a downpour but it’s usually consistent. Make sure you’re comfortable driving in the rain if that’s your preferred method of getting around Seattle. Bookmark my Seattle packing list if you want to know what to bring to stay comfortable and dry.
Seattle summers are pretty, warm, and mostly mild. However, heat waves and smoke from wildfires have become more commonplace in recent years. Most homes in Seattle don’t have air conditioning. You’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated and find somewhere to stay cool if your visit falls in the middle of a heat wave or during smoky and unsafe air quality conditions.
Snowfall is not guaranteed during winter, but occasionally a big snowstorm will bring the city to a halt. Seattle is very hilly and most vehicles and drivers are simply not adept at navigating the icy roads.
Bus routes change and businesses close while conditions remain precarious. You’ll want to exercise caution if you go out during or after a big snowstorm. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
Want more insight into what weather conditions to expect in Seattle year-round? Check out my article on the best time to visit Seattle next.
Solo Female Traveler Safety
Most solo female travelers will feel safe in Seattle. It even made our list of the best solo female destinations in the USA.
As with any solo female travel, there is a higher risk of being in an uncomfortable situation like catcalling or receiving unwanted attention.
To feel safe, employ the same safety measures you would in other cities. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking in dimly lit areas at night. Stay vigilant while exploring, and try not to go out solo at night.
Don’t be afraid to leave immediately if you feel like you’ve wandered into an unsafe neighborhood or situation. Always make sure you let someone you trust know where you are.
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Safety
LGBTQ+ travelers will feel welcome in Seattle. There are a lot of queer-friendly spaces, especially in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the highest concentration of gay bars in the city.
Dozens of other neighborhoods and spaces throughout the city welcome LGBTQ+ travelers. Seattle is often ranked as one of the top destinations in the USA for LGBTQ+ travel.
BIPOC travelers will also generally feel safe in Seattle. The local population of BIPOC people is not particularly high in Seattle, as in other states. But the city leans more progressive and is generally welcoming to diverse groups.
There are also several neighborhoods with more diverse populations where travelers who identify as such may feel more comfortable. A few of these include the Central District, Beacon Hill, Columbia City, and the International District.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Seattle?
Seattle’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. It’s also particularly delicious because it’s captured from rain and snowmelt from mountain watersheds. There’s less chance for water to be contaminated because the watersheds are close to the city.
You can read up on annual water quality reports and monitoring results by the Seattle Public Utilities if you’re concerned about the water quality. Reports detail how everything is monitored, detected compounds, and what is being done to address any water issue concerns.
Most travelers will find that the tap water tastes better than bottled water. Seattle is serious about reducing its environmental impact, so this is also a good way to cut down on plastic bottle usage.
7 Safety Tips for Seattle
Tip #1 – Don’t Leave Your Valuables In The Car
The most common crime in Seattle is property crime, so never leave valuables in your car. Lock your car doors, and don’t leave anything in plain sight, whether you think it looks costly or not.
This may not completely deter the crime (your window could still get broken), but at least you won’t have to replace something valuable.
Tip #2 – Always Have A Plan To Get Home
Always have a way to get home when you go out, especially in an area with a higher crime rate. Know what your plan is ahead of time.
Call an Uber, take a taxi, ride the bus, or light rail, and move with purpose so no one thinks you’re lost or tries to take advantage of you.
Tip #3 – Be Cautious When Driving In The Rain
Be extra cautious on the slick roads if you’re not used to driving in the rain. Don’t be afraid to go a little slower and be careful on hills.
There are tons of public transportation options in Seattle to use instead of driving if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Tip #4 – Stay Out of Unsafe Areas at Night, Especially When Alone
Avoid making yourself a target by staying out of unsafe areas late at night, especially if you’re alone. Practice safety measures you would in any other city.
Don’t take shortcuts through unlit streets and alleys, especially if they’re in some of the sketchier areas. This applies to downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, SODO, and the International District.
Tip #5 – Trust Your Intuition Around Others
You can safely assume that if someone approaches you, tries to give you something, or jostles you, they are trying to distract you or get something out of you.
Because of the infamous “Seattle freeze”, most locals are polite and reserved and won’t bother you. If someone does, it’s more than likely that their intentions aren’t in your best interest.
Tip #6 – Hike Smart
Make sure you come prepared or do the necessary research to avoid danger on the trails or risky encounters with wildlife if you go on a hike near Seattle.
