Gig Harbor, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gig Harbor, 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 Gig Harbor is 171.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 30 violent crimes reported in Gig Harbor, equivalent to 244 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 34.1%. Additionally, Gig Harbor recorded 746 property crimes, amounting to 6065 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 210.3%.

Having a crime rate of 6308 per 100,000 residents, Gig Harbor experiences a crime rate that is 171.42% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Gig Harbor contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

In the most recently reported crime year, Gig Harbor registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

With a property crime rate of 6065 crimes per 100,000 people, Gig Harbor unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Gig Harbor is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Gig Harbor faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 119 vehicle thefts, translating to 967 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Gig Harbor in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 104.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Gig Harbor?

What do the local residents think about crime in Gig Harbor? Well, based on a recent survey of 52 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 58% of Gig Harbor residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 42% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Gig Harbor a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Gig Harbor, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Gig Harbor presents a total crime rate that is 171% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Gig Harbor experiences an average of 2.13 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 2.04 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 Gig Harbor Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Gig Harbor has increased by 62% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Gig Harbor 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 increased by 66.7%, while property crime has increased by 61.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Gig Harbor.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gig Harbor

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Gig Harbor, 95.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 Gig Harbor, the cost of living is 32.89% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Gig Harbor, there are 2.47 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Gig Harbor crime map