In 2024, Seattle was positioned as the fourth most crime-ridden city among the 30 largest cities in the United States, with a total crime rate of 5,782.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This figure reflects a staggering 172.9% increase compared to the national average. The crime statistics encompass both violent offenses, such as murder, robbery, and assault, as well as property crimes, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
The national average for total crime in 2024 stood at 2,119 incidents per 100,000 residents. The study utilized this national data as a benchmark to calculate the percentage increase for each city in its rankings.
Memphis, Tennessee, emerged as the city with the highest total crime rate, recording 9,400.3 incidents, which is 343.6% above the national average. Following closely, Portland, Oregon, ranked second with a crime rate of 6,246.4 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 194.8%.
In terms of property crimes, Seattle ranked third worst, reporting a property crime rate of 5,007.6 per 100,000 residents—184.5% higher than the national average of 1,760.1. Despite this, Seattle did not make the top 10 for violent crime, although its rate was nearly double the national average of 359.1, sitting at 775.1 per 100,000 residents. Portland had a slightly lower violent crime rate at 720.1.
The 2024 crime report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), released in August, outlined the extent of both violent and property crimes across the U.S. The findings were analyzed by Security.org, which determined the best and worst cities for crime statistics. Seattle found itself among the top five in two of the three categories assessed: total crime and property crime.
