Is Mountlake Terrace or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mountlake Terrace is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 31/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,385 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 64% lower. Mountlake Terrace has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mountlake Terrace has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 10.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mountlake Terrace — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mountlake Terrace, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mountlake Terrace | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,384.8 | 6,666.7 | -4,281.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 194.5 | 1,063.0 | -868.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 9.8 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 67.9 | -67.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.6 | 184.4 | -128.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 138.9 | 801.0 | -662.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,190.3 | 5,603.6 | -3,413.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 305.6 | 669.7 | -364.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,338.3 | 3,521.3 | -2,183.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 546.4 | 1,412.6 | -866.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mountlake Terrace or Tacoma safer?
Mountlake Terrace is safer with a total crime rate of 2,385 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mountlake Terrace has a violent crime rate of 194.5 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Mountlake Terrace has lower violent crime.
About Mountlake Terrace, WA
Mountlake Terrace, a Puget Sound community, was incorporated in 1954 and is known for its annual Tour de Terrace festival. It's situated north of Seattle, with a population of around 21,000 residents. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 21,595, Mountlake Terrace has a total crime rate of 2,384.8 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.