Port Townsend, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Port Townsend, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Port Townsend crime rate is 32.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Port Townsend, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 182 per 100,000 individuals, 50.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Port Townsend recorded 145 property crimes, amounting to 1387 per 100,000 residents, 29% lower than the U.S. average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Port Townsend 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Port Townsend?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Port Townsend residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Port Townsend were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Port Townsend a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Port Townsend, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Port Townsend presents a total crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Port Townsend experiences an average of 0.45 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.4 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 Townsend Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Port Townsend. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Port Townsend has increased by 13.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 26.7%, while property crimes have increased by 12.4%. 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 Townsend

In Port Townsend, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Port Townsend crime rates.

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 Townsend, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Port Townsend crime rates. The population density in Port Townsend is 1398.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Port Townsend crime map