WashingtonNamed after our nation’s first president, Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest just south of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The thirteenth most populous state, it is home to 7.1 million people, with approximately 60 percent of those living in the Seattle area. Known for its beautiful coastlines, green forests, and growing tech industry, Washington is fast becoming a popular place to live in the U.S. If you’d like to make the Evergreen State your home, we’re providing you with the 50 safest cities in Washington to help you make the best choice.

Related: Check out our Washington Public Records guide.

Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 285 for violent crime and 3,706 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Snoqualmie

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Located in King County, Snoqualmie is a city that is home to 10,600 residents.  The city sits next to Snoqualmie Falls and is the site of the Northwest Railway Museum.  Once a logging and milling town, tourism is now popular here, and many residents also commute to employers closer to Seattle. Snoqualmie is the safest place to live in Washington, with a violent crime rate of 18.2 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.2%.

#2 Sammamish

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Another city in King County, Sammamish is home to 45,700 residents.  The city wasn’t incorporated until 1999 and sits on the shores of Lake Sammamish.  The city was included on CNN Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S. and Forbes’ list of friendliest towns.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 33.9, and residents have a .07% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Enumclaw

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Also in King County, Enumclaw has a current population of 10,600 residents.  The city sits on the Enumclaw Plateau and is the home of the annual King County Fair and the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games.  The violent crime rate in Enumclaw is 44.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.7%.

#4 Mercer Island

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Located on an island in the southern portion of Lake Washington, Mercer Island is a city that is home to 22,700 residents.  Also part of King County, the city sits between Seattle and Bellevue and is the most populated lake island in the country.  The violent crime rate here is 47, and residents of Mercer Island have a 1.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Bainbridge Island

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A city in Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island is home to 23,000 residents.  Located in Puget Sound, the city is reachable by ferry and is the second largest city in the county.  It was included on CNNMoney’s list of best places to live in the U.S. as well as awarded Google’s eCity Award for its strong online business community. The violent crime rate in Bainbridge Island is 51.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.2%.

#6 Issaquah

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Located in King County, Issaquah is a city that is home to 30,400 residents.   Considered one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the state, the city enjoys proximity to large campuses of both Boeing Corporation and Microsoft.  The violent crime rate here is 57.4, and residents of Issaquah have a 2.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#7 Camas

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A city in Clark County, Camas has a current population of 19,300 residents.  Located about 20 miles east of Portland, Oregon, the city sits on Prune Hill, which is an extinct volcano.  Residents of Camas enjoy access to the high-tech firms in the area, such as Hewlett-Packard and Linear Technology.  The violent crime rate in Camas is 60.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2%.

#8 Lake Forest Park

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Located in King County, Lake Forest Park is home to 12,500 residents.  Located just north of Seattle, the city is mainly a bedroom community that sits along the shore of Lake Washington.  Residents have access to parks, trails, natural preserves, and several annual events.  The violent crime rate here is 61.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Lake Forest Park is 2.2%.

#9 Redmond

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Another city in King County, Redmond has a current population of 54,100 residents.  Located just 16 miles east of Seattle, the city is best known as the home of both Microsoft and Nintendo of America.  Redmond is also the site of the state’s only velodrome and has earned the nickname of the “bicycle capital of the Northwest”.  Living in Redmond is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 64.6 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 2.1%.

#10 Lynden

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Located in Whatcom County, the city of Lynden is home to 13,100 residents.  Just 5 miles south of the Canadian border, Lynden is a traditional town that, at one time, held the world record for the most churches per square mile and per capita.   The city is also a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 65.5 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.4%.

#11 Newcastle

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A city in King County, Newcastle is home to 10,300 residents.  One of the earliest coal mining communities in the region, the city played an important role in the development of Seattle and was included on CNNMoney’s list of best places to live in the U.S..  The violent crime rate in Newcastle is 74.8, and residents here have a 2.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#12 Kenmore

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Also located in King County, Kenmore has a current population of 20,400 residents.  Located on the northern shore of Lake Washington, the city is home to the nation’s largest seaplane-only commercial air facility, several waterside parks, and Bastyr University.  The violent crime rate here is 80.7, and residents of Kenmore have a 1.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#13 Mukilteo

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Located in Snohomish County, the city of Mukilteo is home to 20,200 residents.  Considered an affluent suburb of Seattle, the community has some of the most expensive high schools ever built in the country and has been included on Money’s list of top small towns in America to live in.  The violent crime rate in Mukilteo is 82.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.8%.

#14 Pullman

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A city in Whitman County, Pullman has a current population of 29,700 residents.  Named after industrialist George Pullman and close to the Idaho state line, the city is home Washington State University and the international headquarters of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.  The violent crime rate here is 96, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Pullman is just .07%.

#15 Anacortes

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Located in Skagit County, the city of Anacortes is home to 15,700 residents.  The city encompasses 15.7 square miles and is the site of the Washington State Ferries dock and terminal that serves several islands as well as Victoria, British Columbia.  The violent crime rate in Anacortes is 99.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.5%.

