Is North Lynnwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Lynnwood

North Lynnwood, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balance in their lifestyle. Situated in Snohomish County, it provides a distinct community feel while remaining closely connected to the larger Seattle metropolitan area.

This community is characterized by its diverse population and a robust economy driven by key sectors like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Residents benefit from a range of amenities, including parks and local businesses, contributing to a comfortable living environment.

Is it Safe to Live in North Lynnwood?

North Lynnwood presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate is reported as 51.48 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade). This rate is considered much higher than the average US city, with North Lynnwood ranking in the 9th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 9% of U.S. cities (CrimeGrade).

However, there are nuances to these statistics. Violent crimes in North Lynnwood are 32% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). When examining crime by neighborhood, residents generally perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest, with a lower chance of becoming a victim compared to the southwest neighborhoods (CrimeGrade). While crime rates are a concern, the perception of safety can vary significantly by specific location within North Lynnwood.

Crime Statistics Overview

The crime rate in North Lynnwood is 2% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 32% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crimes are 5% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). In North Lynnwood, there is a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime (AreaVibes).

The cost of crime per resident in North Lynnwood is $557 per year, which is $93 more than the national average and $53 less than Washington’s state average (CrimeGrade). In 2025, crime is projected to cost $1,355 per household (CrimeGrade).

Pros and Cons of Living in North Lynnwood

North Lynnwood offers a dynamic environment with distinct advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The community boasts a diverse population and a strong employment base in sectors such as healthcare and retail. Its proximity to Seattle also provides access to a wider range of opportunities and amenities.

On the other hand, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a significant factor. While offering a suburban feel, the area’s crime rates are higher than the national average, which is a crucial consideration for those prioritizing safety. The median home price is also notably higher than the national average.

Demographics and Diversity

North Lynnwood is home to approximately 23,339 people, with a projected population of 23,228 for 2026 (Data USA, Census Reporter). The racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up about 46.9% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 19.9%, and Hispanic residents at 12.1% (Census Reporter). This demographic makeup is more diverse than the state of Washington overall (Census Reporter).

The median age in North Lynnwood is 33.9 years (Census Reporter). Approximately 30.2% of residents were born outside the United States, a figure that is higher than the national average (Data USA). This foreign-born population has been increasing, contributing to the community’s cultural richness.

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in North Lynnwood is competitive, with the median home value around $655,305 as of March 2026 (Zillow). This is significantly higher than the national average home value of $332,700 (Livability.com). The median listing price for homes in North Lynnwood was $680.0K in March 2026 (realtor.com®).

The average rent in North Lynnwood was $2,067 in the past year, reflecting a 5.54% decrease (RentCafe). However, this is still higher than the national average rent of $1,910 as of March 2026 (Zillow). The cost of living in Lynnwood (which includes North Lynnwood) is generally higher than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver (Salary.com).

Housing Trends

North Lynnwood’s housing market is characterized by rising prices, with the average home price increasing by 8.9% over the past year (Redfin). Homes typically sell in about 20.5 days, indicating a fast-paced market where multiple offers are common (Redfin). The homeownership rate in North Lynnwood is 43.9%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (Livability.com).

Most residential real estate in North Lynnwood consists of apartments and single-family homes, with a mix of owners and renters occupying these properties (NeighborhoodScout). Many homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with some newer constructions also present (NeighborhoodScout).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of North Lynnwood employs approximately 14,100 people, though employment saw a slight decline of 2.59% from the previous year (Data USA). Major industries in the area include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). The highest-paying industries are Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (Data USA).

The median household income in North Lynnwood was $101,088 in 2024 (Data USA). This figure is higher than the median income reported by Livability.com ($97,936) and Census Reporter ($101,088). The poverty rate in North Lynnwood is 7.18% (Census Reporter), which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (Data USA).

Major Employers and Industries

Key employers in the broader Lynnwood area include Comcast, Pemco, Zumiez, Nordstrom, and Macy’s (Economic Alliance Snohomish County). The retail sector is a significant contributor to employment in Lynnwood, accounting for a substantial portion of jobs (Economic Alliance Snohomish County). The service sector also represents a large part of the workforce (Economic Alliance Snohomish County).

The job market is expected to grow, with forecasts indicating an increase in employment opportunities in Lynnwood (Economic Alliance Snohomish County). The FIRE (Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate) sector and the services sector are anticipated to add the most jobs and experience the fastest growth (Economic Alliance Snohomish County).

Climate and Weather

North Lynnwood experiences a climate that is characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 35°F in December to a high of 76°F in July (myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually, with about 4 inches of snowfall (myPerfectWeather).

