Top 10 Washington Cities for Living Dangerously
Washington State has safety issues in some areas despite its beautiful scenery and vibrant cities. In 2024, several Washington cities had serious crime problems that affected their livability and residents' well-being.
This article examines the top 10 most dangerous cities in Washington cities, including crime and safety statistics.
1. Small Fife, Big Crime Issues
Top of the list is Fife, a small but troubled city with high property crime. Crime rates in Fife are 129 per square mile, with 1 in 15 residents experiencing theft, burglary, or vehicle theft. Violent crimes such as assault, rape, robbery, and murder are highly likely in the city, with a 1 in 131 chance of occurrence.
2. Alarming Tukwila Property and Violent Crime Rates
Tukwila residents have a 1 in 6 chance of property crime. The city's 1 in 137 violent crime rate is also worrisome. One of the highest rape rates in the state is in Tukwila.
3. Spokane: Commercial Center with High Crime
Spokane, a commercial hub, has 243 crimes per square mile. This area has a 1 in 17 property crime rate and 1 in 146 violent crime rate. A high burglary rate (1,743 incidents annually) plagues the city.
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4. Rising Crime, Cultural Attractions in Tacoma
Tacoma's high crime rate belies its cultural appeal. The city has 269 crimes per square mile, with assault being the most common. Residents have a 1 in 117 chance of experiencing assault, rape, murder, or robbery.
5. Toppenish: Small-City Disproportionate Crime
In Toppenish, a small city, 1 in 14 residents experience property or violent crime, or 299 crimes per square mile. Crime is mainly concentrated in South Elm Street.
6. Seattle: Property Crime in WA's Biggest City
Seattle, the state's largest city, has 394 property crimes per square mile. The city had over 8,000 burglaries last year, with a 1 in 168 chance of being a victim of violent crime.
7. Small City with High Crime: Shelton
A shocking 113 crimes per square mile in Shelton. Residents face a 1 in 18 chance of burglary or theft, with 655 crimes reported, 600 of which were property-related.
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8. Aberdeen: Poor and Crime-ridden
Aberdeen, the birthplace of grunge, has high poverty and drug-related crime. The city has a 1 in 15 chance of burglary, vehicle theft, or theft.
9. Festival-loving Port Angeles: Crime-ridden
Famous for its Labor Day festivals, Port Angeles has 78 crimes per square mile, mostly thefts and burglaries. The risk of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 173.
10. Lakewood: Natural Beauty Overshadowed by Crime
Despite its beauty, Lakewood has high crime rates. Property crimes affect 1 in 2 city residents. Assault and robbery are also common.
These statistics show Washington cities' dire safety issues and the need for crime prevention and community safety. The high rates of property and violent crimes in these areas affect residents' quality of life and challenge local law enforcement and policymakers. As Washington evolves, addressing these safety concerns is essential for residents' well-being.
