If you are thinking about moving to the Greater Seattle area, safety is likely one of the first things on your mind. You want to know if you can walk the dog at night, how secure your car is in the driveway, and what the overall vibe feels like.

As we settle into early 2026, the verdict on living in Bothell WA remains consistent: it is widely considered one of the safer, more stable suburbs in the region. While no city is entirely free of crime, Bothell’s reputation as a low-risk area holds up well against the data.

Whether you are looking at the King County side or the Snohomish County side—yes, the city straddles both—the general safety profile is reassuring. Based on the most recent data from late 2024 and throughout 2025, here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect.

Bothell Crime Rates & Statistics Explained

Let’s start with the numbers. When people ask about crime, they are usually asking about two very different things: "Am I in physical danger?" and "Will my stuff get stolen?"

In Bothell, the distinction between violent crime and property crime is important to understand.

Violent Crime is Rare

For violent crime, Bothell consistently ranks significantly lower than the national average. We are talking about incidents that are exceptionally rare for the average resident. The statistical chance of being involved in a violent crime here hovers around 1 in 900 or lower. Most residents go years—or decades—without ever witnessing this type of activity personally.

Property Crime and the "Retail Effect"

Property crime is a different story, and it is the primary concern for most suburbs in Washington. Rates here often hover near or slightly above the national average. However, if you look closer at the 2024-2025 data, you see what locals call the "Retail Effect."

Bothell has massive commercial hubs like Canyon Park and Thrasher’s Corner. These areas are packed with big-box stores, grocery chains, and tech parks. Consequently, shoplifting and retail theft reports in these specific zones inflate the city-wide statistics. If you remove commercial shoplifting from the equation, the property crime rate for residential streets drops significantly.

The trend lines are also encouraging. After a spike in the early 2020s, local reports from the last 18 months show a stabilization in property crime, mirroring trends seen across much of Washington state.

Safest Neighborhoods in Bothell: A Local's Breakdown

Safety stats are great, but you don't live in a spreadsheet—you live in a neighborhood. The "vibe" can change from one street to the next. Here is how some of the key areas stack up.

Queensborough and Brentwood

If you are looking for that classic, quiet suburban feel, these areas are top-tier. These are established neighborhoods where residents tend to stay for a long time. Incident rates here are very low, largely because there is very little cut-through traffic. It is mostly just neighbors coming home.

North Creek and Canyon Park

This is where you need to separate the commercial district from the residential subdivisions. There are plenty of beautiful homes for sale in Canyon Park, and the residential pockets tucked away behind the business parks are generally quiet and secure. However, the closer you get to the main commercial arterials, the more activity, noise, and minor petty crime (like car prowls) you might encounter.

Downtown Bothell

Downtown has gone through a massive transformation over the last decade. It is vibrant, walkable, and generally very safe. However, downtown Bothell real estate puts you in the middle of the action. Because of the foot traffic, restaurants, and density, it naturally has more activity than a quiet cul-de-sac. It feels safe to walk around, but you will want to be mindful of parking security.

Thrasher’s Corner

This area is a major transit and retail point. From a housing perspective, the subdivisions nearby are safe. The "danger" here is mostly traffic-related. It is a busy intersection, so fender benders and traffic disputes are more common than in sleepier parts of town.

Shelton View and Meridian

These neighborhoods are highly desirable for those prioritizing privacy. They are tucked away from the main drag, resulting in very low traffic and high perceived safety.

Safety Comparison: Bothell vs. Nearby Cities

It helps to have a benchmark. If you are comparing moving to Bothell against other local options, here is how it usually shakes out.

• Bothell vs. Seattle: There is a stark difference here. Bothell is significantly safer than Seattle, particularly regarding violent crime and random street crime. The suburban layout simply doesn't attract the same level of issues as the dense urban core.
• Bothell vs. Bellevue/Kirkland: These markets have comparable safety profiles. Living in Bellevue vs Bothell often comes down to budget rather than safety. Kirkland is very similar to Bothell in terms of stats, though parts of downtown Bellevue may see higher property crime simply due to the volume of luxury retail and visitors.
• Bothell vs. Lynnwood: generally, Bothell records lower crime rates than Lynnwood. Lynnwood has the Alderwood Mall and a very high concentration of retail, which drives up their property crime numbers significantly compared to Bothell's more residential mix.

Common Safety Concerns & Awareness

Even in a safe city, you have to be street-smart. Here are the practical risks you should actually be aware of living here.

Vehicle Prowls are the #1 Issue This is the most common complaint on neighborhood apps. If you park your car outside, lock it. More importantly, do not leave anything visible—gym bags, charging cables, or change. This is especially true at trailheads (like the Sammamish River Trail) or shopping center parking lots.

Package Theft Like almost every suburb in America right now, "porch pirates" are a nuisance. Residents combat this with doorbell cameras, which act as a good deterrent. Using secure lockers or having packages delivered to your office is also a smart move if you live on a busy street.

Traffic Safety The Bothell-Everett Highway and the I-405 interchanges can get aggressive. Pedestrian safety is high in neighborhoods, but caution is needed when crossing the major "stroads" (street/road hybrids) that connect the communities.

Wildlife Encounters It sounds funny to list this under safety, but it is real. Bothell has a lot of greenbelts. Coyotes and even the occasional bear are sighted, especially near the county lines. It is rarely dangerous to humans, but keeping small pets leashed and supervising them in the backyard at dusk is standard advice here.

Community Resources & Police Engagement

One reason Bothell maintains its reputation is the Bothell Police Department (BPD). They are known for being responsive and community-focused. Unlike in some larger cities where minor calls might go unanswered for hours, BPD tends to be proactive. They engage with residents through programs like "radKIDS" and coordinate closely with neighborhood watch groups.

For households with students, the Northshore School District has a strong reputation not just for academics, but for campus safety. They have robust security protocols in place, and the relationship between the schools and local law enforcement is collaborative.

Also, don't forget emergency preparedness. In the Pacific Northwest, winter storms can knock out power. Local community groups often share resources on how to stay safe and warm during the occasional November windstorm or January freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bothell safer than Seattle?

Yes, statistically Bothell is significantly safer than Seattle. Violent crime rates are much lower, and the suburban nature of the city results in fewer random incidents compared to the dense urban environment of Seattle.

What is the most common crime in Bothell?

Property crime, specifically theft and vehicle prowls, is the most common issue. Violent crime is rare; the majority of police reports involve non-confrontational theft, often occurring in commercial parking lots.

Is Downtown Bothell safe to walk in at night?

Yes, Downtown Bothell is generally safe to walk in at night. The area has been revitalized with good lighting and regular foot traffic from evening diners, making it feel secure, though standard urban awareness is always recommended.

Which side of Bothell is safer: King County or Snohomish County?

Both sides are comparable in terms of safety. The distinction is mostly administrative regarding taxes and school zones; crime rates do not drop off or spike simply because you crossed the county line within the city limits.

Final Thoughts: Is Bothell the Right Choice for You?

So, is Bothell safe? By almost every metric—and certainly by the feeling of the locals—the answer is yes. It is a community where the biggest worry is usually traffic on 405 or remembering to lock your car door at night.

Personal safety is high, and the neighborhoods are designed for a quiet, comfortable lifestyle. If you are still on the fence, the best test is a visit. Drive through neighborhoods like Queensborough or near Canyon Park at different times of the day. You will likely find people jogging, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors, which is the best indicator of a secure community.

If you are ready to explore the area further or need help navigating the local market, reaching out to a local expert is the next step to finding your spot in this welcoming city.