Is Ellensburg or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ellensburg is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 30/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 64% lower. Ellensburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 12.1x 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
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ellensburg | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,409.1 | 6,666.7 | -4,257.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 227.4 | 1,063.0 | -835.7 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 9.8 | -4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 92.0 | 67.9 | +24.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.7 | 184.4 | -162.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 801.0 | -692.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,181.7 | 5,603.6 | -3,422.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 243.6 | 669.7 | -426.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.9 | 3,521.3 | -1,664.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 81.2 | 1,412.6 | -1,331.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellensburg or Tacoma safer?
Ellensburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ellensburg has a violent crime rate of 227.4 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. 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 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.