Tacoma, WA Crime Rate & Safety

Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 19% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 212 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 39 chance for property crime. Tacoma has higher crime than 78% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Tacoma has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 88% of the city's 17 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Fircrest is one of the safest areas, while Hilltop has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Tacoma is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma are Fircrest, Hayda Park, Browns Point / Northeast Tacoma, Rustin, and North Tacoma. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Tacoma include Hilltop, Downtown Tacoma, South Tacoma, St Helens, and West End. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Tacoma is 472.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 212 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.8 per 100K (15% above average); aggravated assault at 344.1 per 100K (28% above average); robbery at 83.7 per 100K (13% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Tacoma is 2,589.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 41% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 39 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 297.5 per 100K (10% above average); larceny/theft at 1,883.0 per 100K (34% above average); vehicle theft at 409.0 per 100K (28% above average).

Tacoma's overall crime rate is 19% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (34% above average), while burglary is 10% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Tacoma has higher crime than 78% of them.

Visitors to Tacoma should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 41% 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 Fircrest, Hayda Park, Browns Point / Northeast Tacoma.

Washington as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Tacoma's crime rate is 19% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Washington city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Tacoma, with an estimated rate of 1,883.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 34% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,590 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (473 per 100K) in Tacoma, which is consistent with national trends.