Kelso, WA Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Kelso Crime Rate Statistics
Full Statistics100 = national average. Higher = more crime.
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 466
chance per year
44% lower than national avg
Property Crime Risk
1 in 71
chance per year
23% lower than national avg
Exploring Kelso’s Crime Map: Your Guide to Community Safety
Kelso, Washington, is a welcoming city nestled along the Cowlitz River, known for its friendly neighborhoods and outdoor recreation opportunities. Like many growing communities, Kelso faces its share of safety challenges, making access to a comprehensive crime map essential for residents and visitors alike. By utilizing Kelso’s crime mapping tools, you can stay informed and make smarter decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Why Use a Crime Map in Kelso?
A crime map offers invaluable insights into local safety concerns. For Kelso residents, it’s a way to:
- Identify Crime Hotspots: Spot areas with higher incidences of theft, vandalism, or violence.
- Plan Safer Activities: Choose routes and neighborhoods that are safer for walking or driving.
- Stay Up-to-Date: Receive real-time updates on recent incidents in Kelso.
- Build Community Awareness: Engage with neighbors to foster a safer environment.
Accessing Kelso’s Crime Map
Getting the latest crime data for Kelso is simple. You can:
- Visit the Kelso Police Department Website: The city’s official Police Department page provides crime reports and maps.
- Use Third-Party Platforms: Websites like CrimeMapping.com and SpotCrime offer interactive crime maps tailored for Kelso residents.
Features of Kelso’s Crime Map
Kelso’s crime map comes equipped with features that enhance your safety awareness:
- Crime Categorization: Different crimes such as burglary, assault, and vandalism are color-coded for easy identification.
- Time-Based Filters: View crime data across specific timeframes to observe patterns and trends.
- Heat Maps: Visualize areas with higher crime density to prioritize safety efforts.
- Incident Details: Click on individual crimes for comprehensive information including type, date, and exact location.
Crime Trends in Kelso
Recent crime data indicates that Kelso experiences:
- Property Crimes: Such as vehicle thefts and residential burglaries, are prevalent in certain neighborhoods.
- Violent Crimes: Incidents like assaults and robberies, though less frequent, require vigilance.
- Substance-Related Offenses: Drug offenses continue to impact community safety efforts.
Tips for Staying Safe in Kelso
Beyond monitoring crime maps, proactive safety measures are vital. Consider these tips:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the crime map and local news updates.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Contact Kelso Police if you notice anything unusual.
- Engage with Community Programs: Join neighborhood watch groups or safety initiatives.
- Secure Your Property: Use locks, security systems, and outdoor lighting to deter crime.
Conclusion
Kelso’s crime map is a powerful resource to help you navigate safety concerns within the city. By staying informed about local crime trends through the Kelso Police Department’s official sources or trusted third-party platforms, you can contribute to a safer community for everyone. Regularly reviewing crime data fosters proactive safety habits and community resilience.
For more information, visit the Kelso Police Department and consider participating in local safety programs to help keep Kelso a secure and vibrant city.
All 3 Neighborhoods in Kelso
Ranked by safety (safest first)| Rank | Neighborhood | Score | Safety | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Anderson | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $102,897 |
| #2 | West Side Highway | A | Very safe | $76,302 |
| #3 | Holcomb Homes | A | Very safe | $47,479 |
All 3 Neighborhoods by Crime Level
Ranked by crime (highest first)| Rank | Neighborhood | Score | Safety Level | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Holcomb Homes | A | Very safe | $47,479 |
| #2 | West Side Highway | A | Very safe | $76,302 |
| #3 | Anderson | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $102,897 |
Kelso Demographics Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelso, WA Crime & Safety
Is Kelso, WA safe?
Kelso earns an overall crime grade of B at the city level, while its neighborhood-level analysis tells an even stronger story: all three analyzed neighborhoods — Anderson, West Side Highway, and Holcomb Homes — received Grade A ratings, pushing the city-wide safety rating to Very Safe (A). That means 100% of analyzed neighborhoods fall into the A-tier, the highest safety category available. No neighborhoods in Kelso were graded B, C, D, or F. For context, Kelso's population of roughly 12,237 is spread across a low-density footprint of about 580 residents per square mile, which contributes to the manageable crime environment residents experience. By any measure, Kelso is a very safe place to live, work, and visit in 2026.
What is the crime rate in Kelso, WA?
Rather than raw numeric scores, the most meaningful way to understand Kelso's crime environment is through its grade distribution. Across all three neighborhoods analyzed, 100% earned an A grade — zero neighborhoods fell below that threshold. Anderson leads with a rare A+ rating, West Side Highway holds a solid A, and Holcomb Homes also carries an A. At the city level, Kelso's composite crime grade is a B, reflecting some statistical variance when the full city footprint is considered alongside its analyzed neighborhoods. Kelso's unemployment rate of 8.2% and poverty rate of 19.9% are economic indicators that can correlate with crime in other cities, yet Kelso's neighborhood grades remain uniformly strong — suggesting effective community and law enforcement efforts are offsetting those pressures.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Kelso, WA?
All three analyzed neighborhoods in Kelso qualify as safe, but here is how they rank by grade and key data points:
- Anderson — Grade A+: The top-rated neighborhood in Kelso, with a population of approximately 228 and a median household income of $102,897 — more than double the city median of $48,005. Anderson's combination of high income and low population density contributes to its exceptional safety profile.
- West Side Highway — Grade A: The largest of the three neighborhoods at roughly 5,620 residents, West Side Highway maintains a strong A grade despite its size. Its median income of $76,302 is well above the city average, and it accounts for the majority of Kelso's analyzed population while still holding a top-tier safety rating.
- Holcomb Homes — Grade A: With a population of about 606 and a median income of $47,479 — close to the city-wide median — Holcomb Homes demonstrates that strong safety grades are not limited to Kelso's higher-income areas. Even at a more modest income level, this neighborhood achieves an A rating.
The fact that 100% of neighborhoods score in the A range means there is no single area of Kelso that stands out as a concern on the crime map.
Which areas of Kelso have the most crime?
Even Kelso's relatively higher-crime areas are rated safe by national standards. The neighborhoods with the comparatively highest crime levels within the city are Holcomb Homes and West Side Highway — both of which still carry Grade A ratings. Holcomb Homes has the lowest median income of the three neighborhoods at $47,479, which may explain its slightly elevated position on the relative scale. West Side Highway, while home to the largest share of Kelso's population (~5,620 residents, or roughly 46% of the city's 12,237 people), maintains an A grade — a strong indicator that higher population density alone is not driving crime concerns in Kelso. No neighborhood in the city received a B, C, D, or F grade.
Is Kelso a good place to live in 2026?
From a safety standpoint, the data makes a compelling case. With 100% of analyzed neighborhoods graded A and an overall city crime grade of B, Kelso ranks among safer small cities in Washington State. The median home value of $183,994 and median rent of $897 make it significantly more affordable than many Pacific Northwest markets, while the median household income of $48,005 provides a reasonable baseline for most families. The economic challenges are real — an 8.2% unemployment rate and 19.9% poverty rate are above national averages — but these have not translated into elevated neighborhood crime grades. Anderson's A+ rating and $102,897 median income represent the premium end of the market, while Holcomb Homes proves that affordability and safety can coexist in Kelso. For families, retirees, or first-time buyers seeking a safe, affordable community along the Cowlitz River corridor, Kelso's 2026 crime data supports a positive outlook.
Surrounding Cities
Kelso Zip Codes
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