Is Port Townsend or Seattle Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than Seattle (Safety Score 44/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 5,783 for Seattle — 67% lower. Port Townsend has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Seattle is 71.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Seattle — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Port Townsend, WA
Seattle, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Port Townsend | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,884.3 | 5,783.1 | -3,898.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 471.1 | 775.5 | -304.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.8 | -6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 37.7 | 46.3 | -8.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.3 | 220.6 | -192.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 405.1 | 501.3 | -96.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,413.2 | 5,007.6 | -3,594.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 169.6 | 1,152.0 | -982.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,177.7 | 2,882.0 | -1,704.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 66.0 | 973.6 | -907.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Townsend or Seattle safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 5,783 for Seattle — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Port Townsend has a violent crime rate of 471.1 per 100K while Seattle has 775.5. Port Townsend has lower violent crime.
About Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Seattle, WA
Seattle, a major port city in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly grunge, which emerged here. Situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it’s home to a diverse population with a strong tech industry presence. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 760,058, Seattle has a total crime rate of 5,783.1 per 100,000 residents.