Is Seattle a safe city? Itās a question many residents, visitors, and future movers ask as the city continues to grow and change. The Seattle crime rateĀ has shifted in recent years, and understanding the latest 2024 data helps paint a clearer picture of how the city compares to other major urban areas across the United States.
In this guide, we break down key crime statistics, highlight the safest neighborhoods, and identify areas with higher risk. Youāll also learn practical tips for staying safe whether youāre living in Seattle or planning a visit. This comprehensive overview gives you the insight you need to navigate the city confidently.
What Is the Latest Seattle Crime Rate?
Seattleās most recent full crime dataset from 2024 shows the city facing elevated levels of both violent and property crime. With a population of 760,058, Seattle recorded 5,891 violent crimes and 38,061 property crimes, placing the city well above national averages entering 2025.
Converted into per-capita terms, Seattleās violent crime rate sits at 775 incidents per 100,000 residents, while its property crime rate reaches 5,008 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime remains the cityās most persistent challenge, and Seattle consistently ranks among the highest U.S. metros for theft-related offenses, particularly larceny and vehicle theft.
A closer look at the 2024 data highlights the categories driving these totals: 52 murders, 352 rapes, 1,677 robberies, and 3,810 aggravated assaults. Property crimes were even more substantial, with 8,756 burglaries, 21,905 thefts, 7,400 motor vehicle thefts, and 153 arsons. Together, these figures make clear that theft and auto crime heavily shape Seattleās overall crime landscape.
How Does Seattleās Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?
Seattleās 2024 crime figures show a city with one of the highest property-crime levels in the nation and above-average violent crime compared to similar U.S. metros. By examining per-capita rates and category breakdowns, we can better understand where Seattle stands nationally and why it ranks as a high-crime major city heading into 2025.
- Seattleās overall crime levels stand out nationally. With 5,891 violent crimes and 38,061 property crimes in 2024, Seattle reports significantly higher totals than most similarly sized cities. These numbers place it on the upper end of national crime distributions, especially for property-related offenses.
- Violent crime places Seattle above the majority of cities. The violent crime rate of 775 per 100,000 residents is higher than that of most large U.S. metros. While not the highest in the country, this rate situates Seattle well above the median, indicating that violent incidents occur more often here than in many comparable cities.
- Property crime is where Seattle truly separates itself.With a property crime rate of 5,008 per 100,000, based on 38,061 total property offenses, Seattle ranks among the highest in the nation. Few major cities reach this level of theft, burglary, and vehicle-related crime, making property crime the category that most defines Seattleās national standing.
- Robbery and aggravated assault reinforce the cityās higher-than-average violent rate. With 1,677 robberies and 3,810 aggravated assaults, Seattleās violent crime profile mirrors that of larger urban areas, yet its totals remain above national averages.
Overall, Seattle ranks as a high-crime major U.S. city. While not the most violent, its exceptionally high property crime sharply elevates its overall crime ranking going into 2025.
Which Seattle Neighborhoods Are the Safest &Ā Which to Watch?
Crime varies substantially across Seattle, with some neighborhoods offering strong safety records and others requiring higher situational awareness.
The Safest Seattle Neighborhoods
- Hawthorne Hills
A quiet residential enclave in northeast Seattle, Hawthorne Hills sees consistently low violent and property crime, thanks to limited commercial activity and strong neighborhood cohesion.
- Broadmoor
This gated residential community is one of the cityās most secure areas, benefiting from controlled access, private security, and high local engagement.
- Other low-crime residential pockets
Surrounding northeast neighborhoodsāknown for family-oriented living, quieter streets, and stable homeowner presenceāreport far fewer thefts and assaults than the city average.
Major Neighborhoods to Watch
- Belltown
Regularly identified in crime reports as one of Seattleās highest-activity areas, Belltownās nightlife, tourism, and dense urban environment contribute to elevated theft, assault, and late-night incidents.
- Downtown Seattle
The commercial core frequently experiences vehicle break-ins, theft, and street-level crime, driven by high foot traffic and 24-hour activity near transit hubs.
- Nightlife and transit-heavy corridors
Areas with large visitor populations and around-the-clock movement, such as segments of South Lake Union, parts of Capitol Hill, and key transportation zones, tend to report higher robbery and property crime rates.
