What Buyers and Property Owners Should Know Before Moving or Investing
Tacoma offers a diverse mix of neighborhoods with distinct personalities, housing markets, and safety profiles. While the city’s overall crime rate is higher than national averages, the experience can vary drastically by location. Understanding these differences (backed by recent data) can help you make smarter decisions whether you’re buying, investing, or selling.
According to the most recent FBI-based crime reporting, Tacoma had 14,932 total reported crimes and a rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 people, roughly 215% higher than the national average. Violent crime was also significantly elevated, with 1,063 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of 359 per 100,000 people.
(Ranked from Lower to Higher Safety Risk)
Downtown Tacoma carries a C+ crime score, higher than many other parts of the city. Property crimes like theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins occur more frequently here than in most Tacoma neighborhoods, in part due to high rental density and pedestrian traffic.
Neighborhood-level estimates show the South End with a total crime rate well above the Tacoma average, including higher-than-average violent and property crime per capita.
Central Tacoma also reports elevated estimates for both property and violent crime compared to Tacoma overall. Crime can vary significantly between blocks and corridors, making localized research critical.
Among Tacoma neighborhoods with available estimates, South Tacoma’s crime rates are among the highest for both total and violent crime per 100,000 people.
The West End generally fares better than more urbanized areas of Tacoma. Crime estimates suggest lower overall crime than neighborhoods like Downtown or South End, though conditions can vary across this broader region.
Northeast Tacoma has much lower crime estimates compared to the Tacoma average. Total estimated crimes per 100,000 people here are substantially below the citywide rate, indicating it’s one of the calmer residential areas.
North End Tacoma consistently shows a lower rate of both violent and property crime compared to other parts of the city. Estimated crime is significantly below the Tacoma average, contributing to its reputation as a stable, family-oriented area.
According to neighborhood safety rankings, Browns Point and adjacent North Tacoma frequently receive among the highest safety grades in the Tacoma area, placing them at the top of local livability lists in terms of crime risk.
Tacoma’s citywide crime rates are higher than national averages, but neighborhood-specific data shows significant variation. Areas closer to the urban core or with greater density often have more reported incidents. In contrast, residential neighborhoods farther from central corridors tend to show lower crime rates.
When evaluating any part of Tacoma, it’s important to:
Block-by-block nuance matters.
Safety is one of many factors that influence long-term property value, community satisfaction, and investment risk. Neighborhood living conditions, from crime patterns to amenities, affect both quality of life and resale potential.
If neighborhood factors like changing crime dynamics are prompting you to reconsider your position in Tacoma, Nine8 Redevelopment can help. We work with homeowners looking for a clear, stress-free selling option without repairs, showings, or long timelines.
Whether you’re ready to sell now or simply exploring your options, contact Nine8 Redevelopment to see how we can support your goals — especially in a changing market.
Data provided by Area Vibes unless otherwise noted.
We’re here to walk you through each and every step of the process.
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