Is Des Moines or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 17/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,146 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 53% lower. Des Moines has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Des Moines has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 7.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Des Moines | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,145.7 | 6,666.7 | -3,521.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 296.6 | 1,063.0 | -766.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 9.8 | -6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 28.4 | 67.9 | -39.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 104.1 | 184.4 | -80.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 160.9 | 801.0 | -640.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,849.1 | 5,603.6 | -2,754.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 669.7 | -455.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,927.8 | 3,521.3 | -1,593.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 706.8 | 1,412.6 | -705.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Tacoma safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,146 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Des Moines has a violent crime rate of 296.6 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Des Moines has lower violent crime.
About Des Moines, WA
Des Moines, Washington, a Puget Sound city, was once a popular resort town. Today, its waterfront views and proximity to Seattle attract a diverse population. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 31,694, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,145.7 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.