Is Arlington or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arlington is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 27/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,559 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 62% lower. Arlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Arlington has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 10.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arlington, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arlington | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,559.0 | 6,666.7 | -4,107.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 337.8 | 1,063.0 | -725.2 |
| Murder Rate | 9.3 | 9.8 | -0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 37.0 | 67.9 | -30.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.8 | 184.4 | -119.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 226.8 | 801.0 | -574.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,221.2 | 5,603.6 | -3,382.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 342.4 | 669.7 | -327.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,453.0 | 3,521.3 | -2,068.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 425.7 | 1,412.6 | -986.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Tacoma safer?
Arlington is safer with a total crime rate of 2,559 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arlington has a violent crime rate of 337.8 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Arlington has lower violent crime.
About Arlington, WA
Arlington, Washington, a historic logging town, sits at the confluence of the Stillaguamish River's North and South Forks. This Snohomish County city, home to over 20,000 residents, retains a strong community identity. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 21,610, Arlington has a total crime rate of 2,559.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.