Is Washington Dangerous? Check out the Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Washington

Washington, a land of misty forests, rugged coastlines, and vibrant cities, is not without its shadows. Beneath innovation and natural beauty, some urban landscapes are marred by rising crime rates that challenge the sense of security many take for granted.

Is Washington Dangerous

Yes, Washington's crime rates, particularly in violent and property crime, have been on the rise, especially in the last five years.

Violent Crime

Washington saw a 19% increase in violent crime from 2021 to 2022, reaching a record high. The trend continued into 2024 and 2025. As of 2025, violent crime has decreased by 28% compared to 2024, but the total violent crime rate is still higher than pre-2020 levels. Despite this decrease, the state remains far from its historical lows, a grim prospect facing people in Washington.

Property Crime

Property crime in Washington has also increased significantly. From 2021 to 2022, property crime in Washington rose by 13%, while the national trend showed a 12% decline. In 2025, property crime in Washington decreased by 14% compared to 2024, but the state still faces elevated property crime rates compared to the national average. Washington ranks 2nd worst in the nation for property crime, which includes offenses like burglary, motor vehicle theft, and larceny-theft.

Which 10 Washington Cities Have the Highest Crime Rate?

On the basis of the FBI's city-wide crime data, you'll get to know more about the 10 worst cities in Washington and what's behind them.

1. Seattle

Seattle, Washington's largest city, is growing quickly, but there are also serious safety issues. According to Seattle WA crime statistics, the city had a violent crime rate of 586.1 per 100,000 people, with a population of more than 763,000. This number shows that there is a clear conflict between the city's growing tech sector and the problems some neighborhoods are having. The city is great for culture, business, and new ideas, but crime is still a problem, especially in some areas where property crime rates can reach 4,494.0 incidents per 100,000 people.

2. Tacoma

Tacoma has a population of 218,650 and has a crime rate that is higher than that of many other cities in the state. There is a lot of violent crime here, with 846.7 crimes per 100,000 people. This number shows how hard it is for Tacoma to deal with economic disparity, which is one of the reasons (including poverty and unemployment, etc.) its crime rates are so high. Property crimes are next, with 5,223.7 crimes per 100,000 people. Residents and officials are still worried about these crime statistics Tacoma, even though the city's infrastructure is being worked on.

3. Spokane

There has been a rise in violent crimes in Spokane, which has a rate of 689.2 per 100,000 people. The rise in violence in the city, which has a population of just over 220,000, is a sign of larger social problems like addiction and a lack of job opportunities. There are also a lot of property crimes here, with a rate of 5,920.3 incidents per 100,000 people. Spokane is known for its beautiful scenery, but its crime statistics show that the community needs to do more to keep its residents safe.

4. Kent

Kent, home to over 131,000 residents, may not have the largest population, but its crime rate tells a different story. For a city of its size, the violent crime rate of 370.2 per 100,000 people is very high. Along with this number, there are also property crime numbers that show how hard things are in the area: 3,969.5 incidents per 100,000 people. As the population grows, Kent will need to focus on making changes to public safety and how resources are used to deal with these problems more effectively.

5. Lakewood

Lakewood’s violent crime rate of 756.9 per 100,000 may seem alarming considering its population of just over 60,000. This rate places it among the more dangerous cities in Washington. Property crime in Lakewood is also an issue, with a rate of 3,770.1 per 100,000. While the city offers a quieter suburban atmosphere compared to larger urban centers, it is clear that Lakewood faces significant challenges in terms of public safety. Local initiatives will need to focus on improving community outreach and tackling the root causes of crime to make lasting improvements.

6. Vancouver

Vancouver, Washington, a city that borders Oregon, boasts a population of 185,000, but its crime data paints a mixed picture. With a violent crime rate of 480.7 per 100,000 people, the city experiences less violence than other urban centers like Seattle or Tacoma, but the threat still exists. Property crime, however, tells a different story, with a rate of 3,238.4 per 100,000. The city’s proximity to Portland may contribute to some of these figures, highlighting the importance of collaborative crime-fighting efforts across state lines.

