Is Bothell West Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bothell West

Bothell West, a census-designated place in Snohomish County, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 22,015 residents, with a median age of 36.3 years (U.S. Census Bureau). The area is characterized by its comfortable summers and wet, cool winters, with temperatures typically ranging from 37°F to 76°F throughout the year (Weather Spark).

This community provides a desirable living environment for many, balancing natural beauty with convenient access to employment centers and cultural attractions. Understanding the various facets of life in Bothell West, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Pacific Northwest locale.

Is it Safe to Live in Bothell West?

Bothell West demonstrates a strong safety profile, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. Violent crimes in Bothell West are reported to be 63% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 43% lower (AreaVibes). Overall, Bothell West’s crime rates are 46% lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (AreaVibes).

The area is considered safer than 89% of other cities in the United States, according to crime grade analysis, with a violent crime rate of 1.552 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org). While crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas considered safer than others, the general trend indicates a low incidence of criminal activity, making it a secure place to call home (CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs in Bothell West

The housing market in Bothell West is competitive, with the median sale price of a home reaching approximately $976,000 in March 2026 (Redfin). This figure represents a 7.0% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a robust and appreciating real estate market (Redfin).

Homes in Bothell West tend to sell quickly, with an average of 9 days on the market, compared to 13 days in the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $469, showing a slight decrease of 0.21% year-over-year (Redfin).

Rental Market in Bothell West

For those considering renting, Bothell West offers a diverse rental market. One-bedroom apartments typically range from the $1800s, with median rates near $1900, while two-bedroom apartments average around $2400 (Rentometer). Larger three-bedroom apartments can be found for approximately $2900 (Rentometer).

Renting a house also presents various options, with two-bedroom homes averaging around $3000 and median rents closer to $2500 (Rentometer). Three-bedroom houses commonly rent for about $3200, with four or more bedroom properties ranging from $3700 to $3800 (Rentometer).

Job Market and Economy

Bothell West’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers, including significant players in the technology and biotechnology sectors. Key employers in the broader Bothell area include Northshore School District, AT&T Mobility, Phillips Ultrasound, Seattle Genetics Inc., and the University of Washington Bothell (Economic Alliance Snohomish County). T-Mobile US also has a substantial presence, operating one of its largest offices in Canyon Park (Wikipedia).

The city’s economy has a strong focus on professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as manufacturing and information industries (Wikipedia). As of 2022, Bothell had an estimated workforce population of 37,721 residents, with approximately 68.8% employed (Wikipedia).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Bothell, Snohomish County, Washington, was 5.20% as of the latest data, which is higher than the long-term average of 4.38% (YCharts). This figure represents a slight increase compared to the previous month and the previous year (YCharts).

For the state of Washington, the preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June 2024 was 4.9%, a slight increase from 3.8% in June 2023 (Employment Security Department). This indicates a fluctuating job market, with ongoing efforts to maintain employment stability.

Climate and Weather

Bothell West experiences a climate characterized by short, comfortable, dry summers and very cold, wet winters. Temperatures typically range from 37°F to 76°F, rarely dropping below 27°F or exceeding 86°F (Weather Spark). The warm season, from late June to mid-September, features average daily high temperatures above 70°F, with August being the hottest month (Weather Spark).

The cooler season lasts from mid-November to late February, with average daily highs below 51°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 38°F (Weather Spark). Bothell West receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with November being the wettest month, averaging 8.1 inches of precipitation, while July is the driest with only 0.8 inches (Weather Spark).

School Ratings

The educational landscape in Bothell, WA, is served by several highly-rated school districts. Niche.com provides rankings based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of student and parent reviews. The Northshore School District is ranked as the #3 Best School District in Washington, earning an A+ overall Niche Grade (Niche.com).

Other notable districts serving the Bothell area include the Lake Washington School District, ranked #4, and the Edmonds School District, ranked #58 in Washington (Niche.com). Bothell High School itself receives an A rating, with 53% of students proficient in math and 85% in reading, according to state test scores (Niche.com).

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Bothell West had a population of 22,015, with a median age of 36.3 years (U.S. Census Bureau). The population is relatively balanced, with 24.6% under 18 and 11.4% aged 65 or older (U.S. Census Bureau). The racial composition includes a significant White population (56.34%), followed by Asian residents (24.31%) (Data USA).

The median household income in Bothell West is reported at $153,449, with a poverty rate of 2.99% (Data USA). Approximately 84.1% of residents are U.S. citizens, and about 27.2% were born outside the country (Data USA).