Always bring first aid, a map, and a way to communicate should something go wrong. Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and bring layers to keep warm. This applies whether you’re walking through Discovery Park or checking out trails further away.
Tip #7 – Know the Marijuana Laws
Washington is one of 24 states where the recreational use of marijuana is legal. Make sure you know the laws, and be smart about where and when you use it if you’re planning to partake.
Don’t drive while high. Avoid getting high in a place that feels unsafe or that you’re unfamiliar with. Buy from one of Seattle’s reputable dispensaries, and bring cash to make your purchase.
📚 Related Reading: Enjoyed these safety tips and want more general tips for traveling and what to expect in Seattle? Read my Seattle travel tips next!
FAQs
What are safe areas to stay in Seattle?
West Seattle, Fremont, Columbia City, Magnolia, and Phinney Ridge are some of the safest areas to stay in Seattle. The hotels around the downtown area are also safe places to stay and convenient because they’re close to the city’s best attractions.
Is Seattle dangerous right now?
Seattle is not too dangerous right now, and the majority of tourists will feel perfectly safe during the daytime and while exploring the most attraction-dense areas. The crime rate in Seattle has declined slightly since 2022. Take proper safety precautions, avoid potentially dangerous areas at night, and stay aware of your surroundings to have a safe visit.
Is there a lot of crime in Seattle?
Seattle’s crime rate has declined slightly since 2022. The most prevalent crime the city faces tends to be property crime, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Despite spikes and dips in the past several years, Seattle’s crime rate has not surpassed the peak of high crime it had between the 70s and 90s.
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Equipped with this information, I hope you feel confident that you can visit Seattle safely and comfortably. Want information about how to make the most of your trip? Check out my other Seattle travel guides next!
Your comments on the watrr need additional information.
It’s true that the water in the watershed is very pure and clean, but in the 1959’s, Seattle started fluoridating our water. The chemicals that they put in the water system corroded the pipes, and the lead solder in the pipes.
By the time it was noticed, the damage had been done.
They’ve since added some more chemicals to balance out the pH so the acid doesn’t eat away at the pipes, but the damage has already been done.
The water pipes were put in over 100 years ago and are leaching out high levels of lead – so high that the drinking fountains in the streets, parks, and schools have all been removed, due to concerns about lawsuits and liability.
When I was a kid, there were drinking fountains everywhere. Now they are all gone.
I buy my water from dispensaries at the grocery store, and put them in one-gallon glass bottles, and carry my own drinking water with me.
Thank you for this. I will be at the Hyatt downtown next week for a conference and I’ve honestly been worried about it. A friend of mine who is a Seattle native that lives in another state now warned me to take Uber even if we had to go a few blocks in the evening for dinner. Would you agree with this?
Hi Howie, I’m glad you’ve found this helpful! Which Hyatt are you staying at? I see multiple Hyatt locations downtown and a couple in the Lower Queen Anne/South Lake Union area (near Seattle Center). Whichever one, you’re staying at, you should be all right.
The ones in downtown proper are several blocks away from 3rd Ave, which is the street I typically avoid when wandering around downtown in the evening. You should be able to go a few blocks around your hotel for dinner without issue.
It may be more of a hassle to Uber in this area than it’s worth. But if you’re eating in restaurants clustered around the Hyatts in this area (ex. Dough Zone, Din Tai Fung, Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, etc), I wouldn’t worry too much. The area is well-lit & close to the Paramount Theater and the Convention Center, so you can usually expect other people to be around.
If you find somewhere across 3rd you want to eat at, I would just walk parallel along 4th or 5th to get as close as possible to the restaurant before crossing over 3rd, rather than walking on 3rd. Just be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution if it’s really late out.
If you’re staying in one of the Hyatts near the Seattle Center, you’ll also be okay. This is a pretty touristy area, and there will likely be a good amount of foot traffic – especially if you’re here on a Kraken or Seattle Storm game day. I’d recommend a meal at Tilikum Place Cafe or Toulouse Petite if you’re in this area.
The reality is that you’ll likely see unhoused people or people struggling with mental health in both areas and I won’t sugar coat that. It may be a bit jarring if you’re coming from a smaller city/town that doesn’t have a large homeless population. But I’ve personally never had an issue and you are unlikely to be targeted. As a petite woman, I prefer exploring with another person if I’m in these areas very late in the evening, but I feel completely comfortable being there alone in the daytime/early evening.
I hope this is helpful — let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy your visit!
