Olympia, WA is widely recognized for being the capital of Washington state as well as for its unique culture. As a popular stop for people heading toward the Pacific Ocean, the area boasts interesting museums, the state capitol building, and many other fun places to visit. Olympia has been home to many notable people such as MLB outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, musician Kurt Cobain, and Matt Groening who created The Simpsons.
The city of Olympia ranks 51st among the safest cities in Washington state.
Crime rates in Olympia have seen both ups and downs over the past decade. But as with any city, Olympia has good areas and bad areas, giving newcomers many options where they can live safely.
Understanding the Olympia Crime Rate
Reliable information about the crime rate in Olympia can be found using FBI Uniform Crime Statistics. With the most recent update occurring in 2019, you can learn details about violent crimes like murder, rape, and robbery, as well as property crime in Olympia like burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
There were 2,266 total crimes in Olympia during the year 2019. The crime rate was 4,332 per 100,000 residents in Olympia. People living in Olympia have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
Across the state of Washington, there were a total of 226,601 crimes in 2019. The average crime rate in Washington state is 2,976 per 100,000 residents in the state. There is a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Considering these factors, the Olympia crime rate is higher than the Washington average.
To get a better idea of how Olympia crime compares to the US, the national average crime rate is 2,580 crimes per 100,000 people. There is a national average property crime of 2,362 per 100,000 people. And the national average of violent crime is 383 per 100,000 citizens.
Using the helpful Olympia crime map is a great way to determine how safe or dangerous certain parts of the city are. The map provides specific information about crime in Olympia, where they occurred, and what type of crime was committed.
Violent Crime in Olympia
The most up-to-date annual statistics show there were 246 total violent crimes in Olympia. This sets an Olympia violent crime rate of 470 per 100,000 with a 1 in 213 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
The Olympia murder rate was 1.9 per 100,000 people with 1 murder in Olympia in 2019. There were 38 reported cases of rape in Olympia during the same year.
These numbers are below the national average of 5 murders per 100,000 people every year in the United States. There are also an estimated 139,380 rapes reported annually across the United States
The most common type of violent crime in Olympia was aggravated assault with 157 reported cases. The second was robbery, which had 50 reports for the year.
Violent crime in Olympia has increased by as much as 127% in the last decade.
Property Crime in Olympia
The Olympia property crime rate is 3,861 per 100,000 people, making a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in the city. There were 2,020 total property crimes in Olympia during 2019.
Larceny-theft was the most common form of Olympia property crime with 1,473 reported cases. Burglary was the second-most common with 320 reports. There were also a total of 227 cases of motor vehicle theft reported throughout the year
Olympia crime rate statistic – The property crime rate in Olympia is the lowest it’s been since the year 2009.
High Crime Areas of Olympia
Most of the bad areas of Olympia can be found toward the northwest side of town, though there are still a few other places to avoid in other parts of the city. Here are the most dangerous areas of Olympia:
Northwest Olympia
- Population: 2,227
- Crime Rate: 4,774 per 100,000 people
- Key Details: The crime rate in Northwest is 14% higher than the Olympia average.
West Bay Drive
- Population: 114
- Crime Rate: 4,267 per 100,000 people
- Key Details: There is a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of crime in West Bay Drive.
Bigelow
- Population: 466
- Crime Rate: 10,658 per 100,000 people
- Key Details: Bigelow crime rates are 169% higher than the Olympia average, making it one of the most dangerous communities in town.
Fain Park
- Population: 214
- Crime Rate: 9,984 per 100,000 people
- Key Details: With 265% more crime than the city average, Fain Park is often considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Olympia.
Wellington West
- Population: 75
- Crime Rate: 4,035 per 100,000 people
- Key Details: Property crime in Wellington West is 68% higher than the national average.
South Westside
- Population: 3,957
- Crime Rate: 9,237 per 100,000 people
- Key Details: Among the highest crime areas in Olympia, the violent crime rate in Woodfield Estates is 183% higher than the national average.
Safest Neighborhoods in Olympia, WA
What are the safest places to live in Olympia? As you look through the top Olympia neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty that offer secure living and comfortable surroundings.
The community known as Nottingham is one of the most affluent and safest neighborhoods in Olympia. Residents love the many nearby amenities and the family-friendly atmosphere the community provides.
Although West Bay Drive is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Olympia, East Bay Drive is quite the opposite. It offers some of the nicest places to live in town with waterfront properties along the Budd Inlet.
Castlewood has one of the lowest crime rates in Olympia, offering residents fun things to do at places like LBA Park and other nearby destinations.
Then, there is the Olympia community of Indian Creek with its median age of 52 years old, providing safe living for older couples.
Olympia Safety Tips – How to Avoid Crime in Olympia
- As with any city, locking doors and windows is a key way to prevent crime in Olympia.
- Improve lighting around your home to reduce dark areas where a potential burglar could use to sneak in unnoticed.
- Hire a reputable company like Vivint, FrontPoint, SimpliSafe, or SafeStreets to install a security system in your home.
- Guard yourself when you’re out by carrying pepper spray to stop attackers.
- Travel in groups whenever possible to avoid getting singled out by individuals who may be looking for people who are alone.
- If you can avoid it, don’t go out after dark and try to get everything you need accomplished taken care of during the daytime instead.
Olympia Police Department
Up until the point when Washington became a state in the late 1800s, Olympia was kept secure by town marshalls. The City of Olympia Police Department was established in the year 1890 when George Savidge became the first official Chief of Police. At that time, the department had a total of only 8 staff members including Chief Savidge, a captain, and six patrol officers.
Since then, the Olympia Police Department has grown to 72 total sworn police officers, adding up to about 1.4 officers per 1,000 residents. There are another 33 administrative workers and service people also on the team led by Interim Chief Aaron Jelcick.
All residents living in the area can access Olympia police report logs either through the police department website or by contacting the office directly.
- Olympia City Police Department, 601 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501
- Police Non-Emergency: (360) 704-2740
- Website: https://olympiawa.gov/city-services/police-department.aspx
Olympia Crime Rate FAQ
Is Olympia, WA a safe city?
Olympia has areas that are safe as well as parts of town you should avoid. Some of the safest places to live in Olympia are Nottingham, East Bay Drive, Indian Creek, and Castlewood.
What is the crime rate in Olympia, WA?
The overall crime rate in Olympia is 4,332 per 100,000 people, which is about 68% higher than the national average of 2,580 crimes per 100,000 people.
What are the bad areas of Olympia?
The high crime areas in Olympia include West Bay Drive, Fain Park, Northwest Olympia, Bigelow, Wellington West, and South Westside.
Learning About the Olympia Crime Before Moving There?
The crime rate in Olympia is higher than both the Washington state and national averages, but the city still has plenty of safe places to live as well. Anyone considering relocating to Olympia can trust our experienced Olympia movers to help with their upcoming move. Call All Ready Moving today at (360) 507-2447 or complete the Request a Quote form for a free moving estimate!
