List Of Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Seattle With Highest Crime Rate (2023)

Seattle is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and numerous cultural attractions. However, the city is also grappling with a crime issue, particularly in areas with high violent crime rates. In this article, we’ll explore the ten most hazardous neighborhoods in Seattle.

Seattle, being a sizable and culturally diverse city, raises concerns about its safety. Although certain neighborhoods are considered safe, statistics show that Seattle’s crime rates are 134% higher than the national average. Widespread drug use and homelessness are key factors contributing to the city’s crime rates.

Seattle’s neighborhoods with the highest crime rates are listed below.

1. Belltown

Belltown, located in Seattle, is notorious for its extremely high violent crime rate, making it the most dangerous neighborhood in the city. Despite its affordable housing, living in Belltown means making a significant tradeoff with regards to safety. With a population of 10,468, the neighborhood’s crime rate is a staggering 480% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, Belltown is also home to a high number of violent crimes, including assaults, robberies, and homicides.

2. Northgate 

Northgate, situated in the northern part of Seattle, has become notorious for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous areas in the city. With a population of 4,283, the neighborhood has a crime rate that is 414% higher than the national average. Drug abuse is rampant in this area, contributing to the alarming number of thefts that occur regularly. Furthermore, acts of violence such as assaults and robberies are also a common occurrence, making Northgate a place to avoid.

3. South Lake Union

South Lake Union in Seattle may be the location of Google and Amazon’s corporate offices, but it’s also known for being a hazardous neighborhood. Crime rates in this area are alarmingly high, at a staggering 350% above the national average, equating to 10,648 crimes per 100,000 individuals. While violent crimes do occur, the majority of incidents involve property theft and break-ins. It’s crucial to exercise caution in this neighborhood, especially after dark, as walking alone is not recommended.

4. Atlantic 

The population of Atlantic, situated in the Central District of Seattle, is 5,133. Unfortunately, the total crime rate in this area is quite high, with 10,612 incidents per 100,000 people. This means that residents have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Despite these concerning statistics, Atlantic remains one of the pricier parts of Seattle, with a median home price of $409,783.

5. Sand Point 

Living in Sand Point is not a safe option as its crime rate is 389% higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Seattle. Despite its seemingly unassuming appearance, Sand Point has a violent crime rate of 2,862 per 100,000 people, a staggering number that is alarmingly disproportionate.

6. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill, with a population of 37,489, is a bustling neighborhood in Seattle that attracts a lot of tourists due to its abundance of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. However, it is important to note that the total crime rate in Capitol Hill is 241% higher than the national average, with property crime being the most common. Despite this, residents generally feel safe in the area.

7. Lower Queen Anne

Lower Queen Anne is notorious for being one of the most unsafe neighborhoods in Seattle. The area is rife with incidents of theft and property damage, including shoplifting, looting, car theft, and home invasions. Additionally, violent crimes such as assault and robbery are prevalent in this neighborhood, making it a high-risk area for residents. Shockingly, the chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime in this neighborhood are twice the national average.

8. Haller Lake 

Located in north central Seattle, Haller Lake is a neighborhood that revolves around a small lake and is home to approximately 8,563 residents. Unfortunately, it is also known for its high crime rates, particularly in terms of property crimes including theft, robbery, and burglary. In fact, the property crime rate in Haller Lake is almost eight times higher than its violent crime rate. Despite being predominantly a working-class and middle-class area, the neighborhood still has a high cost of living similar to many other neighborhoods in Seattle.

9. Central District

The Central District in Seattle is known to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods, with a population of around 16,895 and a crime rate that is 156% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is also very high, standing at 5,143 per 100,000 people. Most of the crimes committed in the Central District involve petty theft, drug use, and robberies. Moreover, the area is severely affected by homelessness, making it challenging for residents to navigate safely. Therefore, exercising caution when passing through this neighborhood is of utmost importance.

10. First Hill

The neighborhood of First Hill in Seattle is home to a population of 12,112. Shockingly, the area has a high violent crime rate of 1,787 per 100,000 people, making it one of the riskiest neighborhoods in the city. Despite its high rent, First Hill is still considered as one of the most dangerous areas in Seattle, where theft and assault are rampant. In fact, it’s highly advised not to leave anything valuable in your car as it might be stolen. However, First Hill boasts of a good school district, which attracts many families who commute to the area.

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