South Tacoma Neighborhood, Tacoma
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Tacoma
Safety at a Glance
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in Tacoma
Is South Tacoma Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. South Tacoma in Tacoma, WA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 143, which is 43% above the national average of 100. South Tacoma is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Tacoma.
Compared to the Tacoma average (crime index 122), South Tacoma is 21% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 157, 57% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 111).
South Tacoma 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
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
111 | +11% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
136 | +36% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
How South Tacoma Compares
Crime index by category: South Tacoma vs Tacoma average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Tacoma Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Tacoma Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Tacoma, Tacoma?
South Tacoma in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 143, which is 43% above the national average. Compared to the Tacoma average, crime in South Tacoma is 21% higher. South Tacoma is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Tacoma.
Is South Tacoma a safe neighborhood in Tacoma?
South Tacoma is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tacoma, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 157), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 111). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Tacoma.
How does South Tacoma compare to the rest of Tacoma?
South Tacoma's overall crime index is 143, compared to the Tacoma average of 122. This means crime in South Tacoma is 21% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 132, and for property crime it is 147. 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 South Tacoma?
The most prevalent crime type in South Tacoma is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 157 (57% 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 South Tacoma?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South End, Fircrest, Central Tacoma and University Place. These areas are close to South Tacoma and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Tacoma?
South Tacoma has a population of approximately 25,385. The median household income is $58,705. The median home value is $419,757. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Tacoma crime compare to the national average?
South Tacoma's overall crime rate is 43% above the national average (index 143 vs 100). Within Tacoma, it is safer than 12% of neighborhoods. 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 April 2026.