Is Pasco or Santa Maria Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Maria is safer than Pasco (Safety Score 27/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 2,543 per 100,000 versus 2,547 for Pasco — 0% lower. Pasco has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pasco has a 100% lower rate.
Pasco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Santa Maria — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pasco, WA
Santa Maria, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pasco | Santa Maria | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,547.1 | 2,543.3 | +3.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 351.3 | 660.6 | -309.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 27.2 | 68.2 | -40.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 54.4 | 173.6 | -119.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.0 | 416.2 | -150.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,195.8 | 1,882.7 | +313.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 295.7 | 312.6 | -16.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,457.2 | 1,149.4 | +307.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 442.9 | 420.7 | +22.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasco or Santa Maria safer?
Santa Maria is safer with a total crime rate of 2,543 per 100K vs 2,547 for Pasco — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pasco has a violent crime rate of 351.3 per 100K while Santa Maria has 660.6. Pasco has lower violent crime.
About Pasco, WA
Pasco, a Tri-Cities hub, sits at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Rich in agricultural heritage, it boasts a diverse population, including a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 80,838, Pasco has a total crime rate of 2,547.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria, California, a city in northern Santa Barbara County, is known for its barbecue and wine industry. It is the most populous city in the county, with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 110,056, Santa Maria has a total crime rate of 2,543.3 per 100,000 residents.