The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Seattle (2025)

August 2, 2025 by Nicole Fishman Benoliel

Seattle is recognized in the United States for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and cultural landmarks. However, it also faces a crime issue, with several neighborhoods experiencing high rates of violent crime. Continue reading to learn about the twelve most dangerous neighborhoods in Seattle.

Is Seattle Dangerous?

Due to its size and diversity, many people may wonder whether Seattle is a safe place to live. While some neighborhoods are relatively safe, many parts of the city experience significant crime. Overall, Seattle’s crime rates are 134% higher than the national average. A large portion of this crime can be linked to drug use and issues related to homelessness.

Here are the neighborhoods in Seattle with the highest crime rates.

1. Belltown

Belltown is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Seattle due to its extremely high violent crime rate and low cost of living. Although it is one of the city’s most affordable areas, the high crime rate presents a significant drawback.

The neighborhood has a population of 10,468, and its crime rate is an alarming 480% higher than the national average. Belltown also experiences a significant number of violent crimes, including assaults, robberies, and homicides.

2. Northgate

Northgate is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Seattle. Located in the northern part of the city, it has a population of 4,283 and a crime rate that is 414% higher than the national average. This high crime rate is primarily due to widespread drug use in the area, which also leads to a significant incidence of theft.

Additionally, violent crime is a concern, with simple assaults and robberies occurring frequently, according to law enforcement agencies.

3. South Lake Union

South Lake Union is considered one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Seattle. Although it is home to the corporate offices of major companies like Google and Amazon, safety remains a significant concern for residents. The crime rate in this area is alarmingly high, at 350% above the national average, with around 10,648 crimes reported per 100,000 people.

While violent crime is a problem, most of the offenses are related to property theft and break-ins. South Lake Union becomes particularly unsafe at night, and it is advisable not to walk alone after dark.

4. Atlantic

Atlantic is a neighborhood situated in the Central District of Seattle, with a population of 5,133 residents. The total crime rate in Atlantic is 10,612 incidents per 100,000 people, which means that residents have a 1 in 10 chance of becoming victims of any crime.

Despite facing high levels of both property and violent crime, Atlantic remains one of the more expensive areas in Seattle, with a median home price of $409,783.

5. Sand Point

Sand Point is considered one of the least safe places to live in Seattle because of its high crime rate, which is 389% higher than the national average. Although Sand Point may not seem dangerous at first glance, its violent crime rate is alarmingly high at 2,862 incidents per 100,000 people.

This figure reflects a disproportionately high level of violence in the neighborhood.

6. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s largest neighborhoods, with a population of 37,489. It is also one of the most dangerous areas in the city, with a total crime rate that is 241% higher than the national average.

Despite this alarming statistic, Capitol Hill is a popular tourist destination, boasting a vibrant scene filled with restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. While most reported crime in this neighborhood involves property crimes, residents generally report feeling safe.

7. International District

The International District is a high-crime area in Seattle. This bustling neighborhood is home to Seattle’s Chinatown, Japantown, Manilatown, and Little Saigon, making it one of the city’s oldest and premier destinations for authentic Asian cuisine. However, it also has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous parts of Seattle.

The overall crime rate here is 301% higher than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 222% higher than that of the rest of the country and 42% higher than the average in Seattle.

Your chances of becoming a victim of crime in the International District are 1 in 11.

8. Lower Queen Anne

Lower Queen Anne is one of the neighborhoods in Seattle with the highest rates of theft and property damage. Shoplifting, looting, car theft, and home invasions are prevalent in this area. Violent crimes, such as sexual assault and robbery, also occur frequently.

Residents here face a risk of becoming victims of crime that is double the national average, according to police departments.

9. Georgetown

Georgetown is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Seattle. This historic area is located just minutes from downtown and is surrounded by factories and major highways.

Known as one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, Georgetown has a gritty, industrial atmosphere and offers low rental prices. However, it also has a significantly higher crime rate compared to the rest of the city.

The total crime rate in Georgetown is 287% above the national average, while the violent crime rate is 211% higher than across the country and 37% higher than the rest of Seattle. Your chances of becoming a victim of a crime in Georgetown are 1 in 12.

10. Haller Lake

Haller Lake is a neighborhood in the north-central Seattle area that poses some public safety concerns. This area is centered around a small lake and has a population of 8,563 residents. The property crime rate here is almost eight times higher than the violent crime rate, with issues such as drug use, theft, robbery, and burglary being prevalent.

While Haller Lake is primarily a working-class and middle-class community, like many neighborhoods in Seattle, it also faces a high cost of living.

11. Central District

The Central District is one of the most densely populated and dangerous neighborhoods in Seattle, with a population of approximately 16,895. Its crime rate is 156% higher than the national average. The property crime statistics in the Central District stand at 5,143 incidents per 100,000 people.

Much of the crime in this area is related to petty theft, drug use, and robberies. Additionally, the neighborhood is significantly affected by homelessness. While residents may frequently pass through this part of the city, it is essential to exercise caution.

12. First Hill

First Hill has a population of 12,112 and a violent crime rate of 1,787 incidents per 100,000 people. It is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Seattle, with extremely high rental prices, yet it remains one of the city’s most dangerous areas.

Theft and assault are common crimes, and leaving valuables in your car almost guarantees they will be stolen. Despite these challenges, First Hill has a strong school district that attracts many families who commute to the area.