So sad, we are booked in Seattle out of the city in 2025 for the train journey the next day. we thought we would spent 3 days prior to see the attractions. Unforunately, So many bad reviews and we want to travel by train to city centre ,about 20 miles out seems too risky so we will not see the attractions I really wanted to see as we are in our late sixtys and the risk seems not worth it. We are from Australia and are not used to travel.
I was hoping to get back to Seattle soon just to visit kinda walk down memory lane. It’s really upsetting to hear the comments and the precautions one has to take nowadays. I love Seattle as I grew up there from ’52 to ’67. It was the safest and most beautiful place in the world. So glad I grew up there. My friends and I did get into mischief. Nothing hardcore. But we would roam First Ave down to Pioneer Square, Queen Anne Hill and West Seattle and we were 12-14. It was the cleanest city I’ve ever lived in or visited. Moved 16 times in 16 years from Yesler to Ballard, Capitol Hill Queen Anne and Fisherman’s Wharf in Magnolia. With all those huge corporations and brilliant minds there, I hope Seattle can come to terms with the homeless situation. The few homeless that we had in the 50s slept at the all night Green Parrot theatre on First Ave for 35 cents with non stop movies playing. Not sure I want to see those tents when I go back to visit. There’s got to be better solutions! Come on Seattle!!!!
My family and I love Seattle, but haven’t been up since pre-COVID times. We were debating to stay either downtown in a hotel (around 6th and Madison) or in downtown Bellevue. We have a 14 year old and an 8 year old and, if we stay downtown, would want to walk to our destinations. If we have to drive in from Bellevue that’s fine too. Just want the best experience and also feel safe. I feel it’s probably fine during the day, but what would your opinion be after dark? Thanks
Perfectly put.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information! My husband and I will be in Seattle soon for an Alaskan Cruise. When the ship returns and they kick us off (around 7a), we have some time to kill before our 11pm flight. We love to leisurely walk and sightsee. I’ve been wondering about walking from Pier 91 to Pike Place. We will not have luggage. Google maps appears to show that the walk would be mostly along the waterfront and would take about an hour. That time/distance is no problem for us. I’m just curious if this is safe and worth it….particularly wondering if walking out of the pier is an issue. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
The walk along the waterfront from the cruise pier will be an absolutely fascinating, enjoyable walk. If you have time, take the elevators up to the Pike Place Market.
You will love it.
Arriving at Seattle airport at 930am My son is picking us up and we’re planning to tour Seattle before driving on to our destination in Port Angeles. As we will have our luggage with us I’m concerned about a car break in.
Any suggestions?
I’ve had my car window smashed and stuff stolen three times, always when the car was parked in a lonely street without any people around.
I learned my lesson, and only park where there is a lot of foot traffic.
Hello, We will be in Seattle 3 nights before a cruise in August. Was looking at the either the Homewood Suites Downtown 206 Western Ave W, Seattle or the Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown, 700 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Are these area’s safe? Which would be better? We plan to Uber & Lyft to see the sites.
Thanks John
Hi Chelsea,
Another female and I will be staying near the airport next week. We want to go down to Pike Place & Great Wheel in the late afternoon 4-7pm timeframe. Is traveling via the light rail green line, and the Westlake stop area a reasonably ok area? Would it be better to plan to Uber back rather than taking the light rail back in the evening hours? Appreciate your input!
Shelly
Hi Chelsea,
My wife and I are planning a trip to Seattle later this year. We plan to go to an afternoon Mariners game. It will be a 15 minute walk from our hotel near Pioneer square. Is this safe or should we take an Uber?
Thanks,
Jon
Take an Uber. Pioneer Square is known for its crime.
The Seattle Freeze is not true- maybe the American Freeze. Lol. Many, many other cities and places are truly unfriendly compared to Seattle. I lived in Seattle for 7 years- friendlier than other places I have lived, especially Las Vegas.
I’m glad you’ve had a positive experience with people and interactions in Seattle, JJ! It certainly varies depending on individual experiences. Cheers! -Chelsea
Chelsea,
Thank you for the great info about Seattle. My wife and I are in our 60s and want to visit Seattle for the first time this summer. We plan to arrive by train at the King Street Station in early June in the evening around 8:00 PM. We really don’t want to rent a car and would rely on public transportation to get around.
1. Is it safe in the evening around King Street Station?
2. We plan to stay about 6 days then fly home. Any hotel recommendations that won’t break the bank?!
Greg
No it is not safe at 8 pm around king station. Do not take public transit it is also not safe…rent a car and stay in a nice hotel with security. I say this as I have lived here for 10 years and would not want my parents walking around at night in the city.
