Many individuals mistakenly identify Seattle as the most perilous city in Washington, but FBI statistics challenge this widespread misconception.
Although Seattle does experience elevated crime levels, it is Tacoma that holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest violent crime rate in the state.
As a low-key alternative to Seattle, Tacoma has drawn attention for its crime statistics, particularly alarming figures from 2019, where the city recorded a violent crime rate of 0.85%.
This statistic translates to nearly one violent crime incident for every 100 residents in the city, which is situated approximately thirty miles south of Seattle along the scenic Commencement Bay.
The city, home to about 218,650 residents as of 2019, witnessed a troubling uptick in crime rates that continued into 2022, prompting a critical response from the Tacoma government.
In July 2022, city officials initiated the Violent Crime Reduction Plan with the objective of curbing violent offenses, including murder, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Fortunately, these efforts began to yield positive results. According to a press release from February 25, 2025, Tacoma enjoyed a notable decline in violent street crime incidents, achieving a 13.2% reduction in the last half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The city also targeted specific hotspots for criminal activity, resulting in a more than 36% reduction in violent crime incidents in those areas, although it is somewhat concerning that the surrounding regions experienced a 12% increase in violent crime.
This suggests a potential displacement of crime rather than a complete eradication of the issue.
Moreover, city-wide calls regarding violent incidents declined by 23.6% as a result of the reduction plan.
Crucially, the most significant progress has been in terms of homicides. Reports indicate a reduction in homicides from 45 in 2022 to just 22 in 2024, which marks a significant achievement attributed to the initiatives undertaken.
Tacoma Police Department detective William Muse noted that the changes instituted under the Violent Crime Reduction Plan likely correlate with the significant drop in homicides.
While Tacoma is currently experiencing a downward trend in violent crimes, the crime rates remain considerably higher than the national average, raising concerns for residents and visitors alike.
Travelers are advised to exercise caution while exploring the city, particularly by seeking local recommendations regarding neighborhoods to avoid.
Despite its challenges, Tacoma offers attractions that appeal to tourists, including an array of museums such as the Museum of Glass and the Washington State History Museum.
The city also boasts a vibrant food and nightlife scene primarily located along major avenues. Green spaces such as Point Defiance Park allow residents and visitors to connect with nature.
When assessing crime in Tacoma, it’s essential to note that while this city leads Washington in terms of violent crime rates, the data being considered dates back to 2019.
The statistics indicated that in 2019, Tacoma had 1,848 reported violent crimes, including 16 murders, 160 incidents of rape, and 422 robberies.
Other cities noted for high violent crime rates include Fife and Lakewood, each with a 0.75% rate, while Seattle reported a lower rate of 0.58% at the time.
Labeling a single most dangerous city in Washington can be misleading, as crime rates vary based on broader considerations that include categories such as robbery and aggravated assault.
The current climate in Tacoma serves as a reminder of how cities can confront crime challenges, even if these efforts may lead to displacement rather than total elimination.
Despite continuing to contend with higher crime levels, Tacoma stands in stark contrast to the broader safety profile of Washington state, which remains relatively safe compared to many others.
A recent study by Security.org ranked the most dangerous cities across the United States and notably, none from Washington appeared on this list.
According to their analysis, East St. Louis, Illinois, was identified as the most dangerous city in America, with other cities such as Anniston, Alabama, and St. Louis, Missouri, also noted for high crime rates.
Researchers utilized FBI data to assess and rank various cities based on their rates of murder, assault, and robbery, contrasting them against national averages to get a comprehensive view of urban safety across the nation.
This data highlights that while Tacoma has significant crime concerns, it is essential to keep things in perspective; the overall safety of Washington as a state remains intact.
In conclusion, Tacoma’s efforts towards crime reduction have shown promise, with a significant decline in violent incidents reported in recent years.
However, for both residents and visitors, vigilance remains a priority, ensuring Tacoma can continue its trajectory towards a safer urban environment.
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