University Place Neighborhood, Tacoma

Crime Rate & Statistics

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 65% of neighborhoods in Tacoma

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 64 / 300 High

Violent Crime 75

25% below national avg

Property Crime 94

6% below national avg

City Ranking

65%

safer than other

Tacoma neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Tacoma

Is University Place Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. University Place in Tacoma, WA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 64, which is 36% below the national average of 100. University Place is safer than 65% of neighborhoods in Tacoma.

Compared to the Tacoma average (crime index 122), University Place is 58% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Tacoma as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 106, 6% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 64).

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 106 (6% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 64 (36% below avg)

University Place Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Tacoma city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Tacoma	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	70	-30%	-49%	Low
Assault	87	-13%	-43%	Average
Robbery	79	-21%	-36%	Low
Rape	64	-36%	N/A	Low
Property Crime
Burglary	79	-21%	-30%	Low
Larceny / Theft	106	+6%	-31%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	96	-4%	-34%	Average

How University Place Compares

Crime index by category: University Place vs Tacoma average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

University Place Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

University Place Demographics & Context

Population

35,814

Median Income

$85,572

Home Value

$646,766

Median Age

Pop. Density

4,089/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 24.8%

Graduate Degree 12.1%

Housing

54%

46%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 63.7%

Black 9.8%

Hispanic 7.7%

Asian 12.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Fircrest Index: 55

South Tacoma Index: 143

B-

West Slope Index: 113

A-

Central Tacoma Index: 128

B+

West End Index: 165

Hilltop Index: 163

C+

South End Index: 119

B+

North Tacoma Index: 109

University Place Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Tacoma Crime Statistics

View all Tacoma neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in University Place, Tacoma?

University Place in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 64, which is 36% below the national average. Compared to the Tacoma average, crime in University Place is 58% lower. University Place is safer than 65% of neighborhoods in Tacoma.

Is University Place a safe neighborhood in Tacoma?

University Place is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tacoma, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 106), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 64).

How does University Place compare to the rest of Tacoma?

University Place's overall crime index is 64, compared to the Tacoma average of 122. This means crime in University Place is 58% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 75, and for property crime it is 94. 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 University Place?

The most prevalent crime type in University Place is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 106 (6% 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 University Place?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fircrest, South Tacoma, West Slope and Central Tacoma. These areas are close to University Place and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of University Place?

University Place has a population of approximately 35,814. The median household income is $85,572. The median home value is $646,766. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does University Place crime compare to the national average?

University Place's overall crime rate is 36% below the national average (index 64 vs 100). Within Tacoma, it is safer than 65% 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.