| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kent/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,638 | n/a (estimate) | 4,261 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 5.3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 85 | n/a | 64.2 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 191 | n/a | 144.3 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 365 | n/a | 275.8 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 648 | n/a (estimate) | 490 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 914 | n/a | 690.7 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,844 | n/a | 2,149.3 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,232 | n/a | 931.0 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,990 | n/a (estimate) | 3,771 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
The Kent crime rates are 101.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 648 violent crimes in Kent (490 per 100,000 people), which is 36.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4990 property crimes (3771 per 100,000 residents) which is 114.3% higher than average.
With a crime rate of 4261 per 100,000 residents, Kent has a crime rate that is 101.05% 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 Kent 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.
Kent reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3771 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Kent, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Kent is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Kent reported a total of 1232 vehicle thefts, resulting in 931 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 108, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Kent residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 114 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 14% of Kent 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, 86% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Kent, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Kent presents a total crime rate that is 101% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Kent experiences an average of 15.45 daily crimes, comprising 1.78 violent incidents and 13.67 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kent. 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 Kent has decreased by 21.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 23.7%, while property crime has decreased by 24.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kent.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Kent crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Kent has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Kent, the cost of living is 40.61% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The median home price in Kent is $668,281, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Kent | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 181 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 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 |
| Dash Point, WA | 1,045 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Black Diamond, WA | 4,811 | 27 | 396 | 423 |
| Fall City, WA | 2,429 | 51 | 387 | 438 |
| Shadow Lake, WA | 2,445 | 51 | 387 | 438 |
| Maple Heights-Lake Desire, WA | 3,651 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Lake Holm, WA | 3,461 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Sammamish, WA | 67,314 | 28 | 539 | 567 |
| Kent, WA | 134,349 | 490 | 3,771 | 4,261 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Haven, CT | 134,818 | 535 | 3,587 | 4,122 |
| Round Rock, TX | 133,597 | 131 | 1,941 | 2,071 |
| Stamford, CT | 133,529 | 158 | 1,225 | 1,383 |
| Sterling Heights, MI | 135,304 | 229 | 1,042 | 1,272 |
| Concord, CA | 133,378 | 485 | 2,886 | 3,371 |
| Kent, WA | 134,349 | 490 | 3,771 | 4,261 |
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