C
14%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
37%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
24%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleEllensburg/100k peopleWashington/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime445n/a (estimate)2,4092,7932,119
Murder1n/a5.43.85.0
Rape17n/a92.037.837.5
Robbery4n/a21.767.560.6
Assault20n/a108.3217.0256.1
Violent crime42n/a (estimate)227326359
Burglary45n/a243.6398.8229.2
Theft343n/a1,856.91,634.21,272.1
Vehicle theft15n/a81.2433.5258.8
Property crime403n/a (estimate)2,1822,4671,760

Ellensburg crime map

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The Ellensburg crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Ellensburg 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Ellensburg, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ellensburg crime rate is 13.7% higher 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 Ellensburg, there were 42 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 227 per 100,000 individuals, 36.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Ellensburg recorded 403 property crimes, amounting to 2182 per 100,000 residents, 24% higher than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Ellensburg crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Ellensburg crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ellensburg?

AreaVibes surveyed 34 local residents in Ellensburg to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 59% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ellensburg and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 41% 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 Ellensburg a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ellensburg a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ellensburg crime rate is 14% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.22 crimes per day - 0.12 violent crimes and 1.1 property crimes.

Has Crime in Ellensburg Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Ellensburg has decreased by 35.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Ellensburg is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 23.6%, while property crime has decreased by 36.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Ellensburg.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ellensburg

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 Ellensburg crime rates. The population density in Ellensburg is 2755.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Ellensburg, the cost of living is 13.88% 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.

In Ellensburg, the median home price stands at $432,658, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Compare Ellensburg, WA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Ellensburg crime rates are 14% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Ellensburg are 37% lower than the national average
      • In Ellensburg you have a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Ellensburg is safer than 33% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Ellensburg has decreased by 18%

      Ellensburg, WA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Ellensburg (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Ellensburg, Washington is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Ellensburg are 1.16 times less than the Washington average and 1.14 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Ellensburg are 1.43 times less than than Washington and 1.58 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Ellensburg are 1.13 times less than than Washington and 1.24 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Ellensburg (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Ellensburg, Washington compared to other areas of Washington, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Ellensburg safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Ellensburg is safer than 41% of Washington cities, and 33% 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 Ellensburg. At this time, Ellensburg sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Ellensburg

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Ellensburg is 1 in 440
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Ellensburg is 1 in 46
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Ellensburg is 1 in 42
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Ellensburg, Washington? If you reside in Ellensburg, then there is a 1 in 440 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 46. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 42 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Ellensburg.

        Year Over Year Crime In Ellensburg (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Ellensburg is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Ellensburg violent crime rates have increased by 16%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 20% year over year. Total crimes for Ellensburg has decreased by 18% in the same time frame.

        Ellensburg police department

        Item Ellensburg Washington National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)368,169558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.92.23.3
        There are a total of 36 Ellensburg police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 10.9% less than the Washington average and 40.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Washington

        State Total offenders Washington /100K National /100K
        Washington6,688107266
        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
        Kittitas, WA1,3781521,1491,301
        Thorp, WA1112912,2012,492
        Ellensburg, WA21,1532272,1822,409

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bryant, AR21,1431752,0572,233
        Merrick, NY21,169160722882
        Clemmons, NC21,1362091,0941,303
        Universal City, TX21,1742582,1022,361
        Lockport, NY21,1775722,5883,160
        Ellensburg, WA21,1532272,1822,409
        Source: The Ellensburg, WA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.