The Tacoma crime rate is important to know! Tacoma is a city in Washington located on the Puget Sound inlet. This coastal, southwest Seattle-area city has an urban ambiance, a prominent art community, scenic views, and beautiful beaches and parks.
However, some residents believe Tacoma has a high crime rate. They say that the violent crime rate is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Tacoma’s crime rates remain a concern, with property crime rates especially high compared to other areas. However, violent and property crime in Tacoma are more complicated than it seems.
Before moving to any city, ensuring it’s safe is crucial. There are multiple ways you can research the Tacoma crime rate and the Tacoma crime rate by area. While the Tacoma crime rate is higher than Washington and the US, there are many safe areas and neighborhoods in Tacoma. Here’s what to know about the Tacoma crime rate.
Understanding the Tacoma Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated
While Tacoma crime rate statistics can be a helpful tool, they aren’t always 100% accurate at portraying the city’s overall safety. These inaccuracies happen due to a few variables.
- Local and state law enforcement agencies provide FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics. Each agency has its own process for reporting crimes, and some agencies fail to report their statistics. In 2023, only 71% of law enforcement agencies reported their statistics to the FBI.
- Crimes aren’t always uniform. The category a crime falls under is dependent on how the police officers view it and report it. The Tacoma crime rate may be higher than another city’s crime rate only because that city reports crimes differently.
- Statistics need context. You should examine an increase in the Tacoma WA crime rate in conjunction with statistics from other years. For instance, the overall violent crime rate in the US increased in 2020. However, the peak crime rate in 2020 was below the crime rates in the 80s and 90s.
- Crime statistics are city-wide. All cities have safe and unsafe areas, and crime rate stats can be misleading about the city’s safe areas. Some cities can have two or three very bad neighborhoods that cause their overall crime rate to spike.
Is Tacoma Washington safe? Yes, it is, and you can start moving to Tacoma right away. Contact All Ready Moving and start your upcoming move to Tacoma now!
What Is the Tacoma Crime Rate?
Let’s dive into Tacoma crime rate statistics to help you better understand whether Tacoma, WA, is safe. Tacoma, WA, has a total crime rate 109.9% higher than Washington and 170.7% higher than the country.
Here are Tacoma crime rate statistics, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Overall Tacoma crime rate: 10,149 offenses per 100k people
- Violent Tacoma crime rate: 1,610 crimes per 100k people (328.6% higher than the state and 335.4% higher than the country).
- Property Tacoma crime rate: 8,540 crimes per 100k people (154.5% higher than the state and 337.0% higher than the country)
Here are Washington crime rate statistics:
- Overall Washington crime rate: 3,732 offenses per 100k people.
- Violent Washington crime rate: 376 per 100k people.
- Property Washington crime rate: 3,356 per 100k people.
Here are national crime rate statistics:
- The national crime rate is 2,324 per 100k people.
- The violent crime rate is 370 per 100k people.
- The national property crime rate is 1,954 per 100k people.
Tacoma Crime Map & Crime Reports
The Tacoma crime map is a great tool to help highlight safe places to live in Tacoma and find accurate crime data. The Tacoma crime map will indicate the areas of Tacoma to avoid as well as the areas of Tacoma that are the safest. You can research crime reports, and Tacoma police reports to gain insight into Tacoma WA crime rate, especially for specific neighborhoods.
You can learn about how often residents call the police and what type of disputes the police are resolving. Any Tacoma police report is a public record, and you can find reports online. You can request a police report on South Sound 911.
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Violent Crime in Tacoma
The Tacoma violent crime rate was 1,610 violent crimes per 100k people in 2022. Washington’s violent crime rate is 376, and the national violent crime rate is 370. In 2022, there were a total of 3,526 violent crimes, including 41 murders and non negligent manslaughters, 147 rapes, 746 robberies, and 2,592 aggravated assaults. There is a 1 in 62 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Tacoma. The Tacoma murder rate was 19 per 100k people. There were 45 Tacoma homicides in 2022. Many of the Tacoma murders were due to shootings in bad areas of Tacoma.
In Tacoma, Washington, crime has seen a 50% increase in 2020. That’s not to say all areas of Tacoma have crime or that there are no safe neighborhoods. In fact, Tacoma has seen a 36% decrease in violent crime since the start of 2023. The police officers and community leaders take the safety of their citizens seriously. They have entered 2023 with a well-formulated crime reduction plan. Between July and December 2023, violent street crimes fell by nearly 19%.
Property Crime in Tacoma
The property crime rate in Tacoma was 8,540 per 100,000 people in 2022. That’s higher than the state property crime rate of 3,356 per 100k people and the national crime rate of 1,954 per 100k people. However, the Tacoma Police Department has implemented a new initiative to help reduce property crime in Tacoma. The total property crimes committed in Tacoma in 2022 were 18,704. There were 2,381 burglaries, 10,422 thefts and larcenies, 5,901 motor vehicle thefts, and 243 arsons.
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The Tacoma WA crime rate for property offenses may seem high, but it’s declining over time. Property crime is down 24.6% between 2023 and 2024. The police officers in Tacoma have been making consistent arrests for motor vehicle theft, robbery, and other crimes.
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Bad Areas of Tacoma
Before moving to Tacoma, you’ll want to be aware of the bad areas of Tacoma. Here are neighborhoods that have higher crime rates than the Tacoma crime rate.
