Pierce County Crime & Safety

Pierce County, Washington

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

5103.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

677.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

4425.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

State avg 26/100

State Safety Rank

#39

of 39 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Pierce County, Washington

High Crime Rates Challenge Pierce County

Pierce County faces a total crime rate of 5,103.1 per 100,000, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. These figures result in a safety score of 91.9, indicating significant public safety challenges for the region.

Pierce Falls Below Washington Safety Average

The county's safety score of 91.9 is notably lower than the Washington state average of 96.2. Eighteen reporting agencies work to manage crime levels that exceed the state’s typical total crime rate of 2,377.2.

Highest Crime Profile in the Region

Pierce County's crime rate of 5,103.1 is substantially higher than that of neighboring Snohomish County. Its urban density and transit corridors contribute to a more active crime landscape than its surrounding rural neighbors.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Stats

Violent crime in Pierce County is 677.5 per 100,000, nearly twice the national average. Property crime is even more prevalent at 4,425.6, meaning residents face much higher risks of theft and burglary compared to state norms.

Prioritizing Home and Neighborhood Security

High property crime rates make alarm systems and doorbell cameras essential investments for Pierce County residents. Locking vehicles and removing all valuables from sight can significantly reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Pierce County, WA?

Pierce County has a total crime rate of 5103.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (677.5 per 100K) and property crimes (4425.6 per 100K).

Is Pierce County, WA safe?

Pierce 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 #39 out of 39 counties in Washington for safety (1 = safest).

How does Pierce County crime compare to the Washington average?

What types of crime are most common in Pierce County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Pierce County?

Crime data for Pierce 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 Pierce County?

Pierce 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.