Hi Greg, Seattle in the summer is gorgeous. I’m sure you’ll have a great time here! King Street Station is in the International District. The area around it may make some feel uneasy when it’s dark out. That said, in June, the days are long and the sun won’t set until around 9 pm or later. So there will still be daylight upon your arrival.
If you’re set on public transit, I recommend walking across the street from King Street Station to the light rail station, which I find safe and reliable. From there you can catch the train that will take you to downtown where many hotels are. If you feel unsafe, you can call an uber, taxi, or Lyft to take you to your hotel.
As for hotel recommendations – it really depends on what kind of amenities you’re looking for and what area you want to stay in. Check out my other article on where to stay in Seattle: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-seattle/ This will give you a little more insight and there are some hotel recommendations in there as well. Cheers! -Chelsea
I wouldn’t recommend you wander around the King Street Station area with your belongings at 8PM being from out of town. Go in the wrong direction and you’ll definitely meet up with some unsavory characters. Public transportation would be a gamble from here as well, particularly if you have luggage. Take a rideshare or taxi from King Street Station to wherever you intend to sleep that night. Come back and explore the area during the day (sans your stuff) because Pioneer Square and the International District are definitely worth exploring. I suggest you try Kau Kau for a roast duck…
Don’t move to Belltown. It’s not what it used to be pre pandemic
Hi
May you elaborate on why not Belltown? I am heading that way in April next year.
if not Belltown, where do you recommend I stay?
Thanks
I like coming here for a weekend coming from Vancouver, Canada, and I feel reasonably safe here with my family. DOwntown can be sketchy if you are witless.True, post COVID there seems to be more homeless around but nowhere near what I saw recently in the Bay area, Philly or LA. Granted, it’s colder and wetter in Pacific NW than in SoCal 😉 My favorite is Space Needle/Armoury area in the summer. If driving, Seattle is usually a gridlock central during rush hour and along I-5, but public transit and bikes/scooters downtown help to get around reasonably safe and efficiently. I like the ongoing rejuvenation of the Waterfront area. And, comparably, Seattle is not as expensive as aforementioned cities for a night out, but the parking can be pricey if not being prudent.
Thanks for sharing your experience Piotrek! I’m glad you feel safe in Seattle, and I agree with much of your assessment. Cheers! -Chelsea
Seattle it’s an awesome place
Hi Chelsea, I am moving to Seattle, and arrive late on a flight, possibly get to the apartment at 9-10pm at night, on western avenue near Pike place.
Would you have any advice or tips about that part of town?
Seattle is not bad. I felt safe there. I’m from Houston, and when I was in Seattle I lived on 4th and Clay in Belltown by the Spaceneedle. But this was in 2019, I am trying to move back soon.
Nice article, generally helpful, but imo downplayed the stark, sad reality of widespread homelessness and its probable connection to begging scams and property crime.
I feel somewhat safe here. I’d probably feel safer if I didn’t read the citizen app. I find people in shops always nice and of course it’s very crowded in the summer being a tourist destination. I don’t have a car and I find getting around this town great using public transportation. I think the writer’s list of things regarding Seattle are pretty spot on. The only thing is I don’t drink the water because I did some research and they said it really wasn’t safe, I wish it was because it would save me a lot of money. The only thing I noticed is there’s a lot of car wrecks here. They say Seattle drivers are some of the worst in the country. A lot of hit and runs and a lot of pedestrian accidents, which I sometimes think might be the homeless because they walk directly in front of cars. I think that’s the only thing that’s troublesome is the amount of homeless because they’re offered places to stay but they suffer from mental illness and drug addiction so they stay on the streets and I don’t always feel safe around them. But I’ve never had any issues so far as I also get home before dark. As far as the weather is concerned, I love it as my mood isn’t governed by the weather. We’re having snow now as we’re entering December. I love the rain. What I didn’t love is last summer. It was terribly hot and uncomfortable and a lot of fires. But I find it a beautiful city in many ways. So green and lush and great views of water surrounding us here in Seattle.
Hi I am from Oregon. I will be traveling in December to a place called Seattle heights (haller lake) The reviews I have read it’s one of the 10 most dangerous places is this true? Researching I have gotten a lot of conflicting opinions. I’d appreciate anyone that knows that area can give me a little more info on it.