Is Seattle or Wenatchee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wenatchee is safer than Seattle (Safety Score 19/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,023 per 100,000 versus 5,783 for Seattle — 48% lower. Seattle has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wenatchee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Seattle is 21.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Seattle — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wenatchee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Seattle, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Seattle | Wenatchee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,783.1 | 3,023.4 | +2,759.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 775.5 | 236.5 | +539.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 0.0 | +6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.3 | 45.0 | +1.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 220.6 | 33.8 | +186.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 501.3 | 157.6 | +343.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,007.6 | 2,786.9 | +2,220.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 1,152.0 | 425.1 | +726.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,882.0 | 2,167.6 | +714.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 973.6 | 194.2 | +779.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or Wenatchee safer?
Wenatchee is safer with a total crime rate of 3,023 per 100K vs 5,783 for Seattle — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Seattle has a violent crime rate of 775.5 per 100K while Wenatchee has 236.5. Wenatchee has lower violent crime.
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.
About Wenatchee, WA
Nestled in the Columbia River Valley, Wenatchee is known as the "Apple Capital of the World," a legacy of its rich agricultural history. This city in Chelan County experiences a semi-arid climate, drawing many to its outdoor recreation. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 35,523, Wenatchee has a total crime rate of 3,023.4 per 100,000 residents.