Is Shelton or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelton is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 22/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,872 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 57% lower. Shelton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shelton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 20.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Shelton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Shelton, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Shelton | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,872.0 | 6,666.7 | -3,794.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 475.6 | 1,063.0 | -587.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 9.8 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 128.1 | 67.9 | +60.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 82.3 | 184.4 | -102.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 265.3 | 801.0 | -535.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,396.4 | 5,603.6 | -3,207.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 402.5 | 669.7 | -267.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,673.8 | 3,521.3 | -1,847.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 320.1 | 1,412.6 | -1,092.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shelton or Tacoma safer?
Shelton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,872 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Shelton has a violent crime rate of 475.6 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Shelton has lower violent crime.
About Shelton, WA
Shelton, the "Christmas Tree Capital," is a city in Mason County, Washington. Nestled at the base of Hood Canal, it's a small community with a population of around 11,000. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 10,933, Shelton has a total crime rate of 2,872.0 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.