Port Angeles, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Port Angeles, WA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Port Angeles crime rate is higher than the national average by 91.7%. Specifically, there were 136 violent crimes in Port Angeles, equivalent to 670 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 81.3%. Furthermore, Port Angeles recorded 768 property crimes, amounting to 3785 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 93.7%.

Port Angeles has a crime rate of 4455 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 91.7%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Port Angeles. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

With a property crime rate of 3785 crimes per 100,000 people, Port Angeles 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 Port Angeles is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 27, 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Port Angeles?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Port Angeles residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 54 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 37% of Port Angeles 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, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Port Angeles a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Port Angeles, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Port Angeles presents a total crime rate that is 92% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Port Angeles experiences an average of 2.48 daily crimes, comprising 0.37 violent incidents and 2.1 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 Port Angeles Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Port Angeles. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Port Angeles has increased by 49.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 19.3%, while property crimes have increased by 57.1%. 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 Port Angeles

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Port Angeles, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Port Angeles, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.95 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Port Angeles has a median home price of $231,900, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Port Angeles crime map