Is Sequim Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sequim
Sequim, Washington, nestled on the Olympic Peninsula, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Known for its mild climate and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities, it attracts those seeking a quieter pace of life. The city’s “rain shadow” location contributes to its reputation as a sunny spot in a generally wet region.
The community boasts a median age that is higher than the national average, suggesting a significant population of retirees and older adults. This demographic trend influences the local economy and social fabric, with many services and activities catering to this group.
Is it Safe to Live in Sequim?
Sequim’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 24 crimes per one thousand residents (NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Sequim is approximately 1 in 42 (NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, Sequim is not considered one of the safest communities in America, ranking higher in crime than 80% of other cities and towns in Washington (NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Sequim occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar population sizes across America. The chance of being a victim of violent crime, such as robbery or assault, is about 1 in 586, translating to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Sequim is also above average, with a rate of 22 per one thousand population, meaning there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of theft or burglary (NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living and Housing Market
The cost of living in Sequim is considered high, ranking as the 21st most expensive city out of 54 in Washington (Living Cost). The median after-tax salary is $2,936, which is only enough to cover living expenses for about 1.1 months (Living Cost). This suggests that for many residents, the cost of living can be a significant financial consideration.
Sequim’s housing market shows a median home value of $564,692 as of April 30, 2026, which has seen a slight decrease of 1.6% over the past year (Zillow). Homes in Sequim tend to sell quickly, with a median of 19 days to pending status (Zillow). The median rent in Sequim is approximately $2,300 per month, which is higher than the national average rent of $1,930 (Zillow).
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Sequim indicates an average rent of $2,300 per month as of May 8, 2026 (Zillow). This is higher than the national average rent, making it a notable expense for renters. The price range for rentals varies, with options available from $795 to $3,595 per month (Zillow).
As of November 16, 2024, there were 36 rentals available in Sequim (Airbtics). The average rent price for a typical rental is $2,134 per month (Airbtics). This indicates a competitive rental market with a range of options for potential tenants.
Home Prices and Trends
In March 2026, Sequim home prices saw a slight increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $490,000 (Redfin). Homes in this market are selling relatively quickly, averaging 20 days on the market (Redfin). This suggests a consistent demand for housing in the area.
The median sale price per square foot in Sequim is $314, also showing a slight increase of 1.6% year-over-year (Redfin). While the market is competitive, the number of homes sold in March was down slightly from the previous year, with 18 homes sold compared to 19 (Redfin).
Job Market and Economy
The average annual salary in Sequim is approximately $47,000, or $22.60 per hour (Zippia). However, the median household income in Sequim is reported to be $59,707 (World Population Review). This median figure is lower than the national average, with Sequim households earning 29% less than the national average (Sequim, WA Employment).
The unemployment rate in Sequim is notably lower than the national average, standing at 47% below it (Sequim, WA Employment). This suggests a relatively strong job market for those seeking employment within the city.
Major Employers
Key employers in the Sequim area include Olympic Medical Center, a significant healthcare provider serving the North Olympic Peninsula (Zippia). Pacific Northwest National Laboratory also has a presence, contributing to research and development in various scientific fields (Zippia). Sound Publishing, a leading journalistic voice in Washington and Alaska, is another notable employer in the region.
Other companies with offices in Sequim include First Security Bank and Verizon Wireless, reflecting a diverse range of industries contributing to the local economy. These employers play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities and supporting the economic vitality of the community.
Climate and Weather
Sequim experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by short, comfortable, dry summers and long, cold, wet winters (Weather Spark). The city is located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, resulting in an annual precipitation of only about 16 inches, which is the lowest in the western part of the state (Wikipedia). This unique microclimate has earned Sequim the nickname “Sunny Sequim.”
Winters are generally mild with very little snowfall; many years experience no snow at all (Wikipedia). The highest temperature ever recorded in Sequim was 99°F (37.2°C), while the lowest was -3°F (-19.4°C) (Wikipedia). Despite the low annual rainfall, fogs and cool breezes from the Strait of Juan de Fuca can make the climate feel more humid than the precipitation levels might suggest (Wikipedia).
Temperature and Rainfall Averages
The average high temperature in Sequim during the summer months reaches around 71°F in August, with lows around 55°F (Weather Spark). During the winter, the average high temperature in December is around 45°F, with lows around 38°F (Weather Spark). Annual precipitation averages around 18.9 inches, with the monthly average being approximately 1.5 inches (WillyWeather).
The wettest months are typically November and December, while the driest months are July and August (Time and Date). While Sequim is known for its dryness, rainfall can still occur, with a 100% chance of rain predicted on April 14th, according to one forecast (WillyWeather).
Education and Schools
Sequim School District serves the educational needs of the community, offering a range of grades from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (Niche). The district has an overall Niche grade of C+ (Niche). According to state test scores, 41% of students are proficient in math and 55% are proficient in reading (Niche).
Sequim Senior High School, a public school within the district, has an overall Niche grade of B- (Niche). It is ranked #178 out of 408 for Best Public High School Teachers in Washington (Niche). The student-teacher ratio at the high school is 20 to 1 (Niche).
School District Performance
Sequim School District is ranked #114 out of 230 for districts with the best teachers in Washington (Niche). It also ranks #158 out of 233 for the most diverse school districts in Washington (Niche). The district has a student population of 2,580 students across its schools (Niche).
While Niche provides overall grades and rankings, reviews from students and alumni offer a more nuanced perspective. Some students praise the positive environment and dedicated teachers, while others note issues with classroom disruptions and limited course selection (Niche).
Demographics
Sequim’s population was estimated at 8,161 in 2024, showing a slight increase from the 8,024 recorded in the 2020 Census (Census Dots). The median age in Sequim is 62.6 years, significantly higher than the national median age (World Population Review). This indicates a substantial proportion of older residents within the community.
The racial composition of Sequim is predominantly White, at 83.1%, followed by Multiracial at 6.5%, and Hispanic at 4.0% (Census Dots). This demographic makeup is less diverse than the state of Washington overall (Census Dots).
Population Trends and Age Distribution
The median age of 62.6 years in Sequim is a key demographic characteristic (World Population Review). This is considerably higher than the national median age, suggesting a strong appeal to retirees and older adults. The population is also more female-dominated, with more females than males (U.S. Census Bureau).
The city’s population has seen a slight annual growth rate, projected to reach 8,572 by 2026 (World Population Review). This growth, while modest, indicates a steady interest in the area. The demographic profile suggests a community that values tranquility and a connection to nature.