If you’re planning to visit or move to Washington State, ensuring your safety should be your utmost priority.
Ensuring a safe and comfortable environment is a top priority for many individuals, but unfortunately, crime is prevalent in all areas. This can make it difficult to find a secure place to call home.
Washington is considered one of the top-rated places to reside in the United States. With a statistically low crime rate, it is a safe and secure place to call home.
Property crime is not as much of a concern as violent crime.
According to the statistics, urban areas have the highest likelihood of occurrence.
Urban areas tend to have a higher concentration of people, which can make property crime more common. However, it’s important to remember that property crime can occur in any location, not just in urban areas.
To fully enjoy your visit to Washington, it’s crucial to know the places you should avoid.
Continue reading to discover more!
Top 10 Cities in Washington that Are Considered to be Unsafe
Ten: Lakewood
Starting the lineup of the riskiest cities in Washington is Lakewood.
Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Lakewood is a place of unparalleled beauty. However, despite its idyllic setting, this town is also known for its lurking threats.
The city is grappling with a serious problem of property crime, affecting almost half of its residents. This issue has been a persistent concern for the local authorities, and they are working hard to address it.
Property crimes are a significant concern for many individuals, with burglary and theft being the most prevalent forms of such crimes. However, recent statistics suggest that motor vehicle theft is on the rise, adding to the already existing worries of property owners.
Residents of this area face a significant risk of being victims of violent crimes such as robbery and assault. In fact, the chances of falling victim to such crimes are as high as 1 in 131.
It’s crucial to remain alert even in the secure neighbourhoods of Lakewood. While some areas are considered safe, it’s still necessary to exercise caution and take necessary precautions.
Nine: Port Angeles
When it comes to Port Angeles, there are two things that come to mind – its Labor Day festivals and the world-famous Olympic National Park. This charming city has become synonymous with these two attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the lively festivities or explore the breathtaking natural wonders of the park, Port Angeles is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Regrettably, the citizens are most familiar with this metropolis due to its prevalent criminal activities.
The city of Port Angeles experiences a high crime rate, with a total of 78 crimes per square mile. The majority of these crimes consist of theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary.
In recent years, this city has unfortunately experienced a concerning rise in violent crimes. Shockingly, statistics show that approximately 1 in 173 residents have fallen victim to these crimes. This is a distressing reality, and we must take action to address the root causes and work towards creating a safer community for all.
Assault is the most frequently occurring violent crime; fortunately, there have been no recent incidents of murder.
It’s best to stay away from Fairmont Avenue at night as it’s considered the most perilous street in town.
Eight: Aberdeen
Aberdeen has gained popularity for being the birthplace of grunge music, which is its most notable claim to fame.
The city has a reputation among its residents for being plagued with poverty and high crime rates.
An unfortunate truth is that a large number of crimes are driven by drug addiction, leading to a rise in property crimes throughout the city.
According to statistics, burglary, vehicle theft, or other forms of theft will affect one in every fifteen people.
Out of the total 754 incidents that were reported, a majority of 681 cases were related to property crimes, with thefts accounting for 519 of them.
While Aberdeen has a low likelihood of experiencing violent crimes, it’s still important to be aware that they can happen.
According to statistics, the likelihood of Aberdeen residents experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 230.
Seventh: Shelton
The property and violent crime rates in this petite town are alarmingly high.
The small town of Shelton, spanning only six square miles, unfortunately, sees a high crime rate with around 113 crimes per square mile.
Lake Boulevard and Pioneer Way are known to be among the most unfavourable areas in the city.
Residents are unfortunately faced with a considerable risk of burglary or theft, with a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim. Recent statistics reveal that out of a total of 655 reported crimes, a concerning 600 were property crimes.
Shelton is not immune to violence, as statistics show that residents face a 1 in 194 chance of becoming a victim. It’s a sad reality that the threat of violence can impact any community, and Shelton is no exception. It’s important for residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of any murders in recent times. However, the community is still facing a significant physical threat, with five instances of robberies, 20 cases of rape, and 30 incidents of assault. Such statistics are a cause for concern and require immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people living in the area.
