Is Sammamish Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sammamish
Is it Safe to Live in Sammamish?
Sammamish is considered a very safe city, with a crime rate significantly lower than both the national and state averages. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data indicates that Sammamish is safer than 63% of U.S. cities and towns, and has a lower crime rate than 78% of communities in Washington state. Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Sammamish is about one in 182, compared to one in 47 nationally.
The city also boasts an exceptionally low violent crime rate, well below the national average for all community sizes. Your odds of becoming a victim of violent crime in Sammamish are approximately one in 3,693, with a rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants. Property crime rates, including burglary, larceny, and auto theft, are about average for all U.S. cities and towns, with a rate of 5 per 1,000 residents (NeighborhoodScout, FBI crime data). A 2021 analysis of FBI crime data also named Sammamish as the safest city in Washington state with a population over 50,000 (Patch).
Demographics and Community
Sammamish, Washington, is home to an estimated population of 66,463 residents as of 2024, making it the 20th most populated city in the state (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). The median age in Sammamish is 39.9 years (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). The city’s racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up 49.2% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 37.1%, and those identifying as Two or More races at 5.9% (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). A significant portion of residents, 36.1%, were born outside the country (Data Commons, US Census Bureau).
The median household income in Sammamish was $239,690 in 2024 (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). Despite this high median income, 4.4% of Sammamish families live below the poverty line (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). The population has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 65,986 in 2026 and a decrease of 2.17% since the most recent census (World Population Review).
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sammamish is highly competitive, with a very high cost of living, particularly concerning housing expenses. As of March 2026, the median home price in Sammamish was $1.6 million, reflecting a 3.5% decrease from the previous year (Redfin). Homes in Sammamish typically sell very quickly, averaging about 5 days on the market (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is approximately $613, a slight decrease of 3.2% year-over-year (Redfin).
For renters, the average rent for all property types in Sammamish is around $3,600 per month as of late April 2026 (Zillow). The price range for rentals spans from $995 to $10,000 per month (Zillow). For a single-family home, the average rent frequently exceeds $3,000 per month, with newer or larger properties often costing well over $4,000 (Amanda Wright).
Cost of Living and Economy
Sammamish’s cost of living is substantially higher than the national average, with estimates ranging from 42% to 62% higher (Payscale, ERI Economic Research Institute, Livingcost.org). Housing expenses are a primary driver, being 147% higher than the national average (Payscale). Transportation costs are also elevated, at 34% higher than the national average, while grocery prices are 11% higher (Payscale). Healthcare costs are also notable, running 20% higher than the national average (Payscale).
The median individual income in Sammamish was $104,121 in 2024 (Data Commons, BLS). However, some sources indicate a median household income of $239,690 (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). The average annual salary in Sammamish was reported as $52,221 as of late April 2026 (ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Sammamish was 5.5% in early 2026 (Data Commons, BLS), and as of mid-2017, it was reported at 4.0% (Zippia).
Employment and Major Employers
The economy in Sammamish employs approximately 33,400 individuals as of 2024, with employment growing at a rate of 1.51% from the previous year (Data USA). The largest employment sectors for Sammamish residents are Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, followed by Retail Trade and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA). Top-paying industries include Management of Companies & Enterprises, Information, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (Data USA).
Major employers in the Sammamish area include Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, Apple, and Google, which are among the top employers in Washington state (Patch). Other companies with a presence in Sammamish include eShakti, Bright Horizons, and the Lake Washington School District (Zippia).
Climate and Weather
Sammamish experiences a climate characterized by short, warm, partly cloudy summers and very cold, wet, and overcast winters. Temperatures typically range from 37°F to 78°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 88°F (Weather Spark). The warm season, from late June to mid-September, features daily high temperatures above 72°F, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 77°F and a low of 58°F (Weather Spark).
The cool season lasts from mid-November to early March, with daily high temperatures below 52°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 37°F and highs of 45°F (Weather Spark). Rainfall is most significant during the winter months, with November, December, and January being the wettest, influenced by the Aleutian Low. Summers are warm and dry, with July and August being the driest months. Snowfall is infrequent, and subfreezing temperatures usually coincide with high-pressure systems that bring clear skies (Wikipedia).
Education and Schools
Sammamish is served by highly-rated public schools. Sammamish High School in Bellevue is a highly-rated public school with an overall Niche grade of A, ranking among the best public high schools in Washington state (Niche). It is recognized for its college preparatory programs and STEM offerings (Niche). Other highly-rated schools in the area include International Community School and Eastlake High School, both within the Lake Washington School District (Niche).
Niche ranks Sammamish as having some of the best public schools in the nation, and it is particularly noted for its family-friendly environment and highly educated population (Niche, Wikipedia). The city boasts a high percentage of residents with advanced degrees, with 83.4% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (Wikipedia).
Quality of Life and Community
Sammamish offers a high quality of life, often described as having a sparse suburban feel with abundant green spaces and parks (Niche, Wikipedia). Residents value the city’s safety, top-rated schools, and access to nature, contributing to a strong sense of community (Amanda Wright). The city is home to over ten parks, including Beaver Lake Park and Pine Lake Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation (Wikipedia).
The community is diverse, with a significant Asian population alongside a White majority (Data Commons, US Census Bureau). While the cost of living is high, many residents find the investment in lifestyle, safety, and education worthwhile (Amanda Wright). The city’s proximity to Seattle’s tech corridor also makes it an attractive location for professionals.