Is Port Townsend or Spokane Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than Spokane (Safety Score 44/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 5,518 for Spokane — 66% lower. Port Townsend has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Spokane is 21.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Spokane — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Port Townsend, WA
Spokane, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Port Townsend | Spokane | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,884.3 | 5,518.3 | -3,634.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 471.1 | 677.5 | -206.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.0 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 37.7 | 76.7 | -39.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.3 | 145.1 | -116.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 405.1 | 446.1 | -41.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,413.2 | 4,840.8 | -3,427.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 169.6 | 646.5 | -477.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,177.7 | 3,668.8 | -2,491.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 66.0 | 525.4 | -459.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Townsend or Spokane safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 5,518 for Spokane — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Port Townsend has a violent crime rate of 471.1 per 100K while Spokane has 677.5. Port Townsend has lower violent crime.
About Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Spokane, WA
Spokane, the "Lilac City," sits on the Spokane River in Eastern Washington, near the Idaho border. Home to Fairchild Air Force Base, its population is around 229,000. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 229,529, Spokane has a total crime rate of 5,518.3 per 100,000 residents.