Arlington, WA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington, WA Crime & Safety

Is Arlington, WA safe to live in?

Arlington earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it firmly among Washington State's safest small cities. Every one of the three analyzed neighborhoods — Gleneagle, Arlington Heights, and Lakewood Garden — received an A+ rating, meaning 100% of Arlington's neighborhoods fall into the top safety tier. With a population of roughly 19,947 spread across a modest density of 784 residents per square mile, the city's layout and tight-knit community culture both contribute to its low-crime environment. Violent and property crime rates are well below national averages, and the city's 5.1% poverty rate and 2.7% unemployment rate reflect the kind of economic stability that research consistently links to safer communities.

What is the crime rate in Arlington, WA?

Arlington's crime picture is exceptionally positive. All three analyzed neighborhoods score at the A+ level — the highest possible grade — and no neighborhood in the city received a grade lower than an A. That means 100% of Arlington neighborhoods qualify as "safe" (A or B grade), compared to many peer cities where 30–50% of neighborhoods may fall into C, D, or F tiers. Property crimes such as car break-ins and petty theft represent the most common incident categories citywide, while violent crimes remain rare. The median household income of $77,023 and a homeownership-friendly median home value of $346,038 further signal a stable, low-risk residential environment.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Arlington, WA?

All three analyzed neighborhoods hold an A+ safety grade — the top of the scale — making Arlington unusually uniform in its safety profile. Here's a quick data snapshot of each:

• Gleneagle — Grade: A+ | Population: 2,253 | Median Income: $108,976. The highest-income neighborhood in Arlington, Gleneagle combines affluence with consistently low crime incident rates, making it the city's standout enclave for safety-conscious homebuyers.
• Arlington Heights — Grade: A+ | Population: 2,358 | Median Income: $96,464. The most populous of the top-rated neighborhoods, Arlington Heights pairs strong household incomes with an A+ crime grade, reflecting both community investment and effective local policing.
• Lakewood Garden — Grade: A+ | Population: 1,076 | Median Income: $87,832. A smaller, quieter community, Lakewood Garden achieves its A+ rating despite a more modest population size, suggesting a tight neighborhood dynamic that keeps crime exceptionally low.

Notably, even the "highest crime" area in Arlington still earns an A+, which underscores just how safe the city is relative to regional and national benchmarks.

How does Arlington's safety compare to other Washington cities?

Arlington's across-the-board A+ neighborhood grades and city-wide A- overall grade put it ahead of many similarly sized Washington communities. Cities with comparable populations often show a mix of B, C, and D-rated neighborhoods, whereas Arlington achieves a Grade A distribution rate of 100% — meaning every analyzed neighborhood lands in the top tier. Its low unemployment rate of 2.7% (well below the national average) and a poverty rate of just 5.1% are key socioeconomic indicators that correlate with reduced crime. Median rent of $1,412 also suggests housing affordability that limits the economic stress often associated with higher crime environments.

Is Arlington, WA a good place to buy a home or raise a family?

The data strongly supports Arlington as a family-friendly, investment-worthy community. Consider the key figures: a median home value of $346,038, a median household income of $77,023, and an unemployment rate of 2.7% — all indicators of a healthy, stable local economy. The poverty rate of 5.1% is notably lower than the U.S. average of roughly 12–13%, which research ties directly to lower rates of both property and violent crime. With 100% of neighborhoods graded A+ for safety, families in Gleneagle, Arlington Heights, or Lakewood Garden can expect consistently low crime exposure. For homebuyers, Arlington's safety grades also tend to support long-term property value stability, since low-crime neighborhoods historically retain and grow home values more reliably than higher-crime areas.

What types of crime should Arlington residents be most aware of?

Even in a city where every neighborhood earns an A+ safety grade, residents benefit from staying informed. In Arlington — as in most low-crime Pacific Northwest communities — property-related incidents such as vehicle prowls, package theft, and occasional residential burglaries represent the most frequently reported crime categories. Violent crime incidents are statistically rare given the city's overall A- grade and the uniformly high safety ratings across Gleneagle, Arlington Heights, and Lakewood Garden. Residents are encouraged to use the Arlington Police Department's crime reporting tools, participate in neighborhood watch networks, and secure vehicles and entryways as standard precautions — not because crime is a significant concern, but because these habits help maintain Arlington's exceptional safety record for the long term.