University Place, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in University Place, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the University Place crime rate is 37.3% 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 University Place, there were 87 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 250 per 100,000 individuals, 32.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, University Place recorded 1025 property crimes, amounting to 2942 per 100,000 residents, 50.5% higher than the U.S. average.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and University Place ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 263 vehicle thefts, amounting to 755 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places University Place 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 133.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in University Place?

What is the prevailing sentiment among University Place residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 12 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of University Place 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, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is University Place a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in University Place, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. University Place presents a total crime rate that is 37% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, University Place experiences an average of 3.05 daily crimes, comprising 0.24 violent incidents and 2.81 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in University Place Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in University Place has increased by 30.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not University Place 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 31.8%, while property crime has increased by 30.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in University Place.

Potential Causes for Crime in University Place

University Place reports an unemployment rate of 2.9%, 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 University Place crime rates.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower University Place crime rates. The population density in University Place is 4036.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In University Place, the cost of living is 24.61% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

University Place crime map