10 Safest Cities in Washington State
- Sammamish
- Bainbridge Island
- Oak Harbor
- Lake Stevens
- West Richland
- Kenmore
- Lake Forest Park
- Snoqualmie
- Mercer Island
- Ridgefield
1. Sammamish
The safest city in Washington is Sammamish. Located just east of Seattle, Sammamish is surrounded by idyllic natural scenery. The city has a population of 67,455 Sammamish and a crime rate that is 71% lower than the national average. The town is located on Lake Sammamish and surrounded by west coast evergreens, allowing for countless outdoor adventures. The town is conveniently located near Seattle, making it great for commuting. As the safest place to live in Washington State, Sammamish is highly popular with families, making it relatively expensive. The median home price in Sammamish is $1,485,583.
2. Bainbridge Island
Another one of the safest places to live in Washington State is Bainbridge Island. Bainbridge Island is located across Puget Sound from Seattle and has a population of 22,100 and a crime rate that is 69% lower than the national average. The Bainbridge area has a plethora of outdoor activities, including ferry rides to Seattle and whale-watching adventures. Bainbridge Island is home to many nationally recognized restaurants and other cultural attractions, such as the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. The median home price in Bainbridge Island is currently $1,134,241.
3. Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor is also one of the safest cities in Washington State. Also located within the Seattle area, Oak Harbor is a picturesque suburb surrounded by lakes and mountains. Oak Harbor has a population of 22,075 and a crime rate that is 68% lower than the national average. Oak Harbor is also great for hiking, boating, or fishing expeditions. Some of Washington’s most scenic coastline can be found around Oak Harbor. The median home price in Oak Harbor is $493,305.
4. Lake Stevens
Located 25 miles from Everett, Lake Stevens is a very safe, picturesque town with the Cascade Mountains in the background. Lake Stevens has a crime rate that is 66% lower than the national average and a population of 28,069. Lake Stevens is built around the eponymous lake, a favorite gathering spot for the community. Lake Stevens has extensive parks, including skate parks, wildlife refuges, hunting grounds, and multiple sports parks. Lake Stevens also has several sites related to its mill town history listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The median home price is $663,014.
5. West Richland
West Richland is also one of the safest places to live in Washington State. Located in Benton County along the expansive plains and mountains of south Washington, West Richland is the perfect place for nature lovers. West Richland has a population of 16,295 and a crime rate that is 58% lower than the national average. West Richland is located along the famous Yellowstone Trail, stretching from Albany, New York, to Seattle. West Richland is a great option for nature lovers and those looking to live far away from the noise of a big city. The town’s median home price is $491,172.
6. Kenmore
Another one of the safest cities in Washington is Kenmore. Located in King County, off the northernmost shore of Lake Washington, Kenmore has a population of 23,097 and a total crime rate that is 48% lower than the national average. The culture and economy of Kenmore are heavily built around Lake Washington, with numerous watersports and wildlife spotting activities available. Kenmore is also home to the largest seaplane-only passenger facility in the United States. Kenmore’s downtown has been revitalized in recent years, adding many restaurants, shops, and breweries. The median home price in Kenmore is $966,913.
7. Lake Forest Park
Lake Forest Park is a safe, suburban city located in King County. The town’s population is 13,000, and it has a crime rate that is 40% lower than the national average. Lake Forest Park has breathtaking nearby scenery and lakes, making the area a perfect nature getaway. Lake Forest Park is home to the Burke-Gilman Trail, which is a 27-mile-long hiking and biking trail. Lake Forest Park has a strong sense of community, hosting a farmer’s market drawing vendors from nearby areas. The median home price in Lake Forest Park is $966,683.
8. Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is also one of the safest places to live in Washington State. Snoqualmie is a small, relaxed community located 28 miles from Seattle. Snoqualmie Falls is located just outside of the town, and the area’s breathtaking scenery has been featured in several shows and films. Snoqualmie’s downtown is located under the nearby mountains and feels right out of a 1950s movie. The town’s median home price is currently listed at $1,036,456.
9. Mercer Island
Mercer Island is a safe Washington town that has had many famous inhabitants in its history. Mercer Island’s population is 25,748, with a crime rate that is 38% lower than the national average. The town is located on Lake Washington, just outside of Seattle. Mercer Island is an upscale, relaxed community with many highly-rated dining options, including a local farmers market. The median home price is $2,119,979, with many celebrities and CEOs calling the island home.
10. Ridgefield
Ridgefield is a small community located in Clark County in southern Washington. Ridgefield has a population of 10,319 and a crime rate that is 21% below the national average, making it one of the safest places to live in Washington State. Ridgefield truly embodies the western small town, being located along the Lewis and Clark Expedition and containing significant Native American history. Ridgefield is a great location for outdoor getaways, with plenty of hiking trails and being home to the National Wildlife Refuge. The median home price in Ridgefield is $651,919.