| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centralia/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 569 | n/a (estimate) | 3,008 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 5.3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 74.0 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 58.1 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 25 | n/a | 132.1 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 51 | n/a (estimate) | 270 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 75 | n/a | 396.4 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 411 | n/a | 2,172.4 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 169.1 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 518 | n/a (estimate) | 2,738 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Centralia is 41.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Centralia, there were 51 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 270 per 100,000 individuals, 24.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 518 property crimes, amounting to 2738 per 100,000 residents, 55.6% higher than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Centralia. Based on the results of the surveys (30 responses), 33% of people felt that there was very little crime in Centralia and felt safe walking alone at night. While 67% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Centralia a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Centralia crime rate is 42% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.56 crimes per day - 0.14 violent crimes and 1.42 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Centralia crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Centralia has decreased by 18.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 34.2% and property crime has decreased by 21.3%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Centralia crime rate. The poverty level in Centralia is 23.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Centralia, the cost of living is 5.86% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Centralia, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.35 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Centralia | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tenino, WA | 1,807 | 146 | 1,108 | 1,254 |
| Fords Prairie, WA | 2,667 | 147 | 1,110 | 1,257 |
| Rainier, WA | 2,658 | 149 | 1,124 | 1,273 |
| Oakville, WA | 667 | 411 | 1,096 | 1,507 |
| Grand Mound, WA | 4,109 | 184 | 1,388 | 1,572 |
| Napavine, WA | 1,622 | 269 | 1,347 | 1,616 |
| Rochester, WA | 4,994 | 207 | 1,564 | 1,771 |
| Centralia, WA | 18,008 | 270 | 2,738 | 3,008 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bostonia, CA | 18,008 | 539 | 2,306 | 2,845 |
| Hermiston, OR | 18,009 | 318 | 3,225 | 3,543 |
| Parole, MD | 18,012 | 171 | 836 | 1,008 |
| Redland, MD | 18,022 | 291 | 1,423 | 1,714 |
| Marion, IL | 18,022 | 469 | 2,931 | 3,399 |
| Centralia, WA | 18,008 | 270 | 2,738 | 3,008 |
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