The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Tacoma: High Crime Areas to Watch Out For

Compared to Seattle, Tacoma is an affordable city, making it an attractive place to relocate. But before you make the huge leap of moving to Tacoma or investing in a property in this city, it’s important to consider neighborhood safety and crime rates.

Crime can happen in any city. In Tacoma, where crime rates are high, avoiding the most dangerous areas is crucial. There are definitely safer neighborhoods here for you to start your new life, so don’t be discouraged! 

This article offers a rundown of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Tacoma so you can make better decisions when selling a house fast in Tacoma, relocating, or buying a property!

Top Worst Neighborhoods in Tacoma to Avoid If You’re A Home Buyer or Investor

To help you filter out the worst Tacoma neighborhoods without traveling to the city, we’ve done the research for you! Here’s a list of places that you should cross out from your list:

1. South Tacoma

One of the most dangerous areas in Tacoma is the South. According to 2022 police reports, South Tacoma had increased shootings and robbery incidents as well as reported assaults and sex offenses. Rates of arson and stolen property cases are also off the charts. 

Violent crimes happen frequently in parking lots, city streets, and business establishments, prompting owners to discuss potential solutions to curb the alarming crime rates.

With almost 30,000 residents, South Tacoma also has a growing homeless population. Aside from trash and debris from homeless camps, theft is a major problem for other locals in the area. 

2. Central Tacoma

With a population of 22,000, Central Tacoma is another populated neighborhood in the city where crime is prevalent. Like other neighborhoods, there are some areas to avoid and places where it’s safer to relocate.

Aside from violent crime, poverty and property damage are also apparent in unsafe parts of Central Tacoma.

3. South End Tacoma

The South End borders the Eastside at Pacific Avenue of Tacoma’s city. It has almost 40,000 inhabitants, making it a densely populated area.

Housing is more affordable, though less desirable, due to higher crime rates, especially cases of violence. Property crime and drug trafficking are also quite rampant, and some homes may even be owned by slumlords.

4. New Tacoma

New Tacoma is a port neighborhood with around 14,000 locals. It overlaps Downtown Tacoma, so expect a busy area with occasional crimes. Renting is a popular option in this location, and there are many rental homes and condos to choose from.

Despite the lower crime rate compared to the dangerous neighborhoods listed here, there are far more safer areas to settle in than New Tacoma.

Analyzing Tacoma Crime Rates and Trends

While it’s probably not the best category to excel in, Tacoma’s crime rate is 85% higher than other cities in WA and 67% higher than the national average. With these general statistics, the city truly lives up to its nickname, “Tacoma, the aroma of crime-a.” 

The total number of reported crimes per year is 22,230, with 3,526 being violent crimes and a staggering 18,704 cases of property crimes. A Tacoma resident has a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of these offenses.

Assault and robbery are the most commonly performed violent crimes, with 2,592 and 746 cases, respectively. Meanwhile, cases of theft are also at alarming rates, with 10,422 total reports. In fact, larceny and shoplifting rates in Tacoma are higher than the national average.

However, Tacoma’s local authorities haven’t been out of the picture. The city council revealed in an April 2024 report that there was an 18.6% decrease in violent street crime during the last half of 2023.

Incidents in Tacoma’s crime hot spots decreased to around 13% compared to 2022. This positive trend is expected to continue as the city police continue its commitment to neighborhood safety.

Safest Neighborhoods in Tacoma To Buy or Invest with Confidence

Let’s face it. Some parts of Tacoma are not the best areas to live in or buy a property. However, there’s still hope if you want to experience the best of what this city has to offer. Below are the safest places in Tacoma to consider as your next home:

1. North End Tacoma

North End is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA. It is close to the University of Puget Sound, where there are many real estate opportunities, with only a 3.8% price increase since last year.

Most homes are located near waterfront views like the Commencement Bay. The median price of houses in this area is $560,000 or less.

Regarding safety, North End has a low crime rate, with only 4,176 crimes per 100,000 people. That’s 83.3% lower than the average Tacoma crime rate!

If you choose to live in this neighborhood, expect a calmer ambiance and accessible family-friendly spaces like Cummings Park and other attractions.

2. Northeast Tacoma

Another secure area in Tacoma City is the Northeast. Like the North end, most real estate properties here have beautiful waterfront views, priced at an average of $580,000.

Although mostly a residential location, residents can easily commute to Downtown. They can also choose to enjoy the natural beauty of Dash Point State Park and Alderwood Park.

The violent crime rate in Northeast Tacoma is 205 per 100k people, which is 76% less than Tacoma’s average. Whether you are a family or a retiree, the safety and quietness of this neighborhood might just be what you need.

2. Old Town

If you want to stay in Tacoma’s historical place, consider moving to Old Town. Despite being a small community, you can find cozy shops and restaurants within the area. 

Here, you can experience a laid-back neighborhood while being only minutes away from the city’s main attractions, giving you the best of both worlds.

The median price of homes in Old Town is $491,000, cheaper than North End and Northeast. It is also very safe, with only 4,836 residents.

3. Browns Point

One of the most affluent neighborhoods in Tacoma is Browns Point. It is located along Commencement Bay just across Downtown. Due to its location, houses in this area are very expensive, with a median price of $975,000.

