| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mountlake Terrace/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 515 | n/a (estimate) | 2,385 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 12 | n/a | 55.6 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 30 | n/a | 138.9 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 42 | n/a (estimate) | 194 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 66 | n/a | 305.6 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 289 | n/a | 1,338.3 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 118 | n/a | 546.4 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 473 | n/a (estimate) | 2,190 | 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 Mountlake Terrace is 12.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 42 violent crimes reported in Mountlake Terrace, equivalent to 194 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 45.8%. Additionally, Mountlake Terrace recorded 473 property crimes, amounting to 2190 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 24.4%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Mountlake Terrace experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Mountlake Terrace ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 118 vehicle thefts, amounting to 546 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Mountlake Terrace within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 184.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Mountlake Terrace residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 67% of Mountlake Terrace residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 33% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Mountlake Terrace, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Mountlake Terrace presents a total crime rate that is 13% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Mountlake Terrace experiences an average of 1.41 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 1.3 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Mountlake Terrace. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Mountlake Terrace has decreased by 22.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 31.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 24.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Mountlake Terrace, 89.1% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Mountlake Terrace, the cost of living is 46.66% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Mountlake Terrace is $746,290, compared to a national average of $326,622.

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| Item | Mountlake Terrace | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Brier, WA | 7,174 | 16 | 404 | 420 |
| Cathcart, WA | 2,365 | 51 | 387 | 438 |
| Fobes Hill, WA | 2,615 | 51 | 387 | 438 |
| Clinton, WA | 1,154 | 53 | 400 | 453 |
| Machias, WA | 1,144 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| High Bridge, WA | 3,157 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Clearview, WA | 3,993 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Mountlake Terrace, WA | 21,935 | 194 | 2,190 | 2,385 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mukilteo, WA | 21,937 | 106 | 1,717 | 1,823 |
| Ramona, CA | 21,948 | 408 | 1,744 | 2,152 |
| Piqua, OH | 21,958 | 523 | 2,991 | 3,514 |
| Mountain House, CA | 21,975 | 293 | 1,253 | 1,546 |
| La Porte, IN | 21,881 | 209 | 1,639 | 1,848 |
| Mountlake Terrace, WA | 21,935 | 194 | 2,190 | 2,385 |