Is Seattle Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Seattle

there are definitely homeless people on the streets in downtown, but mind your own business and they usually won’t interact with you. capitol hill especially is known to be a little unsafe at night, so avoid that area if you’re alone

I would generally consider Seattle a safe city for women. Most of the touristy areas are well lit and populated. The public transit is easy to navigate and has round the clock security. Just like any other major city, women shouldn’t walk alone at night, especially in areas with not a lot of light and people. Of course, be cautious all the time. But certain areas like downtown may require extra caution at night.

While for the most part pretty safe, there are definitely areas of Seattle where you should be careful. If you’re unfamiliar with the area I would avoid going to SoDo, parts of International District, and parts of Pioneer Square alone. I would advise women not to walk alone after dark unless they’re around the Westlake (Pike Place) area or in Seattle Center. Public transportation is awesome, especially the link (light rail). You will sometimes see people sleeping on the trains, since Seattle does have a homelessness problem, but they usually don’t cause any disturbance apart from maybe talking to themselves. In general, practice basic caution, but don’t hold yourself back from exploring!

I'd stay clear of 12th & Jackson in the eastern edge of the Chinatown-International District. It's undergone quite a bit of change since the pandemic, and I wouldn't feel safe as a visitor unfamiliar with the area going through their in the day or night. Downtown Seattle and waterfront are being revitalized by the city, but it's still has a long way to go before I become comfortable being those areas alone at night again. It's a wonderful city that's still working it's way back to being the bustling metro area it used to be. Don't be put off to visit, but like anywhere else- be wise, don't keep your face on your phone, and walk with purpose.

I drive everywhere so I’m not sure what public transit is like late at night, but from 8am - 11pm it’s always been okay for me and I haven’t run into any issues. The metro is a lot more reliable than the buses but it does help a lot to have a car. Certain neighborhoods like the university district can feel less safe than others at night but I personally have never experienced anything unsafe and if you’re driving everywhere you should be fine.

It varies by neighborhoods. I would say in the suburbs you should be good, just after dark be more careful. I live in University District, where the University of Washington is at, it’s mostly students or families so I feel safe here. I feel safe going to the train (link trail) in the evening or in the early mornings. In Seattle there is a lot of homeless, but they mostly stay in specific areas. They tend to stay within their groups but some might try talking to you, just ignore***!! them. As in University District, there is a bit of a buzz of people at night sometimes, but for a non local you’ll probably be downtown. People say Capitol Hill is a bad area, but it’s just like every other place in Seattle. Lots of bars and cute cafes there. There’s not a pickpocketing problem here. I would say 90% of the safetyness here is from the root of the homeless. Be safe!

If you know what neighborhoods to avoid during late hours. Such as down town you should be fine. Some neghbor hoods are more safe especially if you get off of Aurora. The bus along that is not great, especially at night.

I live in north Seattle in greenwood and I feel pretty safe. I’ve bused at night without worries. Aurora has a lot of homeless and drugs. Pike place area also has a ton of homeless. But as long as you mind your business it’s pretty safe.

I’ve lived here for 4 years and I believe during the daytime it’s safe and I’ve never had a problem. During nighttime is when it becomes more unsafe as homeless and people on drugs are out. However, I live near a university so I feel safe in my neighborhood and there’s a majority of students roaming on the weekends so even if I happen to need to walk at night, I’m located in a safe area. If you’re walking downtown alone I would not feel completely safe but I live 15 minutes Uber ride home so it’s not bad. Again daytime, there’s no issues. Of course Seattle has homeless but they usually mind their business or are asleep during the day and won’t bother you.

Very safe, for an American city. Use regular city precautions, but almost all crime is property crime, and there’s not much of that. Walking alone at night is extremely safe everywhere except the heart of downtown, but there’s not much going on there at night anyway.

Couple travel

Walking and public transportation largely were very comfortable experiences. Late night walking for food/drinks with partner felt like the right call. Weeklong trip went without incident. Looking forward to the next visit.

Solo travel

I absolutely love Seattle and visit often. If you're in the area do not feel like you need to only visit Seattle. Tacoma is a great place to see as well. They have Ruston and Owens beach, both places are amazing.