10 Safest Cities in Washington (2023 Updated) (2023)

Between 2010 and 2020, Washington State added around one million new residents, which equals a 15$ growth and the seventh-highest among all states.

With such a rapid expansion, Washington is certainly an attractive destination.

Therefore, for those considering making the move or visiting for a vacation, it is important to understand the crime and safest destinations.

Statistically speaking, Washington is a relatively safe place to call home, even in major cities.

Therefore, if you are considering visiting or relocating to Washington in the future, keep reading to learn more about the safest cities based on crime data, a few safety tips, and the most frequently asked questions!

10 Safest Cities in Washington

10: West Richland

As part of the Tri-Cities Metropolitan area with Kennewick and Pasco, West Richland is fairly quiet and a wonderful place to raise a family.

The town features extensive shopping, two grocery stores, movie theaters, good schools, and farmers’ markets with countless organic and natural items.

Also, the town is located on the Columbia River, which is a beautiful place to go fishing, swim, and enjoy nature.

West Richland sneaks onto this list at number 10 because of a violent crime rate of 1.2 crimes per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000 people.

9: Kenmore

Located in King County as a suburb of Seattle, Kenmore offers residents and visitors a dense suburban feel where most residents own homes.

The Main Street area of Kenmore boasts a plethora of parks, coffee shops, and excellent restaurants.

Many young professionals and families have decided to call Kenmore home due to its excellent public schools, good nightlife, and diversity.

Kenmore has a violent crime rate of only 0.8, which makes it a safe place to live.

8: East Wenatchee

With a population of just over 14,000, East Wenatchee regularly lands on the Best Places to Live in Washington list.

From stunning seasons to charming neighborhoods and a vibrant cultural and arts scene, East Wenatchee is a great place to live with low crime.

The violent crime rate is practically non-existent at 0.6, while the property crime rate is 13.4.

7: Maple Valley

Situated in King County near Covington, Maple Valley boasts a rural and quiet feel, which is the perfect destination for nature lovers.

With endless hiking trails, farmers’ markets, and a variety of other outdoor activities, visitors to Maple Valley will feel safe.

The violent crime rate in this cute little town is only 0.5 and the property crime is 11.2.

6: Mercer Island

Mercer Island is no stranger to safety top 10 lists and this year it falls right in the center.

Located in Lake Washington, just a few miles from Seattle, Mercer Island is a suburban community that offers good schools and a simple commute into downtown Seattle.

This island community is clean, new, and safe, with a violent crime rate of only 0.3 and a property crime rate of 14.

5: Selah

Most famous for the delicious apples the farms in town grow, Selah boasts a small population of only around 7,000 residents.

Those who live in the town enjoy the outdoors with countless climbing opportunities and hiking trails surrounding the town limits.

For those who are interested in nature sightseeing, the Selah area is home to a variety of animals ranging from bald eagles to bighorn sheep.

Given that it is a quiet agricultural city, Selah is the fifth safest location in Washington.

4: Ridgefield

The smallest city amongst these top five is Ridgefield.

Located in southwestern Washington, next to the Oregon border, Ridgefield was originally home to the Chinook Tribe, but then settled by James Carty in 1840 and incorporated in 1909.

Boasting rolling hills and a charming Main Street America feel, this tranquil setting is not surprisingly one of the safest in the Evergreen State with an overall crime score of 2.57.

3: Snoqualmie

Famous for its 268-foot waterfall, Snoqualmie offers a variety of outdoor activities to keep residents and visitors busy.

Ranging from the Northwest Railway Museum to extensive hiking trails and proximity to Seattle, Snoqualmie is a versatile destination.

The 12,000 citizens who call Snoqualmie home are thrilled to know it is the third safest town in the state with a crime score of 2.00.

The violent crime rate in 2021 was 0.4 ad the property crime rate was 12.

2: Duvall

Incorporated as a town just 100 years ago, Duvall was settled by Francis and James Duvall, both of whom worked in the logging industry.

Since then, Duvall has expanded to a quaint town of 7,000 residents, with 62% growth since 2000.

That is to police chief Carey Hert and all the other brave officers in the town, this community ranks as the second safest in Washington State.

With an overall crime rating of 1.99 crimes, Duvall is a very safe place to live and visit.

1: Sammamish

Each year Sammamish is always in the top three safest towns in Washington State.

Located only 30-minutes from downtown Seattle in King County, Sammamish has received previous accolades as the friendliest town and best place to live in the United States.

With a population of just under 50,000, Sammamish boasts an overall crime score of 1.76 crimes.

The violent crime rate for 2021 and 2022 was 0.3 and the property crime rate was 6.0 and 6.6, respectively.

5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Washington

Safety Tip #1: Don’t Draw Attention

Whether you are on mass transit in Seattle or a small town in Eastern Washington, try not to look like you are from out of town.

Those who do are more vulnerable to crime, so blend as much as possible.

Selecting inconspicuous clothing will not draw attention and always be discreet when looking at maps.

Also, approach others carefully when you need to ask for directions.

Safety Tip #2: Have Copies of Important Documents

You never know when you may need a copy of your driver’s license or another form of identification.

Scanning these documents, saving them online, and printing a few hard copies do not take much time.

This way you will not be scrambling for proper documentation if you need to urgently get home or show proof of identification.

It is also a good idea to make copies of your credit cards in case they are lost.

Safety Tip #3: Check-in with Your Friends and Family

Regardless of where you are going, on a month-long international journey, or on an overnight jaunt, always let your friends and family know that you are leaving.

Before departing, send a copy of your itinerary to several trusted individuals who will track your locations.

Also, inform regularly your contacts about what you are doing and where you should be based on the itinerary.

Safety Tip #4: Utilize the Safe in Your Hotel Room

If you are planning to travel with valuables or large sums of money, then it is best to utilize the hotel room safe.

While it is never advisable to do so, if you must bring expensive items then do not leave them sprawled out on the bed or even in your suitcase.

Safety Tip #5: Be Aware of your Surroundings

This safety tip applies to being in a major city like Seattle or out in the forest.

While the two destinations have different dangers, knowing where you are, where you are going, and not wandering off the beaten path will help you avoid troublesome situations.

In cities, you could be subjected to a crime and in the wilderness, you could be subjected to animals and natural dangers.