Soap Lake, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Soap Lake, WA

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 Soap Lake is 78.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported in Soap Lake, equivalent to 527 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 42.5%. Additionally, Soap Lake recorded 62 property crimes, amounting to 3630 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 85.7%.

Having a crime rate of 4157 per 100,000 residents, Soap Lake experiences a crime rate that is 78.85% 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, Soap Lake 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.

In the latest reported crime year, Soap Lake recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Soap Lake - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3630 per 100,000 people, Soap Lake has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Soap Lake ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 11 vehicle thefts, amounting to 644 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Soap Lake 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 156.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Soap Lake?

What do the local residents think about crime in Soap Lake? Well, based on a recent survey of 11 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 9% of Soap Lake residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 91% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Soap Lake a Safe Place to Live?

Is Soap Lake 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, Soap Lake has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 79%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.19 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.17 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Soap Lake as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Soap Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Soap Lake has increased by 22.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Soap Lake is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 12.5%, while property crime has increased by 24%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Soap Lake.

Potential Causes for Crime in Soap Lake

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Soap Lake crime rates. Soap Lake registers a population density of 1022.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Soap Lake, the cost of living is 9.95% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Soap Lake is $123,400, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Soap Lake crime map