#16 Bothell

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A city in King and Snohomish counties, Bothell is home to 36,500 residents.  Considered a part of the “Eastside” because it sits on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, the University of Washington has a campus here and the Seattle Times has its production facility here.  The violent crime rate in Bothell is  101.8, and residents have a 2.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#17 Maple Valley

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Located in King County, the city of Maple Valley is home to 25,100 residents.  Officially incorporated in 1997, the city is the site of two historical museums and several parks.  Family Circle magazine named Maple Valley in its top ten family oriented cities in the country.  Also a safe place to live, the violent crime rate here is 107, and the chance of being affected by property crime in the city is 1.5%.

#18 Bonney Lake

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A city in Pierce County, Bonney Lake is home to 17,300 residents.  First settled in the 1860’s, the town was incorporated in 1949 and is now home to more than 500 licensed businesses.  The violent crime rate in Bonney Lake is 107, and residents have a 2.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#19 Sedro Woolley

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Located in Skagit County, the city of Sedro-Woolley is home to 10,500 residents.  Just 65 miles north of Seattle, the city is nicknamed the “Gateway to the North Cascades” and is served by the Sedro-Woolley School District.  The violent crime rate here is 110.9, and residents have a 4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#20 West Richland

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A city in Benton County, West Richland is home to 11,800 residents.  The community encompasses 22.1 square miles and lies to the west of the city of Richland.  It is also the home of SSC North America, formerly Shelby SuperCars, the maker of the SSC Aero.  The violent crime rate in West Richland is 113.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.1%.

#21 Washougal

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Located in Clark County, Washougal is a city that is home to 14,000 residents.  The community sits on the Washington side of the Columbia River, and the city has several recreational areas and parks within its 6.3 square mile boundaries.  The violent crime rate here is 117.3, and residents of Washougal have a 2.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#22 Bellevue

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A city in the Eastside region of King County, Bellevue has a current population of 122,300 residents.  Also Seattle’s largest suburb, the city has an ever-expanding skyline and is home to the headquarters of many businesses such as Expedia, Eddie Bauer, Drugstore.com, and T-Mobile USA.  The violent crime rate in Bellevue is 127.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.7%.

#23 East Wenatchee

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Located in Douglas County, East Wenatchee is a city that is home to 13,300 residents.  Originally an agricultural community, the economy has evolved in recent years to include other industries as well as year-round tourism.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 133.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime in East Wenatchee is 2.7%.

#24 Ferndale

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A city in Whatcom County, Ferndale is home to 11,400 residents.  Originally called Jam because the community was located next to a logjam on the Nooksack River, it is known for its popular annual events including its Old Settlers Picnic and Muds to Suds Race.  The violent crime rate in Ferndale is 137, and residents have a 3.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#25 Edmonds

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Located in Snohomish County, Edmonds is a city with a current population of 40,800 residents.  The community has a view of both the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound and is home to one of the ports in the Washington State Ferry system.  The violent crime rate here is 140.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Edmonds is 2.4%.

#26 Sunnyside

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A city in Yakima County, Sunnyside is home to 15,800 residents.  Still a primarily agricultural community, the city is known for its distinctive Darigold Cheese Factory and annual Lighted Farm Implement Parade in December, named one of the best of its kind in the country.  The violent crime rate in Sunnyside is 141.4, and residents have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#27 Battle Ground

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Located in Clark County, the city of Battle Ground is home to 17,500 residents.  Ironically named for its absence of battle, the city is known for its annual festivals and as the center of the growing wine industry in the area, with three wineries and one tasting room.  The violent crime rate here is 155, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Battle Ground is 1.9%.

#28 Ellensburg

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A city in Kittitas County, Ellensburg has a current population of 18,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the city is home to Central Washington University, and the area is internationally known for its production of timothy-hay.  The violent crime rate in Ellensburg is 160.9, and residents have a 4.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#29 Lake Stevens

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Located in Snohomish County, the city of Lake Stevens is home to 28,000 residents.  Named for the lake that the city is built around, the community is served by over a dozen parks and recreation areas and remains a safe place to call home.  The violent crime rate here is 163.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Lake Stevens is 2.3%.

#30 Richland

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A city in Benton County, Richland is home to 51,100 residents. Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers, major industry in the area relates to technology and agriculture.  A top employer here for decades has been the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.  The violent crime rate in Richland is 163.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.5%.

#31 Woodinville

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Located in King County, the city of Woodinville has a current population of 10,900 residents.  Considered an affluent suburb of Seattle, the city is home to several wineries, residential areas, and waterfront parks on the Sammamish River.  The violent crime rate her is 168.6, and residents of Woodinville have a 3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#32 Oak Harbor

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A city on Whidbey Island in Island County, Oak Harbor is home to 22,000 residents.  The city encompasses 9.4 square miles, is accessible by the Deception Pass Bridge, and is the site of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.  The violent crime rate in Oak Harbor is 169.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3%.

