Tacoma, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Tacoma, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Tacoma crime rate is 336.7% higher 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 Tacoma, there were 3526 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1610 per 100,000 individuals, 335.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Tacoma recorded 18704 property crimes, amounting to 8540 per 100,000 residents, 336.9% higher than the U.S. average.

Tacoma has a crime rate of 10149 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 336.69%, 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 Tacoma. 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.

Tacoma is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1610 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Tacoma is 1 in 63.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Tacoma has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 41 murders in Tacoma, which is 19 murders per 100,000 people.

With a property crime rate of 8540 crimes per 100,000 people, Tacoma 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 Tacoma is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 12, 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.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Tacoma ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 5901 vehicle thefts, amounting to 2694 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Tacoma 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 38.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Tacoma?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Tacoma. Based on the results of the surveys (190 responses), 29% of people felt that there was very little crime in Tacoma and felt safe walking alone at night. While 71% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Tacoma a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Tacoma a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Tacoma crime rate is 337% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 60.9 crimes per day - 9.66 violent crimes and 51.24 property crimes.

Has Crime in Tacoma Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Tacoma has increased by 26.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Tacoma, 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 34.3%, while property crime has increased by 25%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Tacoma is a safe place to live.

Tacoma Neighborhood Crime Rates

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 West End, whereas Central, South End 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Tacoma

Tacoma has a poverty rate that stands at 13.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Tacoma crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Tacoma currently has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

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 Tacoma is $311,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Tacoma crime map