7. Federal Way

Federal Way has a violent crime rate of 336.2 per 100,000 people, which is a lot for a city with a population of almost 100,000. This number is lower than those in bigger cities in Washington, but it's still a problem for a community that prides itself on being a family-friendly suburb. The property crime rate of 4,251.2 per 100,000 is another sign that public safety is still a problem. Community leaders are trying to find solutions, but Federal Way still has a long way to go to keep crime under control in a growing population.

8. Renton

Renton has a population of 103,000 and a violent crime rate of 314.2 per 100,000 people, which is relatively low. Compared to other cities in Washington, this is a good trend. But Renton's property crime rate of 4,037.0 per 100,000 shows how hard it is to stop theft and other crimes related to property. City officials are trying to solve these problems by using community-based policing and neighborhood watch programs. They want to keep the city's reputation as a safe and friendly place to live.

9. Bellevue

Many people are surprised that Bellevue, which is known for its wealthy neighborhoods and business centers, has a violent crime rate of only 123.2 per 100,000 people. The city has a low rate of violent crime, but property crime is a problem, with a rate of 2,838.0 per 100,000 people. As Bellevue grows, property crime rates rise, which is a trend seen in other big cities where theft and burglary are becoming more common. This difference between violent and property crime rates shows that no city, no matter how rich, is safe from crime.

10. Burien

Burien, with a population of 52,388, reports a violent crime rate of 343.2 per 100,000, a statistic that raises concerns for a city of its size. Despite being a smaller community, Burien is not exempt from crime issues. The property crime rate is particularly high at 3,329.0 per 100,000 people, indicating that burglary and theft remain serious concerns for residents. While crime is not as rampant as in larger cities, these statistics suggest that Burien must continue to invest in safety measures and community outreach programs to ensure its future stability.

Why These 10 Washington State Cities Tend to Be Dangerous

Economic inequality, poverty, weak social cohesion, and certain urban‑environment features all contribute to crime:

• Higher poverty and income inequality are strongly linked to increased crime rates. When economic disparity is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, social stability is weakened, and crime becomes more prevalent. People in these areas often lack access to quality jobs, education, and community support, leading some to turn to crime as a response to perceived unfairness and limited opportunities.
• In neighborhoods with low social cohesion and weak community engagement, crime rates are higher. Poverty exacerbates this issue, leading to more violence and victimization, especially in areas with limited resources and support systems.
• High-density areas with retail and commercial zones attract more foot traffic, which increases opportunities for crime. Neglected urban spaces, such as abandoned buildings or poorly maintained areas, further contribute to higher crime rates and feelings of insecurity.
• Larger, denser populations create more anonymity, making it easier for criminals to operate without being noticed. Busy urban zones with mixed residential and commercial use often see more theft, robbery, and assault compared to quieter suburban or rural areas.

Safety Tips for those staying in Washington

Whether you're visiting for business, vacation, or living in Washington, it's indispensable to stay aware of your surroundings and take proactive measures:

• Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like texting or looking at your phone.
• Avoid risky areas at night, especially neighborhoods with higher crime rates.
• Secure your belongings by locking your car and keeping personal items close to your body.
• Use well-known transportation options like Uber or Lyft, and avoid accepting rides from strangers.
• Lock all doors and windows in your accommodation, and know emergency exit routes.
• Save local emergency numbers in your phone, including 911 for police, fire, and medical help.
• Research the area you're staying in using apps like Google Maps and local crime databases.
• Travel in groups when possible, and let someone know your whereabouts if traveling alone.
• Trust your instincts and leave a situation if something feels off.
• Keep your phone charged and carry a backup power source for emergencies.

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Washington: The Road Ahead

Though Washington’s towering peaks and vast rivers may whisper of peace, the story on the ground is more complex. As crime continues to climb in certain cities, the state faces a reckoning with its social and economic disparities. Yet even in the face of rising violence and property crime, Washington’s heart beats with resilience. Communities, law enforcement, and leaders are working tirelessly to turn the tide, striving to reclaim the streets and restore safety for all.

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