However, one of the best trade-offs is the neighborhood’s security. In Browns Point, the crime rate is almost 200% lower than the whole city’s average.

4. West End Tacoma

For nature lovers who want a secure neighborhood, West End Tacoma has a lot to offer. It boasts gorgeous attractions like Titlow Beach and Tacoma Narrows Bridge and a lower crime rate compared to Tacoma’s most dangerous areas.

Despite its large population, the crime rate in West End is 46.6% lower than general Tacoma. However, the median home price is $610,000, slightly higher than other safe neighborhoods, like North End and Northeast Tacoma.

Identifying the Worst Neighborhoods in Tacoma

If you’re entirely new to the place or don’t know any locals to ask, identifying the worst neighborhoods in Tacoma can be a tricky task. However, what is considered “worst” or “unsafe” for potential residents?

The concept of safety differs from person to person. Some want to feel at ease when walking alone at night. Others don’t want to experience getting robbed or live near chaotic neighborhoods.

In general, there are many factors that determine if an area in Tacoma is considered dangerous or not. Consider the following:

Crime Rate and Statistics

The first thing to look out for when checking the safety of a neighborhood is the crime rates within that area. One of the most widely used tools for neighborhood research is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Crime Data Explorer, which compiles reported incidents of all types of crimes.

This site allows you to inspect Tacoma’s local crime map to get a complete view of past and current crimes, including their types. This includes violent crime, hate crime, property crime, and arrests.

AreaVibes is another helpful tool for identifying bad neighborhoods in Tacoma, specifically those with high rates of property and violent crime. In addition to providing crime maps, it can also score neighborhoods based on factors such as cost of living, education, and health access.

Neighborhood’s Condition

Doing your research also helps you do a local inspection of Tacoma neighborhoods, especially the ones you’re interested in. You can stay for a couple of days to evaluate the level of safety during the day and night or in public areas like parks.

Ride public transportation, check out local cafes and pubs, and roam around the general area to look for signs of a bad neighborhood. These can include excessive trash and graffiti, broken car windows, car vandalism, and slashed or stolen tires.

Poorly maintained infrastructures, lack of street lighting, high noise levels, and frequent police presence are some of the telltale signs of a bad neighborhood. 

Lastly, when you get a bad feeling about a place, it’s important not to ignore it. The general atmosphere of the neighborhood should feel welcoming and pleasant.

The behavior of the Locals

Another way to spot bad neighborhoods is by observing the locals. Do they often go out to jog or walk their dogs? Do they seem cautious of their surroundings and their neighbors?

If they are always hurrying to get inside their houses, rarely interacting with other locals, or putting in extra locks for safety, then it’s a clear sign to stay away from that area.

Tacoma Crime Prevention and Community Initiatives

In an effort to counter the rising criminal activities in Tacoma, the city’s police launched a program called Tacoma Police Department’s (TPD) Violent Crime Reduction Plan in July 2022.

The plan focused on increasing police visibility in target locations, narrowed down using crime analysis and mapping techniques. After the first months of implementation, they shifted their priority to finding the root cause of crime.

Aside from investigations and arrests, police efforts were also centered on trash cleanup, displacement of homeless encampments, abandoned vehicle removal, and abatement of nuisances like neglected property, among other code enforcement.

As mentioned, due to these efforts, crime hot spots observed a decrease in violent crime incidents by over 13%. Catchment areas in surrounding locations also had an 18.7% decline in reported violent crime incidents.

Additionally, Tacoma police also coordinated with 34 community groups to boost the program’s outreach to lower theft cases, enhance public security, and prevent crime displacement.

Safety Tips For Living in Tacoma: How to Avoid Crime

Know Your Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors is not only a nice gesture but also a huge step in safeguarding your personal safety. By interacting with them, you can get an idea of whether they are amiable or people you should stay away from.

Once you prove that they are nice people, you can get their contact info (if they are comfortable with it) to stay connected. Now you have instant allies who can help you during emergencies or watch your kids or house while you’re away.

Install a Home Security System

Installing a home security system is a worthy investment if you want to protect your home in Tacoma. Security cameras and alarms can deter criminals and ensure faster responses for attempted robbery or other crimes.

Add Exterior Lighting and Extra Locks

Increasing outside lighting can also prevent crimes, especially at night. Even during the day, you should keep your gates, doors, and windows locked. You can even install double locks for extra protection.

Be Wary When Roaming At Night

Most crimes happen at night. To avoid being an easy target, avoid going outside during the evenings or have someone accompany you. Walking or traveling in groups lessens your chance of being a victim. Always bring pepper spray for a quick escape.

Key Takeaways: Making Informed Decisions on Tacoma Neighborhoods

When choosing the right neighborhood in Tacoma, you need to consider a very important factor: safety. While some areas have higher crime rates, such as South Tacoma, Central Tacoma, and South End Tacoma, there are also safer options like North End, Northeast Tacoma, and Old Town. 

Utilizing resources like crime maps, local observations, and safety tips can guide you in making informed real estate decisions. Remember, safety is subjective, and what feels right to one person may not be to another. By staying vigilant and informed, you can find a neighborhood in Tacoma that aligns with your comfort and lifestyle preferences.

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