Is Newcastle or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newcastle is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 32/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,319 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 65% lower. Newcastle has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Newcastle has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 17.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newcastle — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newcastle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newcastle | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,318.8 | 6,666.7 | -4,347.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 47.5 | 1,063.0 | -1,015.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 9.8 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 7.9 | 67.9 | -60.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.8 | 184.4 | -168.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 23.7 | 801.0 | -777.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,271.3 | 5,603.6 | -3,332.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 261.2 | 669.7 | -408.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.5 | 3,521.3 | -2,001.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 490.7 | 1,412.6 | -922.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newcastle or Tacoma safer?
Newcastle is safer with a total crime rate of 2,319 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newcastle has a violent crime rate of 47.5 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Newcastle has lower violent crime.
About Newcastle, WA
Newcastle, WA, a King County city once a major coal producer, is known for its suburban character and proximity to Lake Washington. It boasts a median household income significantly above the state average. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 12,636, Newcastle has a total crime rate of 2,318.8 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.