King County Crime & Safety

King County, Washington

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

4828.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

467.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

4361.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

State avg 26/100

State Safety Rank

#38

of 39 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in King County, Washington

Comparing King County to the National Average

King County reports a total crime rate of 4828.8 per 100K, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a strong safety score of 92.4 out of 100. This data reflects reports from 41 different agencies across the most populous county in the state.

King County Safety Against State Averages

The county's safety score of 92.4 sits below the Washington state average of 96.2. While the state average total crime rate is 2377.2 per 100K, King County's rate is more than double that figure. This puts it among the more active areas for reported incidents in Washington.

Higher Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

King County’s total crime rate of 4828.8 per 100K is much higher than nearby Kitsap County's rate of 3106.2. It also surpasses Kittitas County, which sees only 2257.7 incidents per 100K residents. These figures highlight the unique urban challenges facing the Seattle metropolitan area.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 4361.7 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate is 467.1, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. This suggests that residents are far more likely to experience theft or burglary than physical harm.

Securing Your King County Property

With property crime rates nearly double the national average, home security remains a top priority for King County residents. Investing in smart cameras and improved lighting can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent reporting to local agencies helps authorities allocate resources effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in King County, WA?

King County has a total crime rate of 4828.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (467.1 per 100K) and property crimes (4361.7 per 100K).

Is King County, WA safe?

King County has a safety score of 2/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #38 out of 39 counties in Washington for safety (1 = safest).

How does King County crime compare to the Washington average?

What types of crime are most common in King County?

How is crime data measured and reported for King County?

Crime data for King County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in King County?

King County has a safety score of 2/100, which is below the Washington average of 26/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.