Seattle joins America’s crime capitals: FBI data shows city ranks among nation’s worst

Seattle continues to cement its reputation as one of America’s most crime-ridden cities, according to a new analysis of 2024 FBI crime data. A study by Security.org shows Seattle ranks among the top five worst big cities in the nation for both total crime and property crime.

The FBI’s 2024 report, released in August, reveals Seattle had a total crime rate of 5,782.7 incidents per 100,000 residents—172.9% higher than the national average of 2,119. That ranking placed Seattle fourth-worst among America’s 30 largest cities.

For property crimes, including theft, burglary, and auto theft, Seattle fared even worse. The city ranked third-worst nationally, with a property crime rate of 5,007.6 per 100,000—nearly triple the national average of 1,760.1.

The study notes that while property crime declined nationwide in 2024—thanks largely to the steepest drop in auto thefts in over 40 years—Seattle bucked the trend, with property crimes “stubbornly high.”

Portland and Memphis also near the top

Seattle’s neighbor, Portland, Oregon, performed just as badly. Portland ranked second-worst for both total crime and property crime, with a property crime rate more than 214% higher than the national average.

Memphis, Tennessee, topped the list as the most dangerous U.S. city, with a staggering total crime rate of 9,400.3 per 100,000 residents, more than 343% higher than the national baseline.

While Seattle did not make the top 10 worst cities for violent crime, the numbers still paint a troubling picture. The city’s violent crime rate was 775.1 per 100,000 residents in 2024—more than double the national average of 359.1.

Portland was slightly lower, at 720.1 per 100,000.

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