Kelso, WA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 69% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Kelso Safe?
Yes — Kelso has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Kelso has a crime rate that is 35% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 466.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Anderson earn an A+ safety grade, while Holcomb Homes rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Kelso.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 466
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
44% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 71
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
23% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Kelso Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Kelso Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Kelso?
Safety varies dramatically across Kelso's 3+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 3Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 3 neighborhoods in Kelso
All Kelso Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anderson | A+ | 91 |
| 2 | West Side Highway | A | 70 |
| 3 | Holcomb Homes | A | 89 |
Kelso Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Kelso zip codes.
Kelso Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kelso, WA?
Kelso, WA has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 35% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 466 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 71 chance for property crime. Kelso has lower crime than 69% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Kelso, WA safe to live in?
Kelso is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 3 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Anderson is one of the safest areas, while Holcomb Homes has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Kelso is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Kelso?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Kelso are Anderson, West Side Highway, and Holcomb Homes. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Kelso?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Kelso include Holcomb Homes, and West Side Highway. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Kelso?
The estimated violent crime rate in Kelso is 214.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 44% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 466 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.3 per 100K (33% below average); aggravated assault at 142.6 per 100K (47% below average); robbery at 47.2 per 100K (36% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Kelso?
The estimated property crime rate in Kelso is 1,402.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 23% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 71 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 202.4 per 100K (25% below average); larceny/theft at 996.7 per 100K (29% below average); vehicle theft at 203.5 per 100K (36% below average).
How does Kelso crime compare to the national average?
Kelso's overall crime rate is 35% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (25% below average), while assault is 47% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Kelso has lower crime than 69% of them.
Is Kelso safe to visit?
Kelso is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 23% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Anderson, West Side Highway, Holcomb Homes.
How does Kelso crime compare to the rest of Washington?
Washington as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Kelso's crime rate is 35% below the national average, making it safer the typical Washington city.
What type of crime is most common in Kelso?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Kelso, with an estimated rate of 996.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 29% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,403 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (214 per 100K) in Kelso, which is consistent with national trends.