According to Southwest Journal, between 2010 and 2020, Washington State gained about a million more people, making it the seventh fastest-growing state in the country with a 15% increase. This growth has made Washington even more appealing, leading people to think about visiting or moving there. But with more folks around, safety becomes crucial. The good news is that, overall, Washington is a pretty safe place, even in its bigger cities. So, if you’re planning a trip or thinking about living in Washington, it’s smart to check out the safest towns using crime stats. In this report, we’ll talk about the safest places, give some helpful safety tips, and answer common questions for anyone considering Washington as their next stop.
Cities in Washington. (photo: shutterstock)
West Richland
West Richland, at number ten, is calm in the Tri-Cities area, offering shops, cinemas, and good schools. With a low violent crime rate of 1.2 and a property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000 residents, it’s a safe spot.
Kenmore
Kenmore, at number nine, is a cozy place near Seattle known for parks and good schools. With a low violent crime rate of 0.8 and a property crime rate of 1 per 1,000 residents, it’s safe and homey.
East Wenatchee
East Wenatchee, at number eight, is a charming town with beautiful seasons and low crime rates. It has a tiny violent crime rate of 0.6 and a property crime rate of 13.4 per 1,000 residents, making it a great place to live.
Maple Valley
Maple Valley, at number seven, is a peaceful rural setting near Covington, known for hiking trails and outdoor activities. It’s safe, with a low violent crime rate of 0.5 and a property crime rate of 11.2 per 1,000 residents.
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Mercer Island
Mercer Island, at number six, is a clean and modern suburb near Seattle with quality schools. It’s safe, boasting a low violent crime rate of 0.3 and a property crime rate of 14 per 1,000 residents.
Selah
Selah, at number five, is known for delicious apples and offers a small-town feel. With a low violent crime rate of 0.3 and a property crime rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, it’s a safe place for outdoor activities.
Ridgefield
Ridgefield, at number four, is a small town in southwestern Washington with rolling hills. It’s one of the safest places, with an overall low crime score of 2.57, a violent crime rate of 0.28, and a property crime rate of 2.57 per 1,000 residents.
Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie, at number three, is famous for its waterfall and outdoor activities. With a crime score of 2.00, it’s safe, featuring a violent crime rate of 0.4 and a property crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents.
Duvall
Duvall, at number two, is a town settled a century ago with low overall crime. With a violent crime rate of 0.9 and a property crime rate of 1.99 per 1,000 residents, it’s a very safe place.
Sammamish
Sammamish, our safest city, is just a short drive from Seattle, consistently ranked as one of the friendliest and best places to live. With a population of under 50,000, it has a low overall crime score of 1.76. It’s safe, with a violent crime rate of 0.3 and property crime rates of 6.0 and 6.6 for 2021 and 2022, respectively.