How to Live or Visit Safely in Seattle
Whether you live in Seattle or are planning a visit, staying proactive about personal and home security is essential. The cityās elevated property-crime levels make preparation and the right tools especially valuable. Below are practical, concise tips to help you stay safe and protect your home or rental.
Secure Your Residence or Rental
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Install a reliable outdoor security camera system: For homeowners and long-term renters, the eufyCam S4offers wide-angle monitoring, PTZ auto-tracking, and detailed zoom capabilities. Its ability to follow and frame movement helps deter break-ins and identify suspicious activity around your property.
- Use an NVR for larger homes or multiple entry points:If you need full-property visibilityĀ of driveway, yard, side gates, and more, the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 MaxĀ provides 24/7 recording, multi-camera tracking, and local AI to reduce false alerts. Local storage ensures reliable monitoring even if Wi-Fi drops.
- Monitor interiors when away or overnight: The Indoor Cam S350offers 360Ā° pan/tilt and 8Ć zoom, ideal for renters, shared homes, or frequent travelers. Its advanced night vision and AI tracking let you check for movement, pets, or unexpected activity anytime.
Control and Monitor Entry Points
- Install a smart video doorbell:Seattleās porch-theft rate makes front-door monitoring crucial. The Video Doorbell E340Ā captures both visitors and package areas using dual cameras and 2K clarity, helping deter thieves and document suspicious encounters.
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Create layered protection around your home:Pairing an outdoor system (eufyCam S4), an indoor cam (S350), and a doorbell (E340) forms a complete security shield that tracks activity from outside to inside, making it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed.
Maintain Smart Habits and Situational Awareness
- Keep windows, doors, and vehicles locked: Seattleās high rates of theft and auto theft make basic precautions essential. Avoid leaving valuables visible in cars or near windows.
- Use lighting and visibility to your advantage:Motion lights, timers, and clear sightlines help deter nighttime intruders. When paired with cameras, lighting makes suspicious behavior easier to detect.
- Be alert in busy or nightlife districts:If walking in Downtown, Belltown, or transit-heavy areas at night, travel in groups, avoid isolated streets, and consider public transit or rideshares.
Upgrade to a Fully Managed Security Solution
- For frequent travelers or high-risk areas:The eufy ExpertSecure SystemĀ provides 24/7 local video alarms, hybrid sensors, local AI, and professional monitoring, even during outages.
- Review recordings and alerts regularly:Whether using security camerasĀ or video doorbells, review alerts and footage weekly to ensure cameras function properly and detection zones remain accurate.
By combining smart habits with eufyās layered security cameras and video doorbells, you can significantly reduce risks and navigate Seattle with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The seattle crime rate, as weāve seen, is higher than in many U.S. cities, particularly when it comes to property-related offenses. But this does not mean you cannot live in or visit Seattle safely. With smart habits, awareness and the right precautions, most people navigate the city without issues. Choosing safer neighborhoods, securing your home or accommodation with security systemsĀ and staying alert in busy areas all make a meaningful difference, allowing you to enjoy Seattle with confidence.
FAQs
Where does Seattle rank in crime?
Seattle ranks among the higher-crime major U.S. cities, placing near the top nationally for property-related offenses. In 2024, it appeared in the top five for total crime and violent crime, reflecting ongoing safety challenges compared with similarly sized metropolitan areas.
Is crime a problem in Seattle?
Yes, crime remains a concern, particularly property crime such as theft, burglary and vehicle break-ins. While many neighborhoods are relatively safe, the cityās overall crime rate is elevated enough that residents and visitors benefit from staying aware and using basic safety precautions.
Is it safe to walk around downtown Seattle?
Is downtown Seattle safe? Downtown Seattle is generally safe during the daytime, but evenings can bring increased theft and street activity. Staying in well-lit areas, remaining aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated streets help ensure a safer experience when walking through the city center.
Has the crime rate in SeattleĀ gone up or down recently?
Seattleās crime rate has gradually declined, with reported offenses decreasing each year since 2022. While the city still experiences above-average crime levels, the downward trend suggests improvements in enforcement, community initiatives and neighborhood-level safety efforts.
