98421 Zip Code, Tacoma
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most zip codes
Safer than 30% of zip codes in Tacoma
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Tacoma
Is 98421 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is safer than most. Zip code 98421 in Tacoma, WA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 30% of zip codes in Tacoma.
Compared to the Tacoma average (crime index 122), zip code 98421 is 38% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 159, 59% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 91).
98421 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
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
159 | +59% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
155 | +55% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
How 98421 Compares
Crime index by category: 98421 vs Tacoma average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
98421 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
98421 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Tacoma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 98421, Tacoma?
Zip code 98421 in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average. Compared to the Tacoma average, crime in Zip code 98421 is 38% higher. Zip code 98421 is safer than 30% of neighborhoods in Tacoma.
Is Zip code 98421 a safe neighborhood in Tacoma?
Zip code 98421 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tacoma, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 159), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 91).
How does Zip code 98421 compare to the rest of Tacoma?
Zip code 98421's overall crime index is 160, compared to the Tacoma average of 122. This means crime in Zip code 98421 is 38% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 133, and for property crime it is 148. 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 Zip code 98421?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 98421 is Rape, with a crime index of 159 (59% 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 Zip code 98421?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 98433, 98443, 98407 and 98446. These areas are close to Zip code 98421 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 98421?
Zip code 98421 has a population of approximately 2,313. The median household income is $69,897. The median home value is $1,304,864. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 98421 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 98421's overall crime rate is 60% above the national average (index 160 vs 100). Within Tacoma, it is safer than 30% 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.