South Tacoma
South Tacoma is one of the most dangerous places to live in Tacoma, according to some residents and police reports. Between the numerous Tacoma shootings, robberies, and petty thefts, South Tacoma is not an ideal area to live in. The violent crime rate in South Tacoma is 1,987 offenses per 100k people, or 23% higher than the Tacoma crime rate.
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Central
Central Tacoma has a population of 21,606, making it one of the larger Tacoma neighborhoods. The Central Tacoma crime rate has a violent crime rate of 2,291 offenses per 100k people. That is 42% higher than the Tacoma, WA crime rate.
South End
South End Tacoma crime is higher than Tacoma crime, especially violent. The South End violent crime is 2,030 per 100k people, which is 26% more than Tacoma. With a population of 40,698, South End is also very populated.
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New Tacoma
New Tacoma has a population of 13,581 and a violent crime rate of 1,783 per 100k people (11% more than Tacoma). Many residents living in New Tacoma report seeing crime on a regular basis.
Safest Neighborhoods in Tacoma
Where is Tacoma Washington safe to live in? Several Tacoma Washington neighborhoods are spectacular and safe. Here are the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma, including those with low crime rates and family-friendly things to do.
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North End
North End is one of Tacoma, Washington’s best and safest neighborhoods. Between quaint cafes and family-friendly things to do, like Cummings Park, enjoying this neighborhood is easy. North End has a low violent crime rate of 403 offenses per 100k people, which is 75% less than Tacoma.
Northeast Tacoma
Northeast Tacoma is one of the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA, with a violent crime rate of 390 crimes per 100k people. That’s 76% less than the Tacoma crime rate. Northeast is the best option if you’re looking for the safest option for you and your family. Northeast Tacoma also has great parks like Garfield Park and delicious eateries like Art House Cafe.
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West End
West End, Tacoma, WA has a violent crime rate that’s 40% lower than Tacoma. West End is a great option if you’re looking for a safe Tacoma, WA neighborhood, to raise your family. It’s one of the safest areas to live in Tacoma with some of the lowest crime rates.
West End is best known for the many activities located nearby. For example, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just around the corner, and Point Defiance Park is another great option.
Tacoma Safety Tips – How to Avoid Crime in Tacoma
While the Tacoma, Washington crime is high in some areas, there are still plenty of safe neighborhoods in Tacoma. No matter where you live, crime is inevitable. Here are a few safety tips to help you avoid Tacoma crime and reduce the Tacoma WA crime rate. Steering clear of South Tacoma is a great way to avoid crime. For example, residents consider South Hosmer Street, which is between 84th and 90th, to be a “hot spot” for violent crime. This area contributes highly to the Tacoma crime rate.
According to Forbes, 3,062 burglaries happen every day in America. However, you can implement numerous protective practices to lessen your chances of becoming a victim.
- Add exterior lighting; increased outside lighting may deter a criminal from your property.
- Lock your windows and doors, even during the day – 25% of burglaries happen during the day.
- Don’t overshare on social media. If your accounts aren’t private, anyone can watch for you when you’re not home or out of town.
- Install security systems and alarms.
- Don’t go out after dark. An attacker can be waiting for you around any corner.
- Always carry pepper spray.
- Travel in groups when you can.
Are you comfortable with Tacoma safety tips and you’re ready to avoid the Tacoma Washington crime rate? Call 360-507-2447 for a free quote for moving to Tacoma today!
Tacoma Police Department
The Tacoma Police Department was founded in 1885 and has since gained 324 sworn officers, one officer per 1,000 citizens. The Police Chief of Tacoma is Avery L. Moore. The police department has evolved steadily over the last 140 years. In 1984, the department created a Special Operations Team, one of the first tactical units among municipal police departments.
All the police officers now wear body cameras, and the department offers to partake in numerous community projects. All Tacoma police reports are public records, and you can request a report from the police department’s website.
- Tacoma Police Department address: 3701 South Pine Street, Tacoma, WA, 98409
- Non-emergency phone number: 253-287-4455
Tacoma Crime Rate FAQ
Is Tacoma Washington Safe?
Yes, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Tacoma. Even though Tacoma crime was bad for a short stint, the Tacoma Washington crime rate has decreased throughout the city since 2022.
Are you ready to start moving to Tacoma after studying the Tacoma Washington crime rate? Schedule an appointment with All Ready Moving today!
Is Tacoma Safer Than Seattle?
According to a report from KOMO News, Tacoma is generally safer than Seattle overall. Both cities have dangerous areas, but you can avoid them easily and enjoy a comfortable life in Tacoma.
What Is the Crime Rate in Tacoma?
The Tacoma crime rate was 10,149 per 100k people in 2022.
The Basics of the Tacoma Crime Rate
So is Tacoma Washington safe? The Tacoma crime rate is higher than the state and national averages. However, the Tacoma crime rate is high because of a few neighborhoods, namely South Tacoma and Central Tacoma. The Tacoma Police Department is cracking down on violent and property crime, and crime rates are going down. You can find a safe place to live in North End, Northwest Tacoma, and West End.
Once you find your dream Tacoma home, call the reliable movers in Tacoma at All Ready Moving at 360-564-5013 for a free moving estimate. We can help you save on your Tacoma moving costs while relieving the stress that relocation entails.