Summers in North Lynnwood are typically short, comfortable, and dry, with partly cloudy skies. Winters, conversely, are colder, wetter, and mostly cloudy (Lynnwood Climate Data). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents and visitors (myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

The warm season in North Lynnwood generally lasts from late June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 70°F. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 75°F and lows of 57°F (Lynnwood Climate Data). The cool season spans from mid-November to the end of February, with average daily highs below 51°F. December is the coldest month, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 37°F (Lynnwood Climate Data).

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with November being the wettest month, averaging 7.7 inches of rain (Lynnwood Climate Data). July is the driest month, with an average of only 0.8 inches of rain (Lynnwood Climate Data). The chance of a wet day is significantly higher from October to April (Lynnwood Climate Data).

Education and School Ratings

North Lynnwood is served by public schools within the Edmonds School District and Mukilteo School District, both of which receive generally positive reviews. The Edmonds School District has a rating of 3.97 out of 5, while the Mukilteo School District has a rating of 4.02 out of 5 (Niche).

The average school rating in North Lynnwood is 6 out of 10, with a total of 24 schools serving the area (Nextburb). Public elementary schools like Tambark Creek Elementary receive an ‘A’ overall grade from Niche, indicating strong performance (Niche).

School District Performance

While specific school ratings can vary, Niche indicates that public schools in North Lynnwood are generally above average (Niche). The Edmonds School District, which serves a significant portion of the area, is noted for its college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality (Niche).

However, some online discussions highlight concerns about specific school ratings, with some residents questioning whether these ratings accurately reflect the quality of education provided (Reddit). Factors such as socioeconomic status and parental involvement are often cited as potential influences on school performance metrics (Reddit).

Demographics and Population Trends

North Lynnwood’s population was approximately 23,339 in 2024, with projections indicating a slight decrease to 23,228 by 2026 (Data USA, Census Reporter). The community is growing at an annual rate of 2.2% (World Population Review). Since the most recent census, the population has increased by 5% (World Population Review).

The population is notably diverse. White residents constitute the largest group at 46.9%, followed by Asian residents at 19.9%, and Hispanic residents at 12.1% (Census Reporter). This demographic profile is more diverse than the state of Washington as a whole (Census Reporter).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of North Lynnwood includes approximately 46.9% White, 19.9% Asian, 12.1% Hispanic, and 9.3% Black or African American residents (Census Reporter). There are also smaller percentages of multiracial and other racial groups (Census Reporter).

Compared to the 2020 Census, North Lynnwood has become slightly less racially diverse, with a decrease in the Asian population’s share and an increase in the White population’s share (Census Reporter). Despite this shift, the area remains considerably more diverse than Washington state overall (Census Reporter).

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

North Lynnwood’s economy is supported by several major employers within the broader Lynnwood area. These include prominent companies such as Comcast, Pemco, Zumiez, Nordstrom, and Macy’s (Economic Alliance Snohomish County). The retail sector is a significant driver of employment, with a high concentration of retail jobs compared to other jurisdictions in Snohomish County (Economic Alliance Snohomish County).

The healthcare and social assistance sector is another substantial employer, alongside manufacturing (Data USA). These industries provide a diverse range of job opportunities for residents, contributing to the local economic landscape.

Employment Sectors

The largest employment sectors in North Lynnwood are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). These sectors collectively employ thousands of residents, forming the backbone of the local job market.

While the retail sector offers numerous positions, average wages in this field are lower compared to other sectors. The service sector also accounts for a significant portion of employment in Lynnwood, with average annual wages that are moderate (Economic Alliance Snohomish County).

Climate Data and Temperatures

North Lynnwood experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. The average annual temperature hovers between 35°F and 76°F, rarely dropping below 28°F or exceeding 85°F (myPerfectWeather). This range indicates mild winters and warm, but not excessively hot, summers.

The area receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall being minimal at around 4 inches (myPerfectWeather). These figures suggest a climate that is generally moderate and conducive to outdoor activities for much of the year.

Average Rainfall and Temperature

Annual precipitation in North Lynnwood averages 40 inches (myPerfectWeather). The month of November typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 6 inches (myPerfectWeather). Conversely, July is the driest month, receiving an average of 0.8 inches of rain (Lynnwood Climate Data).

Summer temperatures are pleasant, with highs in the comfortable range. Winter temperatures are cooler, with average lows in the mid-30s Fahrenheit (Lynnwood Climate Data). The climate is generally considered to have comfortable weather for about 4.3 months of the year, primarily from June to September (myPerfectWeather).