| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Goldendale/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 116 | n/a (estimate) | 3,333 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 114.9 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 115 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 86.2 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 103 | n/a | 2,959.8 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 172.4 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 112 | n/a (estimate) | 3,218 | 2,467 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Goldendale crime rate is higher than the national average by 57.3%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Goldendale, equivalent to 115 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 68%. Furthermore, Goldendale recorded 112 property crimes, amounting to 3218 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 82.9%.
With only 115 incidents per 100,000 people, Goldendale boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Goldendale has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Goldendale experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What do the local residents think about crime in Goldendale? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 30% of Goldendale residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 70% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Goldendale is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Goldendale has a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.32 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.31 daily property crimes) in Goldendale.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Goldendale. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Goldendale has decreased by 5.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 60%, while property crimes have decreased by 0.9%. 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.
In Goldendale, the current unemployment rate stands at 7.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Goldendale crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Goldendale, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.14 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In Goldendale, the median home price stands at $253,207, 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.
| Item | Goldendale | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Centerville, WA | 122 | 324 | 2,451 | 2,775 |
| Rufus, OR | 216 | 402 | 2,900 | 3,302 |
| Wishram, WA | 553 | 471 | 3,564 | 4,036 |
| Goldendale, WA | 3,695 | 115 | 3,218 | 3,333 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fox Island, WA | 3,695 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Omro, WI | 3,696 | 194 | 664 | 858 |
| Byron, IL | 3,696 | 106 | 265 | 372 |
| Ozark, AR | 3,697 | 666 | 1,331 | 1,997 |
| Wills Point, TX | 3,698 | 172 | 394 | 567 |
| Goldendale, WA | 3,695 | 115 | 3,218 | 3,333 |