Is Puyallup or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Puyallup is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 7/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,244 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 36% lower. Puyallup has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Puyallup has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 5.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Puyallup, WA?
Puyallup — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Puyallup, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Puyallup | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,243.6 | 6,666.7 | -2,423.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 374.7 | 1,063.0 | -688.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 9.8 | -7.4 |
| Rape Rate | 33.4 | 67.9 | -34.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.9 | 184.4 | -98.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 253.0 | 801.0 | -548.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,868.9 | 5,603.6 | -1,734.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 448.7 | 669.7 | -221.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,572.9 | 3,521.3 | -948.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 847.3 | 1,412.6 | -565.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puyallup or Tacoma safer?
Puyallup is safer with a total crime rate of 4,244 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Puyallup has a violent crime rate of 374.7 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Puyallup has lower violent crime.
About Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, home of the Washington State Fair, is a suburban city in Pierce County, nestled in the Puyallup River valley. Its proximity to Mount Rainier offers scenic views and draws a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 41,898, Puyallup has a total crime rate of 4,243.6 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.