| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kelso/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 273 | n/a (estimate) | 2,163 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 7.9 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 47.5 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 87.2 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 87.2 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 230 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 36 | n/a | 285.3 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 187 | n/a | 1,481.8 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 21 | n/a | 166.4 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 244 | n/a (estimate) | 1,933 | 2,467 | 1,760 |

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 Kelso is 2.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 29 violent crimes reported in Kelso, equivalent to 230 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 36%. Additionally, Kelso recorded 244 property crimes, amounting to 1933 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 9.9%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Kelso per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Kelso, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Kelso maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Kelso, 1933 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
What do the local residents think about crime in Kelso? Well, based on a recent survey of 13 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 54% of Kelso residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 46% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Kelso is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Kelso has an overall crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.75 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.67 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Kelso as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kelso. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Kelso has decreased by 44.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 31%, while property crime has decreased by 45.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kelso.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Kelso crime rates. Kelso registers a population density of 1552 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Kelso, the cost of living is 5.33% 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 Kelso, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.16 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.
| Item | Kelso | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 26 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Castle Rock, WA | 3,018 | 41 | 1,028 | 1,069 |
| Kalama, WA | 2,806 | 98 | 1,277 | 1,376 |
| Longview Heights, WA | 4,481 | 211 | 1,593 | 1,804 |
| Rainier, OR | 2,152 | 104 | 2,174 | 2,277 |
| Prescott, OR | 88 | 320 | 2,308 | 2,628 |
| Woodland, WA | 6,439 | 124 | 2,702 | 2,825 |
| West Side Highway, WA | 5,860 | 349 | 2,639 | 2,988 |
| Kelso, WA | 12,512 | 230 | 1,933 | 2,163 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Festus, MO | 12,514 | 183 | 1,030 | 1,212 |
| Escanaba, MI | 12,509 | 357 | 1,997 | 2,354 |
| Holiday City-Berkeley, NJ | 12,508 | 278 | 1,819 | 2,097 |
| Overlea, MD | 12,505 | 491 | 2,396 | 2,886 |
| Oak Grove, SC | 12,504 | 415 | 1,867 | 2,282 |
| Kelso, WA | 12,512 | 230 | 1,933 | 2,163 |