| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ellensburg/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 445 | n/a (estimate) | 2,409 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 5.4 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 92.0 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 21.7 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 108.3 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 42 | n/a (estimate) | 227 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 45 | n/a | 243.6 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 343 | n/a | 1,856.9 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 81.2 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 403 | n/a (estimate) | 2,182 | 2,467 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Ellensburg | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Kittitas, WA | 1,378 | 152 | 1,149 | 1,301 |
| Thorp, WA | 111 | 291 | 2,201 | 2,492 |
| Ellensburg, WA | 21,153 | 227 | 2,182 | 2,409 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bryant, AR | 21,143 | 175 | 2,057 | 2,233 |
| Merrick, NY | 21,169 | 160 | 722 | 882 |
| Clemmons, NC | 21,136 | 209 | 1,094 | 1,303 |
| Universal City, TX | 21,174 | 258 | 2,102 | 2,361 |
| Lockport, NY | 21,177 | 572 | 2,588 | 3,160 |
| Ellensburg, WA | 21,153 | 227 | 2,182 | 2,409 |