Is Seattle or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Seattle is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 2/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,783 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 13% lower. Seattle has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Seattle has a 30% lower rate.
Note: Seattle is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Seattle — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Seattle | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,783.1 | 6,666.7 | -883.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 775.5 | 1,063.0 | -287.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 9.8 | -3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.3 | 67.9 | -21.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 220.6 | 184.4 | +36.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 501.3 | 801.0 | -299.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,007.6 | 5,603.6 | -596.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 1,152.0 | 669.7 | +482.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,882.0 | 3,521.3 | -639.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 973.6 | 1,412.6 | -439.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or Tacoma safer?
Seattle is safer with a total crime rate of 5,783 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Seattle has a violent crime rate of 775.5 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Seattle has lower violent crime.
About Seattle, WA
Seattle, a major port city in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly grunge, which emerged here. Situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it’s home to a diverse population with a strong tech industry presence. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 760,058, Seattle has a total crime rate of 5,783.1 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.