Mountlake Terrace, WA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 55% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Mountlake Terrace Safe?
Mostly yes — Mountlake Terrace is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Mountlake Terrace has a crime rate that is 24% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 392.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Cedar Terrace earn an A safety grade, while Melody Hill rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Mountlake Terrace.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 392
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
33% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 49
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
13% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Mountlake Terrace 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
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
109 | +9% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Mountlake Terrace Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Mountlake Terrace?
Safety varies dramatically across Mountlake Terrace's 6+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 6Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 6Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 6 neighborhoods in Mountlake Terrace
All Mountlake Terrace Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cedar Terrace | A | 58 |
| 2 | Gateway | A | 70 |
| 3 | Town Center | A | 53 |
| 4 | Lake Ballinger | A- | 112 |
| 5 | Cascade View | A- | 134 |
| 6 | Melody Hill | A- | 123 |
Mountlake Terrace Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Mountlake Terrace zip codes.
Mountlake Terrace Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
Mountlake Terrace, WA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 24% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 392 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 49 chance for property crime. Mountlake Terrace has lower crime than 55% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Mountlake Terrace, WA safe to live in?
Mountlake Terrace is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 6 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Cedar Terrace is one of the safest areas, while Melody Hill has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Mountlake Terrace is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Mountlake Terrace?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Mountlake Terrace are Cedar Terrace, Gateway, Town Center, Lake Ballinger, and Cascade View. 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 Mountlake Terrace?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Mountlake Terrace include Melody Hill, Cascade View, Lake Ballinger, Town Center, and Gateway. 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 Mountlake Terrace?
The estimated violent crime rate in Mountlake Terrace is 255.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 33% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 392 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.0 per 100K (21% below average); aggravated assault at 170.3 per 100K (37% below average); robbery at 55.9 per 100K (24% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Mountlake Terrace?
The estimated property crime rate in Mountlake Terrace is 2,061.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 49 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 232.3 per 100K (14% below average); larceny/theft at 1,524.0 per 100K (9% above average); vehicle theft at 305.0 per 100K (4% below average).
How does Mountlake Terrace crime compare to the national average?
Mountlake Terrace's overall crime rate is 24% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (9% above average), while assault is 37% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Mountlake Terrace has lower crime than 55% of them.
Is Mountlake Terrace safe to visit?
Mountlake Terrace is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 13% above 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 Cedar Terrace, Gateway, Town Center.
How does Mountlake Terrace crime compare to the rest of Washington?
Washington as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Mountlake Terrace's crime rate is 24% below the national average, making it safer the typical Washington city.
What type of crime is most common in Mountlake Terrace?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Mountlake Terrace, with an estimated rate of 1,524.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 9% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,061 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (255 per 100K) in Mountlake Terrace, which is consistent with national trends.