Mercer Island, WA Crime Rates: Stats & Map

A

23%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

73%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

13%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Mercer Island_{/100k people}	Washington_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	450	n/a (estimate)	1,791	3,732	2,324
Murder	2	n/a	8.0	5.0	6.3
Rape	3	n/a	11.9	39.2	40.0
Robbery	5	n/a	19.9	86.8	66.1
Assault	15	n/a	59.7	244.7	268.2
Violent crime	25	n/a (estimate)	100	376	370
Burglary	54	n/a	215.0	563.0	269.8
Theft	328	n/a	1,305.7	2,154.0	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	43	n/a	171.2	639.3	282.7
Property crime	425	n/a (estimate)	1,692	3,356	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Mercer Island, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Mercer Island crime rate is 22.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Mercer Island, there were 25 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 100 per 100,000 individuals, 73.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Mercer Island recorded 425 property crimes, amounting to 1692 per 100,000 residents, 13.4% lower than the U.S. average.

Mercer Island has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 100 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Mercer Island ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Is Mercer Island a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Mercer Island is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Mercer Island has an overall crime rate that is 23% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.23 daily occurrences, comprising 0.07 violent crimes and 1.16 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Mercer Island as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Mercer Island Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Mercer Island. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Mercer Island has increased by 1.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 212.5%, while property crime has increased by 2.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Mercer Island.

Potential Causes for Crime in Mercer Island

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Mercer Island currently has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Mercer Island crime rates. The population density in Mercer Island is 4045.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Mercer Island, there are 1.5 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Mercer Island crime map

The Mercer Island crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Mercer Island as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Mercer Island crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Mercer Island crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

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Crime Quick Facts

Mercer Island crime rates are 23% lower than the national average
Violent crimes in Mercer Island are 73% lower than the national average
In Mercer Island you have a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Mercer Island is safer than 61% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Mercer Island has increased by 6%

Mercer Island, WA Crime Quiz

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Daily Crime In Mercer Island (per 100,000 people)

The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Mercer Island for every 100,000 residents. The Mercer Island total amount of daily crime is 2.08 times less than the Washington average and 1.30 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Mercer Island, is 3.77 times less than the Washington average, and it is 3.72 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Mercer Island has a daily crime average that is 1.98 times less than the Washington average and 1.16 times less than the daily national rate.

How Safe is Mercer Island (higher is better)

What are the odds that you'll be safer in Mercer Island, Washington compared to other areas of Washington, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Mercer Island safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Mercer Island is safer than 79% of Washington cities, and 61% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Washington, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Mercer Island. At this time, Mercer Island sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Mercer Island

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Mercer Island is 1 in 1005

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Mercer Island is 1 in 60

The chance of being a victim of crime in Mercer Island is 1 in 56

Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Mercer Island? In Mercer Island, WA you have a 1 in 1005 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Mercer Island.

Year Over Year Crime In Mercer Island (per 100,000 people)

Determining whether Mercer Island is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Mercer Island violent crime rates have increased by 233%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 2% year over year. Total crimes for Mercer Island has increased by 6% in the same time frame.

Mercer Island police department

Item	Mercer Island	Washington	National
Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)	35	8,169	558,732
Police officers & civilians /1000 residents	1.5	2.2	3.3

There are a total of 35 Mercer Island police officers. This results in 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.9% less than the Washington average and 54% less than the National average.

Sex offenders in Washington

State	Total offenders	Washington_/100K	National_/100K
Washington	6,688	107	266

There are a total of 6,688 sex offenders in Washington. This yields a total of 107 sex offenders in Washington per 100,000 residents which is 60% less than the national average.

Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Yarrow Point, WA	1,353	53	471	524
Ames Lake, WA	1,317	53	471	524
Lake Marcel-Stillwater, WA	1,346	53	471	524
Duvall, WA	7,979	57	558	615
Mirrormont, WA	4,102	72	639	711
Clyde Hill, WA	3,360	72	639	711
Fall City, WA	2,357	81	722	802
Mercer Island, WA	25,820	100	1,692	1,791

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Kankakee, IL	25,818	459	2,690	3,148
Mauldin, SC	25,829	293	1,874	2,167
Holbrook, NY	25,794	363	1,456	1,819
Socastee, SC	25,846	558	2,622	3,180
Lebanon, PA	25,779	429	2,270	2,698
Mercer Island, WA	25,820	100	1,692	1,791

Source: The Mercer Island, WA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.