Ellensburg, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ellensburg, WA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ellensburg is 26.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 50 violent crimes reported in Ellensburg, equivalent to 252 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 31.8%. Additionally, Ellensburg recorded 533 property crimes, amounting to 2689 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 37.6%.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Ellensburg stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Ellensburg, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ellensburg?

AreaVibes surveyed 29 local residents in Ellensburg to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 66% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ellensburg and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 34% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Ellensburg a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Ellensburg, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ellensburg presents a total crime rate that is 27% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ellensburg experiences an average of 1.6 daily crimes, comprising 0.14 violent incidents and 1.46 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Ellensburg Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Ellensburg has decreased by 15.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Ellensburg is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 9.1%, while property crime has decreased by 15.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Ellensburg.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ellensburg

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Ellensburg, 85.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Ellensburg, the cost of living is 1.57% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Ellensburg, the average monthly rent stands at $1,052, while the national average is $949 per month.

Ellensburg crime map