#33 Arlington

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Located in northern Snohomish County, the city of Arlington is home to 17,900 residents.  This fast-growing city has several distinct neighborhoods and has long been known for its timber industry and local shingle producing mills.  The violent crime rate here is 174.6, and residents have a 4.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#34 Lacey

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A city in Thurston County, Lacey is home to 42,300 residents.  Considered a suburb of Olympia, the community has been designated a “Tree City, USA” as well as an official “Green Power Community” by the EPA for its use of renewable energy sources.  The violent crime rate in Lacey is 176.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.3%.

#35 Shoreline

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Located in King County, the city of Shoreline is home to 53,000 residents.  Just 9 miles north of downtown Seattle, the community maintains 300 acres of parkland and is served by the Shoreline School District.  The violent crime rate here is 181.4, and residents of Shoreline have a 3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#36 Mill Creek

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A city in Snohomish County, Mill Creek is home to 18,200 residents.  Originally a planned community built around a golf course, the city was incorporated in 1983 and is located approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Seattle.  The violent crime rate in Mill Creek is 182.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.8%.

#37 Kirkland

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Located in King County, the city of Kirkland has a current population of 85,700 residents.  The city sits on the shores of Lake Washington and is home to Northwest University, as well as many tech companies including branch offices of Google and Microsoft.  The violent crime rate here is 183.1, and residents of Kirkland have a 3.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#38 Marysville

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A city in Snohomish County, Marysville is home to 60,000 residents. Known as “The Strawberry City” for its history of strawberry production, the community is also the site of Mount Pilchuck, with a 5,300-foot summit.  The violent crime rate in Marysville is 189, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.8%.

#39 Lynnwood

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Also located in Snohomish County, the city of Lynnwood is home to 36,400 residents.  Considered a bedroom community to nearby Seattle, the city is the site of Central Washington University, the Lynnwood Convention Center, and several regional shopping destinations.  The violent crime rate here is 201.9, and residents have a 5.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#40 Mountlake Terrace

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Another city in Snohomish County, Mountlake Terrace is home to 19,900 residents.  Considered a northern suburb of Seattle, the community sits on the shores of Lake Ballinger and is served by the Edmonds School District. The violent crime rate in Mountlake Terrace is 211.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.7%.

#41 Spokane Valley

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Also known as “The Valley,” the city of Spokane Valley is located in Spokane County and is home to 92,000 residents.  Incorporated in 2003, the city lies on both banks of the Spokane River, consists of several distinct communities, and is served by the Central Valley School District.  The violent crime rate here is 215, and residents of Spokane Valley have a 5.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#42 Wenatchee

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Located in Chelan County, the city of Wenatchee is home to 31,900 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers and is known for its series of hydroelectric dams as well as its abundance of apple orchards.  The violent crime rate in Wenatchee is 241.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.2%.

#43 Mount Vernon

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A city in Skagit County, Mount Vernon is home to 31,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the city is remembered for its Tulip Festival Street Fair each Spring and its unique Historic Lincoln Theatre.  The violent crime rate here is 243.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Mount Vernon is 4.7%.

#44 Covington

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Located in King County, the city of Covington is home to 17,500 residents.  Just 30 miles southeast of Seattle, the city encompasses 5.9 square miles and is known for its parks and annual Covington Days Festival in July.  The violent crime rate here is 248.6, and residents of Covington have a 3.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#45 Puyallup

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A city in Pierce County, Puyallup is home to 38,600 residents.  Located 10 miles southeast of Tacoma, the community is known for its antique district, its arts community, the annual Daffodil Festival Parade, and as the home of the Washington State Fair.  The violent crime rate in Puyallup is 253.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 8%.

#46 Tumwater

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Located in Thurston County, the city of Tumwater is home to 17,300 residents.  The community lies at the southernmost point of Puget Sound, where the Deschutes River enters Budd Inlet.  The Washing State Department of Corrections is also headquartered here.  The violent crime rate in the city is 257.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Tumwater is 3.5%.

#47 Cheney

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A city in Spokane County, Cheney has a current population of 10,500 residents.  The city has a vibrant downtown historic district, is close to Fairchild Air Force Base, and is most noted as being home to Eastern Washington University.  The violent crime rate in Cheney is 260.5, and residents have a 3.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#48 Bellingham

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Located in Whatcom County, the city of Bellingham is home to 83,300 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is known for recreation opportunities as well as for its proximity to both Seattle and Vancouver, making it a popular stop with Canadian tourists.  The violent crime rate here is 266.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Bellingham is 4.8%.

#49 University Place

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A city in Pierce County, University Place is home to 31,100 residents.  Originally named for a liberal arts college in the 1800’s, the city is located on Puget Sound between Seattle and the state capital of Olympia.  Another safe place to live, the violent crime rate here is 270.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime in University Place is 2.8%.

#50 Grandview

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Located in Yakima County, the city of Grandview is home to 10,800 residents.  Named for its views of Mount Ranier and Mount Adams, the community’s economy is largely agriculture-based and this remains a safe place to call home.  The violent crime rate in Grandview is 296, and residents have a 2.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.

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