Renton, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Renton, WA

The Renton crime rates are 115% 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 382 violent crimes in Renton (369 per 100,000 people), which is 0.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 4796 property crimes (4628 per 100,000 residents) which is 136.8% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 4997 per 100,000 residents, Renton experiences a crime rate that is 115.01% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Renton contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Renton exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 369 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Renton as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

Renton has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4628 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Renton is 1 in 22, which is far higher than the national average.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Renton has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Renton reported 1354 vehicle thefts, which equates to 1307 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Renton is 1 in 77.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Renton?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Renton residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 58 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 48% of Renton 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, 52% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Renton a Safe Place to Live?

Is Renton 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, Renton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 115%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 14.19 daily incidents, encompassing 1.05 violent crimes and 13.14 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Renton as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Renton Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Renton has increased by 9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Renton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 17.5%, while property crime has increased by 8.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Renton is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Renton

In Renton, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Renton crime rates.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Renton, the cost of living is 35.35% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Renton, there are 1.55 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Renton crime map