| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Yelm/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 233 | n/a (estimate) | 2,153 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 64.7 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 27.7 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 184.8 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 30 | n/a (estimate) | 277 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 31 | n/a | 286.5 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 160 | n/a | 1,478.7 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 110.9 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 203 | n/a (estimate) | 1,876 | 2,467 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Yelm crime rate is higher than the national average by 1.6%. Specifically, there were 30 violent crimes in Yelm, equivalent to 277 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 22.8%. Furthermore, Yelm recorded 203 property crimes, amounting to 1876 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 6.6%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Yelm per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Yelm, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Yelm experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Yelm has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1876 property crimes in Yelm, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What do the local residents think about crime in Yelm? Well, based on a recent survey of 20 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 30% of Yelm residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 70% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Yelm 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, Yelm has an overall crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.64 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.56 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Yelm as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Yelm. 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 Yelm has decreased by 38.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 25%, while property crime has decreased by 42.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Yelm.
In Yelm, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Yelm crime rates.
Yelm has a population density of 1660.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Yelm crime rates.
Yelm has an average rental rate of $2,038 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

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| Item | Yelm | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Anderson Island, WA | 1,628 | 78 | 591 | 669 |
| South Creek, WA | 2,022 | 115 | 870 | 985 |
| Roy, WA | 834 | 508 | 508 | 1,015 |
| DuPont, WA | 9,807 | 52 | 1,116 | 1,168 |
| Tenino, WA | 1,807 | 146 | 1,108 | 1,254 |
| Rainier, WA | 2,658 | 149 | 1,124 | 1,273 |
| Prairie Heights, WA | 4,974 | 155 | 1,173 | 1,328 |
| Yelm, WA | 9,459 | 277 | 1,876 | 2,153 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Madeira, OH | 9,456 | 0 | 372 | 372 |
| Columbia City, IN | 9,464 | 128 | 864 | 992 |
| Lugoff, SC | 9,454 | 345 | 1,554 | 1,900 |
| Economy, PA | 9,465 | 22 | 1,233 | 1,255 |
| Highland Park, TX | 9,451 | 57 | 2,458 | 2,516 |
| Yelm, WA | 9,459 | 277 | 1,876 | 2,153 |