Yakima, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Yakima, 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 Yakima crime rate is higher than the national average by 61.6%. Specifically, there were 589 violent crimes in Yakima, equivalent to 612 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 65.5%. Furthermore, Yakima recorded 3026 property crimes, amounting to 3143 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 60.8%.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Yakima is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 12 murders in Yakima, which equates to 12 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Yakima being a very dangerous place to live.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Yakima faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 506 vehicle thefts, translating to 526 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Yakima 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 191.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Yakima?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Yakima. Based on the results of the surveys (146 responses), 14% of people felt that there was very little crime in Yakima and felt safe walking alone at night. While 86% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Yakima a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Yakima 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, Yakima has an overall crime rate that is 62% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 9.9 daily occurrences, comprising 1.61 violent crimes and 8.29 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Yakima as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Yakima Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Yakima. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Yakima has increased by 6.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 14.4%, while property crime has increased by 4.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Yakima.

Potential Causes for Crime in Yakima

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Yakima, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

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 Yakima crime rates. The population density in Yakima is 3374.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Yakima, the median home price stands at $182,900, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Yakima crime map