| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centralia/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,037 | n/a (estimate) | 5,460 | 3,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 10.5 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 68.4 | 39.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 12 | n/a | 63.2 | 86.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 36 | n/a | 189.5 | 244.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 332 | 376 | 370 |
| Burglary | 125 | n/a | 658.1 | 563.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 730 | n/a | 3,843.5 | 2,154.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 119 | n/a | 626.5 | 639.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 974 | n/a (estimate) | 5,128 | 3,356 | 1,954 |
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 Centralia is 134.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 63 violent crimes reported in Centralia, equivalent to 332 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 10.3%. Additionally, Centralia recorded 974 property crimes, amounting to 5128 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 162.4%.
Centralia has a crime rate of 5460 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 134.92%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Centralia. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Centralia has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 332 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Centralia ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Centralia, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
Centralia faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 5128 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Centralia stands at 1 in 20, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
With a total of 119 vehicle thefts last year, Centralia has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 627 per 100,000 people. This lands Centralia in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 160.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Centralia residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 30 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 33% of Centralia residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 67% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Centralia 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, Centralia has an overall crime rate that is 135% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.84 daily occurrences, comprising 0.17 violent crimes and 2.67 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Centralia as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Centralia. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Centralia has increased by 49%. Violent crimes have increased by 65.8%, while property crimes have increased by 48%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Centralia has a poverty rate that stands at 23.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Centralia crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Centralia crime rates. The population density in Centralia is 2292.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Centralia has a median home price of $162,800, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Centralia | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Rochester, WA | 4,854 | 170 | 1,520 | 1,690 |
| Tenino, WA | 1,744 | 183 | 1,633 | 1,816 |
| Rainier, WA | 2,603 | 196 | 1,751 | 1,947 |
| Napavine, WA | 1,571 | 100 | 1,901 | 2,001 |
| Fords Prairie, WA | 2,582 | 207 | 1,846 | 2,053 |
| Grand Mound, WA | 3,957 | 256 | 2,288 | 2,544 |
| Onalaska, WA | 431 | 510 | 4,552 | 5,062 |
| Centralia, WA | 17,473 | 332 | 5,128 | 5,460 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tiffin, OH | 17,473 | 208 | 1,739 | 1,947 |
| Amesbury Town, MA | 17,474 | 347 | 1,153 | 1,500 |
| Brownsville, FL | 17,475 | 388 | 2,346 | 2,734 |
| Redland, MD | 17,475 | 308 | 1,264 | 1,572 |
| Greenfield Town, MA | 17,477 | 445 | 1,479 | 1,924 |
| Centralia, WA | 17,473 | 332 | 5,128 | 5,460 |
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