Is Moses Lake or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Moses Lake is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 5/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,631 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 31% lower. Moses Lake has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Moses Lake has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 8.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Moses Lake — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moses Lake, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Moses Lake | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,631.2 | 6,666.7 | -2,035.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 394.4 | 1,063.0 | -668.7 |
| Murder Rate | 22.5 | 9.8 | +12.7 |
| Rape Rate | 22.5 | 67.9 | -45.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.9 | 184.4 | -105.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 270.4 | 801.0 | -530.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,236.8 | 5,603.6 | -1,366.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 612.2 | 669.7 | -57.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,444.3 | 3,521.3 | -77.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 180.3 | 1,412.6 | -1,232.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moses Lake or Tacoma safer?
Moses Lake is safer with a total crime rate of 4,631 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Moses Lake has a violent crime rate of 394.4 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Moses Lake has lower violent crime.
About Moses Lake, WA
Moses Lake, a city in Grant County, Washington, is named for a lake formed by the Columbia Basin Project. The area is known for its agricultural roots and draws a diverse population, including a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 26,624, Moses Lake has a total crime rate of 4,631.2 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.