Skagit County, situated in the northwest corner of Washington state, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, compelling history, and varied culture. Nevertheless, the safety and tranquility across all areas of Skagit County aren’t uniform.
Crime statistics and maps reveal that certain neighborhoods exhibit elevated levels of both violent and property crimes, posing increased risks for both residents and visitors.
This article will delve into the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Skagit County, drawing insights from data provided by CrimeGrade.org and BestPlaces.net.
| Neighborhood | City | Violent crimes per 100k | Property crimes per 100k |
| Northwest Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon | 206.1 | 6,475.80 |
| Sedro-Woolley | Sedro-Woolley | 90.3 | 1,797.40 |
| Anacortes | Anacortes | 114.4 | 2,213.60 |
| Burlington | Burlington | 192.3 | 7,976 |
| Stanwood | Stanwood | 150.1 | 2,114.60 |
Northwest Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon serves as the largest city and county seat of Skagit County, boasting a population exceeding 32,000 individuals. Despite the city’s various attractions like the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Lincoln Theatre, and the Skagit Riverwalk, certain areas grapple with elevated crime rates.
The northwestern section of Mount Vernon, encompassing neighborhoods such as West Mount Vernon, Riverside, and Blackburn, bears the highest crime rate in the county. In 2019, the statistics stood at 206.1 violent crimes and 6,475.8 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Consequently, residing in this area translates to a 1 in 2 likelihood of falling victim to crime, a sharp contrast to the 1 in 29 odds in the central part of the county.
Read More:Â Crime Watch: A Closer Look at the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Farmington Hills, MI
Sedro-Woolley
Sedro-Woolley, located in the eastern part of Skagit County, is a small city with a population of approximately 9,700 people. The city is renowned for its logging heritage, hosts an annual Loggerodeo festival, and is situated near the North Cascades National Park.
However, Sedro-Woolley faces a relatively high crime rate, particularly concerning violent crimes.
In 2019, the city recorded 90.3 violent crimes and 1,797.4 property crimes per 100,000 residents, earning it the designation of the second most dangerous city in the county. The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Sedro-Woolley is 1 in 11.
Read More:Â A Closer Look: Why This South Carolina City Leads in Domestic Violence Cases
Anacortes
Anacortes, located on the coast in western Skagit County, boasts a population of approximately 16,000 residents. Renowned as a tourist hotspot, it serves as the primary access point to the San Juan Islands and offers an array of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and whale watching.
Nevertheless, Anacortes grapples with a relatively elevated crime rate, particularly in property-related offenses.
In 2019, the city recorded 114.4 violent crimes and 2,213.6 property crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking it as the third most perilous locale in the county. The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Anacortes stands at 1 in 9.
Read More: Poverty Peaks: This Montana City Tops State’s Poverty Rankings
Burlington
Burlington, located in the central part of Skagit County, is a small city with approximately 8,500 residents.
Despite being a significant commercial and retail center housing attractions like the Cascade Mall and the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington, the city grapples with a relatively high crime rate, particularly in property crimes.
In 2018, Burlington reported 192.3 violent crimes and 7,976 property crimes per 100,000 residents, earning it the designation as the fourth most dangerous city in the county. The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Burlington stands at 1 in 5.
Read More:Â A Closer Look: Why This South Carolina City Leads in Domestic Violence Cases
Stanwood
Stanwood, situated in the southern part of Skagit County, is a small city with approximately 4,300 residents. Positioned near the mouth of the Stillaguamish River, the city boasts a rural and agricultural atmosphere.
Despite its charming character, Stanwood faces a notable challenge with a relatively high crime rate, particularly in terms of violent incidents.
As of 2019, the city recorded 150.1 violent crimes and 2,114.6 property crimes per 100,000 residents, ranking it as the fifth most dangerous city in the county. The likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Stanwood stands at 1 in 7.
Conclusion
Skagit County encompasses a diverse and picturesque area, yet certain areas within it exhibit higher susceptibility to crime. Analyzing crime statistics and maps enables us to pinpoint the top five most hazardous neighborhoods in Skagit County, fostering heightened awareness of the risks and difficulties prevalent in these areas.
Nevertheless, crime rates should not be the sole determinant of a community’s quality of life. Skagit County boasts numerous other factors that contribute to its appeal as a desirable place to reside, work, and explore.
Hence, it is essential not to assess a neighborhood exclusively based on its crime rate but to consider its history, culture, and potential as well.
