| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Arlington/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 553 | n/a (estimate) | 2,559 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 9.3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 37.0 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 64.8 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 49 | n/a | 226.7 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 73 | n/a (estimate) | 338 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 74 | n/a | 342.4 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 314 | n/a | 1,453.0 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 92 | n/a | 425.7 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 480 | n/a (estimate) | 2,221 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Arlington is 20.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 73 violent crimes reported in Arlington, equivalent to 338 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 5.9%. Additionally, Arlington recorded 480 property crimes, amounting to 2221 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 26.2%.
The violent crime rate in Arlington closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 338 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Arlington as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Arlington faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 92 vehicle thefts, translating to 426 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Arlington in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 235.
AreaVibes surveyed 30 local residents in Arlington to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 43% of people answered that there was very little crime in Arlington and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 57% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Arlington a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Arlington has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 21%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.52 daily incidents, encompassing 0.2 violent crimes and 1.32 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Arlington as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Arlington. 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 Arlington has decreased by 24.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 69.8%, while property crime has decreased by 30.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Arlington.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Arlington, 85.3% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Arlington, the cost of living is 30.42% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Arlington has an average rental rate of $2,122 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.
| Item | Arlington | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 29 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Lake Bosworth, WA | 1,110 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Kayak Point, WA | 1,540 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Langley, WA | 1,236 | 0 | 437 | 437 |
| Big Lake, WA | 2,325 | 58 | 440 | 498 |
| Machias, WA | 1,144 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Lake Cassidy, WA | 2,962 | 67 | 510 | 578 |
| Warm Beach, WA | 2,993 | 68 | 515 | 583 |
| Arlington, WA | 20,435 | 338 | 2,221 | 2,559 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West St. Paul, MN | 20,423 | 163 | 4,302 | 4,465 |
| Miamisburg, OH | 20,451 | 147 | 1,471 | 1,618 |
| Meadowbrook, VA | 20,418 | 269 | 1,936 | 2,205 |
| Hauppauge, NY | 20,417 | 155 | 702 | 857 |
| Howard, WI | 20,411 | 199 | 827 | 1,027 |
| Arlington, WA | 20,435 | 338 | 2,221 | 2,559 |
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