Is Ellensburg or Las Vegas Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ellensburg is safer than Las Vegas Metro (Safety Score 30/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100,000 versus 3,053 for Las Vegas Metro — 21% lower. Ellensburg has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Las Vegas Metro is 92.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Vegas Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg, WA
Las Vegas Metro, NV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ellensburg | Las Vegas Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,409.1 | 3,052.7 | -643.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 227.4 | 430.0 | -202.6 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 6.2 | -0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 92.0 | 51.6 | +40.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.7 | 64.8 | -43.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 307.2 | -198.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,181.7 | 2,622.7 | -441.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 243.6 | 461.5 | -217.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.9 | 1,564.5 | +292.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 81.2 | 596.7 | -515.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellensburg or Las Vegas Metro safer?
Ellensburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100K vs 3,053 for Las Vegas Metro — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ellensburg has a violent crime rate of 227.4 per 100K while Las Vegas Metro has 430.0. Ellensburg has lower violent crime.
About Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Las Vegas Metro, NV
Las Vegas Metro encompasses the vibrant Entertainment Capital of the World, a city that sprung from a railroad stop in the Mojave Desert. Its population of over 2.3 million is a diverse mix, drawn to its unique blend of resort tourism and burgeoning tech industries. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 1,716,565, Las Vegas Metro has a total crime rate of 3,052.7 per 100,000 residents.