Sixth: Seattle
Seattle is the largest city in Washington and a hub of cultural activities in America. The city experiences a crime rate of 394 crimes per square mile, with the majority of them being property-related.
Seattle has unfortunately witnessed a high number of violent crimes lately, with a total of 4,491 incidents reported. These crimes include acts such as assault, murder, rape, and robbery, among others.
Last year, Seattle had approximately 8,000 reported cases of burglary, increasing the possibility of residents becoming a victim of a violent crime to 1 in 168. It’s a concerning statistic that highlights the need for greater security measures in the city.
Did you know that in Seattle, property crime affects one out of every 22 residents at any given time? It’s a startling fact that highlights the importance of taking measures to protect your belongings and property. Whether you live in a high-crime area or not, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By being vigilant and taking steps to secure your home and belongings, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to property crime.
5. Toppenish
Despite its small size, Toppenish, located in Washington state, has unfortunately gained a reputation for having a high incidence of crime.
In Toppenish, the possibility of individuals encountering property or violent crimes is relatively high, with a 1 in 14 chance. This results in an alarming rate of 299 crimes per square mile, which is a cause for concern among the residents.
The level of crime in the area is quite concerning for both tourists and locals due to the small population.
Fortunately, the majority of criminal activities occur within the confined vicinity of South Elm Street. However, due to the compact size of the city, there is a spillover effect that affects other areas, such as Alfalfa and the central part of the city.
In Toppenish, a single violent crime can have a significant impact on the lives of its residents, with statistics showing that it affects approximately 1 in every 157 people.
4. Tacoma
Every corner of Tacoma exudes a trendy vibe with its vibrant restaurants, lively bars, and impressive glass art.
Regrettably, it is also considered one of the riskiest cities in the state.
The city of Tacoma covers an area of 62 square miles and unfortunately, there are an average of 269 crimes per square mile.
In the city, assault is the prevalent form of violent crime, accounting for 1,258 out of 1,864 cases.
It is quite alarming to note that the probability of being a victim of assault, rape, murder, or robbery in Tacoma is 1 in 117 for its residents. This statistic definitely highlights the need for proper safety measures and precautions to be taken by the people living in the area.
Given its size, the city saw a staggering number of 11,577 property crimes.
Third: Spokane
Spokane, a commercial hub in Washington, has gained notoriety for its high crime rates, earning it a spot at number three on this list.
The city has a high occurrence of both violent and property crimes, with an average of 243 crimes taking place per square mile.
According to statistics, property crime is the most prevalent type of crime in the area, with a probability of 1 in 17 residents becoming victims.
While most people assume that staying at home is always the safest option, the reality is that it’s not foolproof. Shockingly, there are 1,743 burglaries recorded each year, which means that even those who are at home can be at risk.
The probability of being a victim of a violent crime as a resident is 1 in 146.
Tukwila: The Second Destination
Year after year, Tukwila consistently ranks as one of the most perilous locations in Washington.
The likelihood of residents falling victim to property crimes stands at 1 in 6, while the probability of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 137. Thus, it is not surprising that the city has made it to this list.
The city’s population may be small, with only 20,000 residents, but the incidence of crime is relatively high. In fact, it has the third-highest incidence of rape in the entire state. This makes it a place that is best avoided.
One: Fife
Washington state has two cities that are constantly competing for the title of the most dangerous city – Fife and Tukwila.
This year, Fife has recorded 129 crimes per square mile, making it the small city with the highest crime rate, edging out Tukwila.
In Fife, the likelihood of residents experiencing vehicle theft, burglary, or other forms of theft is 1 in 15.
The primary reason for this staggering figure is property crime, which accounts for 671 total incidents and a rate of 40 thefts per 1,000 residents.
According to statistics, property crimes are more prevalent in Fife than in other areas of the state, with visitors or residents being at a risk that is more than double compared to other regions.
According to statistics, individuals living in Fife face a 1 in 131 likelihood of being involved in a violent crime, such as assault, rape, robbery, or murder. This statistic highlights the importance of taking proper safety measures to protect oneself in the area.
Fife may be a small city, but crime is still a prevalent issue that affects all areas. It’s crucial to exercise caution no matter where you are to ensure your safety.
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