| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Federal Way/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,633 | n/a (estimate) | 5,802 | 3,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 8.2 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 56 | n/a | 57.7 | 39.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 154 | n/a | 158.6 | 86.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 316 | n/a | 325.5 | 244.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 534 | n/a (estimate) | 550 | 376 | 370 |
| Burglary | 724 | n/a | 745.7 | 563.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2,904 | n/a | 2,990.9 | 2,154.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,471 | n/a | 1,515.0 | 639.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 5,099 | n/a (estimate) | 5,252 | 3,356 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Federal Way crime rate is 149.6% 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 Federal Way, there were 534 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 550 per 100,000 individuals, 48.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Federal Way recorded 5099 property crimes, amounting to 5252 per 100,000 residents, 168.7% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 5802 per 100,000 residents, Federal Way has a crime rate that is 149.62% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Federal Way that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
With a property crime rate of 5252 crimes per 100,000 people, Federal Way unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Federal Way is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 20, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Federal Way is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Federal Way reported a total of 1471 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1515 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 67, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Federal Way? Well, based on a recent survey of 94 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 20% of Federal Way residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 80% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Federal Way 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, Federal Way has an overall crime rate that is 150% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 15.43 daily occurrences, comprising 1.46 violent crimes and 13.97 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Federal Way 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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way has increased by 7.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 8.3%, while property crime has increased by 7.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Federal Way.
Federal Way reports an unemployment rate of 3.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Federal Way crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Federal Way, 85.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Federal Way, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.63, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Federal Way | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 150 | 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 |
| Browns Point, WA | 961 | 53 | 471 | 524 |
| Canterwood, WA | 3,070 | 72 | 639 | 711 |
| Fox Island, WA | 3,613 | 83 | 741 | 824 |
| Shadow Lake, WA | 2,385 | 85 | 762 | 847 |
| Lake Holm, WA | 3,332 | 89 | 798 | 887 |
| Black Diamond, WA | 4,703 | 0 | 1,025 | 1,025 |
| Maple Heights-Lake Desire, WA | 3,544 | 104 | 928 | 1,032 |
| Federal Way, WA | 96,812 | 550 | 5,252 | 5,802 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nampa, ID | 96,825 | 352 | 1,267 | 1,619 |
| Albany, NY | 96,860 | 930 | 3,782 | 4,711 |
| Erie, PA | 96,616 | 607 | 2,264 | 2,872 |
| Bend, OR | 97,032 | 151 | 1,586 | 1,737 |
| Lawrence, KS | 97,348 | 469 | 2,195 | 2,664 |
| Federal Way, WA | 96,812 | 550 | 5,252 | 5,802 |
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