Is Southwest Washington and Vancouver Safe to Live? A Deep Dive into Safety Rankings for 2024

When it comes to choosing a place to live, safety is often at the forefront of people’s minds. As a real estate professional, I get asked about the safety of neighborhoods more times than I can count. But great news—there are reliable resources to answer this question! Safewise recently released its 2024 list of the 10 safest cities in Washington, and two Southwest Washington cities made the cut. So, if you're thinking about moving to Vancouver, Ridgefield, or Camas, you'll want to keep reading to learn more about how safe these places truly are.

Why Safety Matters When Choosing a Home

Before diving into the specific cities, let’s talk about why safety is so important for homebuyers. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating with your family, or looking for a quiet place to retire, knowing your future home is located in a safe neighborhood brings peace of mind. It's not just about crime rates, though those are important—it's also about community vibe, school safety, and overall lifestyle quality. Safe neighborhoods tend to foster strong community relationships and offer better amenities, making them desirable for people from all walks of life.

Safewise’s 2024 Safest Cities List

Each year, Safewise compiles a list of the safest cities in each state, and Washington’s 2024 rankings came with some pleasant surprises. Safewise pulls data from a variety of sources, with the FBI’s crime data being one of the most influential in determining their rankings. For Southwest Washington, two cities in particular made the top 10 for safety, which says a lot about the overall atmosphere and community standards in the area.

So, which two Southwest Washington cities made the list?

Ridgefield: A Rising Star

Ridgefield landed at number seven on Safewise’s 2024 list of the safest cities in Washington. This might come as a surprise to some because Ridgefield is a city that’s currently seeing rapid development. New homes, commercial spaces, and community infrastructure are popping up all over town. Despite this growth, Ridgefield has maintained a low crime rate, which can be attributed to its tight-knit community and the pride residents take in their city.

Even with the ongoing construction and influx of new residents, Ridgefield has remained peaceful. Moving is often chaotic, and large-scale development can bring stress, but Ridgefield's commitment to maintaining safety and fostering a positive environment shines through. This is a testament to the quality of life offered in Southwest Washington.

Camas: The Safest City in Washington for 2024

The most exciting news, however, is that Camas not only made the top 10 but actually took the number one spot as the safest city in Washington for 2024! Camas is a gem in Southwest Washington, known for its beautiful scenery, thriving schools, and overall high quality of life. For years, Camas has been highly sought after by homebuyers looking for a great place to live, and now it has the title of Washington’s safest city to back that reputation.

Camas has dethroned a city that held the top spot for three consecutive years, making it an exciting development for current and future residents. For those unfamiliar with the city, it offers a perfect balance of suburban charm and natural beauty, from the historic downtown to its proximity to Lacamas Lake and other outdoor attractions. The community’s commitment to safety, education, and maintaining a welcoming environment is evident, making it an ideal place for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a safe, tranquil lifestyle.

Honorable Mentions: Battle Ground

While Battleground didn’t make the top 10, it’s worth noting that it secured the 18th spot on Safewise’s list. Having three cities in Southwest Washington ranked within the top 20 safest places to live is impressive and reflects the region’s overall appeal. Battleground is another fast-growing area, much like Ridgefield, and it continues to attract new residents without compromising on safety.

For those who might be considering a move to Southwest Washington but aren’t sure where to start, knowing that Ridgefield, Camas, and Battleground are all recognized for their safety is a great place to begin your home search.

How to Research Neighborhood Safety

If you’re curious about a specific neighborhood, I always recommend checking out crimegrade.org. This website provides detailed, in-depth information about crime rates and safety by neighborhood, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect. Whether you're looking at data for Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, or another area, it's a useful tool to help guide your decision.

In real estate, it’s important to note that agents like myself are not allowed to steer clients toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on safety. However, by using resources like Safewise and CrimeGrade, you can make informed decisions on your own. These tools are invaluable for assessing the safety and overall vibe of different areas.

For those of you who want to dive deeper into the crime statistics and safety data of Southwest Washington, here are some valuable resources you can explore:

• CrimeGrade.org: A comprehensive tool to explore local crime data down to the neighborhood level. Whether you’re researching Vancouver, Camas, or Ridgefield, this site offers detailed insights into safety metrics.

• Safewise Washington's Safest Cities of 2024: This is the official 2024 list from Safewise, where you can check out the complete rankings and learn more about what makes each city stand out in terms of safety.

• FBI Crime Data Explorer: For those interested in the broader picture, the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer offers national and local crime statistics used to create safety rankings.

• SafeWise Rankings Explained: Learn more about the methodology behind Safewise’s safety rankings, including how they source and interpret data.

Why Southwest Washington Stands Out

Southwest Washington, particularly Clark County, is rapidly growing in popularity due to its blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and close proximity to larger urban areas like Portland. The fact that several of its cities rank so highly in terms of safety only adds to the region’s appeal. From the trails and parks of Camas to the burgeoning communities in Ridgefield and Battleground, it’s clear that the area offers not only a high quality of life but also a secure environment.

For those who prioritize safety when choosing a place to live, these rankings should offer reassurance. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban life or a vibrant, growing community, Southwest Washington provides both safety and opportunity in spades.

Moving to Southwest Washington? Let’s Talk!

If you’re considering a move to Southwest Washington or even just want to learn more about what it’s like to live here, don’t hesitate to reach out. As someone who’s deeply familiar with the area, I’m more than happy to answer your questions. Whether you want to explore the safety of different neighborhoods, discover the best schools, or find out what makes Camas, Ridgefield, and Battleground such desirable places to live, I’ve got you covered. You can contact me via email, text, or social media at @realtorcass, and I’d love to help you on your journey to homeownership in this beautiful region.

In the meantime, if you're intrigued by Camas, I have a whole playlist dedicated to it on YouTube. Take a virtual drive around the city, hear from locals, and get a feel for what makes it such a fantastic place to live.

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