| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Tacoma/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 14,932 | n/a (estimate) | 6,667 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 22 | n/a | 9.8 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 152 | n/a | 67.9 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 413 | n/a | 184.4 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,794 | n/a | 801.0 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,381 | n/a (estimate) | 1,063 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,500 | n/a | 669.7 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7,887 | n/a | 3,521.3 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3,164 | n/a | 1,412.6 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 12,551 | n/a (estimate) | 5,604 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
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 Tacoma is 214.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 2381 violent crimes reported in Tacoma, equivalent to 1063 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 196%. Additionally, Tacoma recorded 12551 property crimes, amounting to 5604 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 218.4%.
With a crime rate of 6667 per 100,000 residents, Tacoma has a crime rate that is 214.58% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Tacoma that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
With a violent crime rate of 1063 crimes per 100,000 residents, Tacoma is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Tacoma ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 95 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Every year, one in 18 people fall victim to a property crime in Tacoma - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5604 per 100,000 people, Tacoma 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.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Tacoma faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 3164 vehicle thefts, translating to 1413 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Tacoma in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 71.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Tacoma residents. Out of the respondents (206 in total), 30% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Tacoma were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 70% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Tacoma is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Tacoma has an overall crime rate that is 215% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 40.91 daily occurrences, comprising 6.52 violent crimes and 34.39 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Tacoma as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Tacoma crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Tacoma has decreased by 15.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 9.3% and property crime has decreased by 16.1%.
The Tacoma region comprises an array of over 9 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Tacoma are exemplars such as Northeast Tacoma, North End and Ruston, whereas Newtacoma, Central and South Tacoma grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
Tacoma has a population density of 4487.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Tacoma crime rates.
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 Tacoma, the cost of living is 25.76% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Tacoma stands at $555,043, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Tacoma | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 394 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dash Point, WA | 1,045 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Canterwood, WA | 3,134 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Fox Island, WA | 3,695 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Fife Heights, WA | 1,977 | 69 | 518 | 587 |
| McMillin, WA | 1,283 | 74 | 561 | 635 |
| Anderson Island, WA | 1,628 | 78 | 591 | 669 |
| Rosedale, WA | 4,559 | 85 | 641 | 725 |
| Tacoma, WA | 223,137 | 1,063 | 5,604 | 6,667 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Spokane, WA | 223,638 | 675 | 4,841 | 5,516 |
| Modesto, CA | 222,619 | 656 | 2,415 | 3,070 |
| Des Moines, IA | 221,968 | 703 | 3,126 | 3,829 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 221,910 | 897 | 2,898 | 3,795 |
| Spring Valley, NV | 224,434 | 353 | 1,928 | 2,281 |
| Tacoma, WA | 223,137 | 1,063 | 5,604 | 6,667 |
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