Is Burlington or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 2/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 6,142 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 8% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 20.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,142.0 | 6,666.7 | -524.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 74.3 | 1,063.0 | -988.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 9.8 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 18.6 | 67.9 | -49.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.9 | 184.4 | -156.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 27.9 | 801.0 | -773.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,067.7 | 5,603.6 | +464.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.4 | 669.7 | -242.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 5,389.3 | 3,521.3 | +1,868.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 250.9 | 1,412.6 | -1,161.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Tacoma safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 6,142 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 74.3 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, WA
Burlington, Washington, is a Skagit Valley city incorporated in 1890, known for its agriculture and proximity to the Puget Sound. It's a small city with a population around 10,000, situated along Interstate 5. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 10,762, Burlington has a total crime rate of 6,142.0 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.