Whatcom County Crime & Safety

Whatcom County, Washington

Safety Score

4/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3833.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

263.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

3570.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

4/100

Higher = safer

State avg 26/100

State Safety Rank

#34

of 39 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Whatcom County, Washington

High Property Crime Impacts Whatcom's National Standing

Whatcom County reports 3,833.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score of 93.9 is among the lower scores in the state.

Trailing Washington’s Average Safety Score

Whatcom's safety score of 93.9 falls below the Washington state average of 96.2. The county's total crime rate is also much higher than the state average of 2,377.2, driven largely by theft and burglary.

Comparing North Sound Crime Statistics

Whatcom's total crime rate of 3,833.6 is notably high for the region, reflecting activity in its larger urban centers. Eight different reporting agencies contribute to these figures, showing widespread reports across the county.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Offenses

Violent crime remains relatively low at 263.5 per 100,000, but property crime is high at 3,570.1. This means residents are much more likely to experience theft than personal violence.

Effective Deterrents for Whatcom Homeowners

Given the high property crime rate, double-checking locks and installing alarm systems are essential precautions. Engraving valuables and keeping them out of sight from windows can also help prevent smash-and-grab incidents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Whatcom County, WA?

Whatcom County has a total crime rate of 3833.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (263.5 per 100K) and property crimes (3570.1 per 100K).

Is Whatcom County, WA safe?

Whatcom County has a safety score of 4/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #34 out of 39 counties in Washington for safety (1 = safest).

How does Whatcom County crime compare to the Washington average?

What types of crime are most common in Whatcom County?

Violent crime remains relatively low at 263.5 per 100,000, but property crime is high at 3,570.1. This means residents are much more likely to experience theft than personal violence.

How is crime data measured and reported for Whatcom County?

Crime data for Whatcom 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 Whatcom County?

Whatcom County has a safety score of 4/100, 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.