Is Lakewood or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Lakewood is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 7/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,270 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 36% lower. Lakewood has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Lakewood has a 39% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Lakewood, WA?
Lakewood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lakewood, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lakewood | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,270.0 | 6,666.7 | -2,396.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 648.1 | 1,063.0 | -414.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.5 | 9.8 | -3.4 |
| Rape Rate | 61.4 | 67.9 | -6.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.9 | 184.4 | -53.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 449.3 | 801.0 | -351.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,621.9 | 5,603.6 | -1,981.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 510.7 | 669.7 | -159.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,484.1 | 3,521.3 | -1,037.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 627.1 | 1,412.6 | -785.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakewood or Tacoma safer?
Lakewood is safer with a total crime rate of 4,270 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lakewood has a violent crime rate of 648.1 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Lakewood has lower violent crime.
About Lakewood, WA
Lakewood, WA, a city incorporated in 1996, sits between Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Its diverse population, with a significant military presence, resides among lakes and historic estates like Thornewood Castle. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 61,873, Lakewood has a total crime rate of 4,270.0 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.