Mountlake Terrace, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Mountlake Terrace, WA

The Mountlake Terrace crime rates are 28.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 34 violent crimes in Mountlake Terrace (157 per 100,000 people), which is 57.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 613 property crimes (2839 per 100,000 residents) which is 45.3% higher than average.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Mountlake Terrace faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 106 vehicle thefts, translating to 491 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Mountlake Terrace 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 204.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Mountlake Terrace?

AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Mountlake Terrace to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 67% of people answered that there was very little crime in Mountlake Terrace and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 33% 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 Mountlake Terrace a Safe Place to Live?

Is Mountlake Terrace a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Mountlake Terrace has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 29%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.77 daily incidents, encompassing 0.09 violent crimes and 1.68 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Mountlake Terrace as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Mountlake Terrace Increased Since Last Year?

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 2.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 6.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 2.5%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Mountlake Terrace

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Mountlake Terrace crime rates. For instance, in Mountlake Terrace, the population density stands at 5258.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Mountlake Terrace, 89.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

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 Mountlake Terrace, the average monthly rent stands at $1,595, while the national average is $949 per month.

Mountlake Terrace crime map