Palmer Heights Neighborhood, Tacoma
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Summary: Palmer Heights, Tacoma Crime Rate (2026)
Palmer Heights in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 103, which is 3% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 21, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Tacoma
Is Palmer Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Palmer Heights in Tacoma, WA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 103, which is 3% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Tacoma average (crime index 122), Palmer Heights is 19% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 151, 51% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 78). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Palmer Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Tacoma city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
How Palmer Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Palmer Heights vs Tacoma average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Palmer Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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Palmer Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Palmer Heights, Tacoma?
Palmer Heights in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 103, which is 3% above the national average. Compared to the Tacoma average, crime in Palmer Heights is 19% lower.
Is Palmer Heights a safe neighborhood in Tacoma?
Palmer Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tacoma, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 151), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 78).
How does Palmer Heights compare to the rest of Tacoma?
Palmer Heights's overall crime index is 103, compared to the Tacoma average of 122. This means crime in Palmer Heights is 19% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 90, and for property crime it is 131. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Palmer Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Palmer Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 151 (51% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Palmer Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include East Side, South End, Midland/Waller/Summit and South Tacoma. These areas are close to Palmer Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Palmer Heights?
Palmer Heights has a population of approximately 91. The median household income is $46,711. The median home value is $416,253. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Palmer Heights crime compare to the national average?
Palmer Heights's overall crime rate is 3% above the national average (index 103 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.