Is Seattle Safe? (Honest Info From a Local)  (2024)

👉Jump to:Is Seattle Safe?|Safe Areas|Crime|Scams|Weather|Solo Female||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 who explores the city often. I’ve witnessed the city grow and change over the years, and I’ll walk you through the data and my take on the city’s safety. 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 and address everything from crime statistics to media portrayals and homelessness concerns.

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Is Seattle Safe?

For the most part, Seattle is a safe destination for travel as long as you follow the basic safety precautions that you would in any other 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 petty crime and property crime, though violent crime in Seattle has risen slightly in recent years.

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 and unsafe neighborhoods in Seattle 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. 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. So don’t completely write them off!

My personal experience is this: it’s true that certain parts of Seattle have been in recovery mode since the pandemic, but I’ve never felt unsafe in Seattle’s main attractions. I still go out to the bars in Belltown, grab dinner in the International District, and enjoy shows in Capitol Hill without incident.

Downtown has less activity than it used to, particularly because many companies have 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 ways. Some indicated that CHOP encompassed the entire city of Seattle 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 on a visit to Seattle.

Crime in Seattle

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. While this doesn’t translate to criminal activities, certain travelers may feel uncomfortable in areas where this is most prevalent. These areas include Pioneer Square, Downtown, and parts of the International and University District.

Most criminals don’t specifically target tourists, and the majority of tourists will find 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 stop you 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 nice, 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. Also, 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, but 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 places 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 always 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, 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 ever 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.

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 make sure to not leave any valuables in your car. Lock your car doors, and don’t leave anything in plain sight, whether you think it looks valuable 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

Make sure you 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 and tries to take advantage of this.

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 may apply in downtown Seattle and adjacent neighborhoods, SoDo, or 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 for a reason or get something out of you.

Because of the infamous “Seattle freeze”, most locals are 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 any danger on the trails and encounters with wildlife if you go on a hike near Seattle.

Always bring first aid, have a map and a way to communicate should something go wrong, and bring comfortable and sturdy footwear. 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 when here.

Don’t drive while high and 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 Seattle travel tips? Save this article so you can read it next!

FAQs About Safety When Visiting Seattle

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Equipped with this information, I hope you feel reassured that can visit Seattle safely and comfortably. Want information about how to make the most of your trip? Check out any of my other Seattle guides next!