We’ve compiled a list of the ten riskiest cities in Washington as of 2023. Our purpose in doing so is to assist you in making informed decisions about where to live and to navigate these potentially hazardous areas. To create this list, we conducted an extensive analysis of both violent and property crimes in cities with populations of 5,000 or more. This thorough examination included 116 cities across the state.
The level of danger we’re discussing here often makes headlines on KOMO 4’s evening news. It’s essential to note that the cities featured on this list have experienced incidents such as daylight robberies, carjackings, and frequent shootings. Within these cities, there are neighborhoods that should be approached with caution, especially after nightfall.
We’re not suggesting that these Washington cities are devoid of safe areas. In fact, there are districts and shopping centers that are actively working to improve safety conditions. It’s also worth mentioning that the challenges faced by these precarious cities cannot be attributed solely to Washington itself. As the 13th most populous state in the U.S., it’s expected to encounter various issues associated with its substantial population.
To provide you with a clear picture of where these problematic Washington cities are located, we present the following list of the most dangerous cities in The Evergreen State for 2023.
The 10 Worst Cities in Washington
10. Lakewood
Situated on Tacoma’s southwestern edge, Lakewood earns the tenth spot on our list as the tenth most dangerous city in Washington. It has notably high rates of car theft and violent crime. Notably, Lakewood was the site of a horrific crime in 2009 when four police officers were tragically murdered by a man with a lengthy criminal record.
- Population: 61,432
- Rank Last Year: 8 (Decreased by 2 positions)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 620 (Eighth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,264 (17th most dangerous)
9. Shelton
Located on Puget Sound’s westernmost edge, Shelton ranks high on our list due to a combination of property and violent crimes. High unemployment and poverty rates have contributed to its placement on this list.
- Population: 10,749
- Rank Last Year: 6 (Decreased by 3 positions)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 455 (13th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,809 (11th most dangerous)
8. SeaTac
Home to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac faces ongoing issues with crime, particularly robberies and car thefts. A particularly heinous crime occurred in SeaTac in 2017, involving the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a woman, highlighting the city’s security concerns.
- Population: 29,282
- Rank Last Year: 13 (Increased by 5 positions)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 481 (11th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,760 (12th most dangerous)
7. Union Gap
In the 1880s, a significant portion of what is now Union Gap was relocated northward to create the town of Yakima. Over time, Union Gap evolved from the remaining structures, but it has earned its place as the seventh most dangerous city in Washington due to high property crime rates.
- Population: 6,206
- Rank Last Year: 19 (Increased by 12 positions)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 370 (18th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,155 (Third most dangerous)
6. Spokane
As Washington’s second most populous city, Spokane is also the sixth most dangerous. While there are safe neighborhoods, certain areas require significant improvement. In 2020, residents of Spokane had a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to property crime.
- Population: 223,524
- Rank Last Year: 5 (Decreased by 1 position)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 599 (Ninth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,151 (Ninth most dangerous)
5. Seattle
Despite its picturesque view from the Space Needle, Seattle’s crime rates paint a different picture. It’s not advisable to leave your doors unlocked in this city, as it has the second-highest burglary rate in the state. Seattle also saw 4,911 car thefts in 2020, along with the seventh-highest violent crime rate statewide.
- Population: 771,517
- Rank Last Year: 7 (Increased by 2 positions)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 626 (Seventh most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,872 (Tenth most dangerous)
4. Toppenish
Located within the Yakama Indian Reservation, Toppenish ranks as the fourth most dangerous place to live in Washington. Its small population magnifies the impact of each crime, resulting in the state’s second-highest murder rate, with just 2 homicides in 2020. The city also experienced the highest burglary rate in the state.
- Population: 8,792
- Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 648 (Sixth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,516 (Seventh most dangerous)
3. Tacoma
Despite being labeled one of the nation’s “most walkable cities” in 2006, Tacoma locals may have a different perspective due to high crime rates. A solo stroll at Point Defiance Park can be risky, as the city recorded the second-highest violent crime rate in the state, with residents facing a 1 in 118 chance of assault in 2020.
- Population: 220,123
- Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 843 (Second most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,507 (Eighth most dangerous)
2. Tukwila
Once again, Tukwila finds itself on our list of Washington’s most dangerous places. This is due to an overall crime rate almost seven times higher than the national average. In 2020, Tukwila residents had a 1 in 6 chance of being a property crime victim, including a significant number of car thefts and burglaries. The city also ranked third in rape cases statewide.
- Population: 20,483
- Rank Last Year: 1 (Decreased by 1 position)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 737 (Third most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 14,416 (Most dangerous)
1. Fife
A suburb of Tacoma, Fife takes the top spot on our list, plagued by significant crime issues. Extra vigilance is necessary, particularly after a successful casino visit, as Fife had the second-highest property crime rate statewide. Adding to the concern, Fife is no stranger to violent crime, recording 4 homicides in 2020, giving it the highest murder rate in Washington for a city of its size.
- Population: 10,301
- Rank Last Year: 2 (Increased by 1 position)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,378 (Most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 8,746 (Second most dangerous)
Conclusion
These rankings are aimed at providing you with insights into the safety conditions of various cities in Washington, allowing you to make informed choices about where you choose to reside. Always exercise caution and stay informed when considering these cities as potential homes.