Spokane, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Spokane, 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 Spokane crime rate is higher than the national average by 175.7%. Specifically, there were 1541 violent crimes in Spokane, equivalent to 672 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 81.7%. Furthermore, Spokane recorded 13153 property crimes, amounting to 5736 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 193.5%.

Spokane has a crime rate of 6408 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 175.73%, 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 Spokane. 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 5736 crimes per 100,000 people, Spokane 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 Spokane is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 18, 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.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Spokane is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Spokane reported a total of 1803 vehicle thefts, resulting in 786 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 128, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Spokane?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Spokane residents. Out of the respondents (255 in total), 26% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Spokane were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 74% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Spokane a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Spokane is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Spokane has a total crime rate that is 176% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 40.26 daily crimes (4.22 violent daily crimes and 36.04 daily property crimes) in Spokane.

Has Crime in Spokane Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Spokane has increased by 21% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Spokane 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 6%, while property crime has increased by 23.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Spokane.

Spokane Neighborhood Crime Rates

Spokane is a large urban city with at least 27 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Spokane include: Manitocannon Hill, Lincoln Heights and North Indian Trail. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: West Central, Hillyard and Whitman.

Potential Causes for Crime in Spokane

Spokane reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Spokane crime rates.

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 Spokane, there are 1.81 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.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Spokane are $905, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Spokane crime map