Is Lacey or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lacey is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 25/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,655 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 60% lower. Lacey has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Lacey has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 3.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lacey — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lacey, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lacey | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,654.9 | 6,666.7 | -4,011.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 186.9 | 1,063.0 | -876.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.4 | 9.8 | -6.4 |
| Rape Rate | 20.4 | 67.9 | -47.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.0 | 184.4 | -150.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 129.1 | 801.0 | -671.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,468.1 | 5,603.6 | -3,135.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 380.5 | 669.7 | -289.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,883.8 | 3,521.3 | -1,637.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 203.8 | 1,412.6 | -1,208.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lacey or Tacoma safer?
Lacey is safer with a total crime rate of 2,655 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lacey has a violent crime rate of 186.9 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Lacey has lower violent crime.
About Lacey, WA
Lacey, Washington, a suburban city in Thurston County, is known for its many parks and proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Once a timber town, it now boasts a diverse population and a significant retail presence. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 58,872, Lacey has a total crime rate of 2,654.9 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.