Is Tacoma, Washington, Safe? Get the Facts and Insights on Tacoma’s Safety

Are you considering a move to Tacoma? One of the first questions on your mind might be: Is Tacoma safe? After all, safety is a major factor when choosing where to settle, and it’s important to have a clear picture of what to expect.

In this article, we’ll look into Tacoma’s safety landscape. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of the city’s crime rates and its safest and most dangerous neighborhoods. Whether you’re curious about how Tacoma compares to nearby Seattle or just want practical tips for staying safe, this guide has the answers. Let’s begin!

Is Tacoma a Safe Place to Live?

Tacoma, Washington, has a reputation for varying degrees of safety. The central and southern regions of the city have higher crime rates, while the North End and Northeast Tacoma suburbs have a reputation for being more secure.

Tacoma, as a whole, has crime statistics that exceed the national mean, but safety can still be found depending on the area in question. A potential resident can pinpoint the safe and friendly areas in Tacoma with enough research.

Understanding the Tacoma Crime Rate

To understand how safe Tacoma is, one needs to look at some key crime numbers. Here’s a breakdown based on the latest FBI data from 2022:

• Total Crime Rate: With an alarming 10,149 incidents per 100,000 residents, Tacoma boasts one of the highest crime rates in the country, 337% above the national average, according to AreaVibes, a national livability rating website. Tacoma is one of the most crime-ridden cities in the United States.
• Violent Crime: The violent crime rate in Tacoma is a serious concern. The city reports 1,610 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, much higher than the national average of 370 per 100,000. These crimes include assault, robbery, and murder. On average, Tacoma sees 18 homicides per year, and most of these cases (95%) are solved.
• Property Crime: Property crime is also a big issue in Tacoma. There are 8,540 property crimes per 100,000 people, far above the national average of 1,954 per 100,000. Theft and vehicle theft are particularly common, with 2,694 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. This places Tacoma among the worst 10% of U.S. cities for this type of crime.
• Year-over-Year Changes: According to FBI data, crime in Tacoma increased by 26.4% from the previous year, with violent crime up by 34.3%. On the other hand, more recent data from Fox 13 shows a 19% drop in violent street crimes between July and December 2023, thanks to the Tacoma Police Department’s efforts.

Based on the numbers alone, Tacoma’s crime situation doesn’t look good. However, the police and local government are working to improve things, and some positive results are emerging. 

Crime statistics may be one factor to consider when deciding whether Tacoma is a good place to live, but they do not fully tell the story. What is the local opinion on Tacoma? Do they consider the place to be dangerous? Let’s examine the local perception.

Do Locals Think Tacoma is Safe?

Generally, how safe people feel in Tacoma really depends on where they live. A survey by AreaVibes found that only 29% of residents felt that crime was low and that they were safe walking alone at night.  On the other hand, 71% said they didn’t feel safe walking alone after dark and didn’t consider Tacoma a safe place to live.

Most residents feel safest in their neighborhoods during the day. According to the 2024 Tacoma Community Survey, 64% feel this way. On the other hand, this sentiment decreases as you go towards other areas, as only 24% feel safe in downtown Tacoma.

Tacoma has several safety issues, but people seem to appreciate the community. 72% of respondents say they are satisfied with their grocery and school access, and 52% say they feel a strong sense of community. However, crime rates here are above the national average, and safety varies across neighborhoods.

Many people in Tacoma still feel a strong connection to their community and are satisfied with other aspects of life in the city despite the high crime rates.  This shows that while crime statistics are important, they don’t fully capture what it’s like to live in Tacoma. If you’re considering the move, it’s worth considering whether Tacoma is suitable for you, perhaps while you wait for the best time to sell your house.

Safe and Unsafe Neighborhoods in Tacoma

Neighborhoods in Tacoma vary significantly in terms of crime rates and overall safety. While some neighborhoods may be well known for being safer, others have higher crime rates. In this analysis, we will examine the most and least crime-ridden neighborhoods in Tacoma.

Unsafe Neighborhoods

• South Tacoma: This area has one of the highest crime rates in the city, with frequent issues like theft, assaults, and other violent crimes. Residents often report feeling unsafe, especially at night. Hosmer Street, located in South Tacoma, is considered one of the most dangerous streets in the area.
• Central Tacoma: Central Tacoma also struggles with higher crime rates. This part of the city sees a lot of property crimes, like theft and vehicle break-ins.
• New Tacoma: While New Tacoma offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, it still experiences more crime than other parts of the city. Issues like robberies and vandalism are more common here.

Safe Neighborhoods

• North End: One of the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma. Given its relatively low crime rates and community feel, the North End is a popular area for families and professionals. 
• Northeast Tacoma: This area has low crime rates relative to the city’s average; it is low-crime, with a strong community, quiet, peaceful, and friendly streets.
• West End: Also viewed as a safe area, as facilities like parks and recreation are plentiful. It has a lower crime rate than the rest of Tacoma, which attracts many families and singles.

