Is Tacoma or Wenatchee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wenatchee is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 19/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,023 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 55% lower. Tacoma has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wenatchee has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 6.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wenatchee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Tacoma | Wenatchee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,666.7 | 3,023.4 | +3,643.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,063.0 | 236.5 | +826.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 0.0 | +9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.9 | 45.0 | +22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 184.4 | 33.8 | +150.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 801.0 | 157.6 | +643.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,603.6 | 2,786.9 | +2,816.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 669.7 | 425.1 | +244.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,521.3 | 2,167.6 | +1,353.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,412.6 | 194.2 | +1,218.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tacoma or Wenatchee safer?
Wenatchee is safer with a total crime rate of 3,023 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Tacoma has a violent crime rate of 1,063.0 per 100K while Wenatchee has 236.5. Wenatchee has lower violent crime.
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.
About Wenatchee, WA
Nestled in the Columbia River Valley, Wenatchee is known as the "Apple Capital of the World," a legacy of its rich agricultural history. This city in Chelan County experiences a semi-arid climate, drawing many to its outdoor recreation. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 35,523, Wenatchee has a total crime rate of 3,023.4 per 100,000 residents.