All in all, Tacoma’s neighborhoods vary greatly in terms of safety. Some areas have higher crime rates, while others are safer. So, before you rush to sell your home while relocating, make sure you know which neighborhoods are safe.

Note: You can use the City of Tacoma Crime Dashboard to check crime rates in any part of Tacoma. This tool lets you search and filter crime data by areas like council districts and police zones. 

Just type in an address, and you’ll see the past and latest crime reports. Reports are updated daily and managed to protect privacy.

Recent Safety Initiatives in Tacoma

Tacoma has implemented several significant initiatives to improve community safety. Many of these initiatives focus on creating a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional policing. Here are some of them:

• Community Safety Action Strategy: This long-term plan focuses on building safer neighborhoods by involving residents, businesses, and government agencies. It aims to address safety concerns across all communities, with a strong emphasis on racial justice and equity.
• Vision Zero Initiative: Started in 2020, Vision Zero aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries in Tacoma by 2035. The city has lowered speed limits and redesigned streets to make them safer, guided by the Vision Zero Action Plan.
• Safe Place Initiative: This program designates businesses, schools, and organizations as Safe Places where victims of hate crimes or other crimes can seek help. These locations provide a safe environment to call 911 and wait for police.
• Violent Crime Reduction Plan: This plan has led to a 17% decrease in violent street crimes and a 26.7% reduction in homicides. It combines law enforcement with community-based solutions to tackle the root causes of violent crime.

These efforts show Tacoma’s dedication to creating a safer, more inclusive community. They also highlight how the city actively involves residents in shaping strategies to meet the needs of all neighborhoods.

Comparing Tacoma’s Safety to Seattle

Tacoma and Seattle are two major cities in Washington that people often consider when moving to the area. Both have their strengths, but they also come with safety challenges. Here’s a quick look at crime statistics for both cities:

Overall, Tacoma has had a higher crime rate than Seattle for some time. However, according to Google Public Data, the difference is getting smaller over time.

To summarize, every city has safe neighborhoods. With that said, the crime rate in Tacoma is higher, which means there will likely be more places in Tacoma where you will need to be more careful where you decide to live. It is important to check specific neighborhoods to make a safer decision.

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Safety Tips for Living in Tacoma

When living in Tacoma, there are several practical steps you can take to stay safe:

• Choose the Right Neighborhood: Look into different neighborhoods before deciding where to live. Areas like North End and Northeast Tacoma are safer and more family-friendly.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always pay attention to what’s around you, especially in areas with higher crime. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in places you don’t know well.
• Secure Your Home: There are different ways to secure your home. Like installing security systems with alarms and cameras. Also, remember to lock your doors and windows.
• Stay Connected with the Community: Get to know your neighbors and join local community groups. A strong community can help prevent crime and provide support.
• Know About Safe Places: Learn about Tacoma’s Safe Place Program. Some businesses and organizations have designated safe spots for people who are in danger. Ensure you know the Safe Place locations in your area.

Following these tips will help keep you safer while in Tacoma. Staying aware and connected with your community will make you feel more secure in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tacoma a safe place to live?

Tacoma’s safety levels vary by neighborhood. Though the city as a whole has a crime rate above the national average, crime levels in Northeast Tacoma and the North End are much lower, and in those neighborhoods, safety is often described as inviting and welcoming.

Which areas in Tacoma should I avoid?

Certain parts of Tacoma, particularly in the central and southern neighborhoods, have higher crime rates. Areas like South Tacoma and Hilltop are known for having more incidents of violent crime. It’s best to avoid these neighborhoods, especially after dark.

Is Tacoma safer than Seattle?

In general, Tacoma has higher crime rates than Seattle, particularly for violent crime. However, safety can vary greatly depending on the specific neighborhoods being compared. 

Has Tacoma’s crime rate improved in recent years?

Yes, the city has seen some improvement in crime rates due to Tacoma’s various safety efforts. For example, the Violent Crime Reduction Plan reported a 17% decrease in violent street crimes and a 26.7% reduction in homicides. However, overall crime rates remain above the national average, so continued efforts are needed.

Is Tacoma safe for college students?

Tacoma can be safe for college students, particularly if they live in or near safer neighborhoods, such as the North End or the University of Washington Tacoma campus.

What is the safest neighborhood in Tacoma?

North End is generally considered the safest neighborhood in Tacoma. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere, lower crime rates, and proximity to parks, schools, and other amenities.

Key Takeaways: Is Tacoma, Washington, Safe?

Tacoma, WA, has a higher-than-average crime rate, so safety is a valid concern for anyone considering a move. In general, your safety in Tacoma largely depends on where you choose to live. Staying in areas with lower crime rates will make you feel safer.

Interestingly, despite its higher crime rate, Tacoma was still ranked among the best places to live in the United States. In fact, in 2024, it was named the fourth-most livable city in Washington and the 11th-best in the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re planning to move to Tacoma and need to sell your home quickly, contact Kind House Buyers. We buy homes for cash in Tacoma, making the process simple and stress-free. Call us today at (253) 216-2497 to learn more!

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