| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Moses Lake/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,233 | n/a (estimate) | 4,631 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 22.5 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 22.5 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 21 | n/a | 78.9 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 72 | n/a | 270.4 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 105 | n/a (estimate) | 394 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 163 | n/a | 612.2 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 917 | n/a | 3,444.3 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 48 | n/a | 180.3 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,128 | n/a (estimate) | 4,237 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
The Moses Lake crime rates are 118.5% 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 105 violent crimes in Moses Lake (394 per 100,000 people), which is 9.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1128 property crimes (4237 per 100,000 residents) which is 140.7% higher than average.
Moses Lake has a crime rate of 4631 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 118.53%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Moses Lake. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Moses Lake has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 394 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Moses Lake is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 6 murders in Moses Lake, which equates to 23 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Moses Lake being a very dangerous place to live.
Moses Lake faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4237 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Moses Lake stands at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Moses Lake residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 38 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 11% of Moses Lake 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, 89% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Moses Lake a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Moses Lake has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 119%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.38 daily incidents, encompassing 0.29 violent crimes and 3.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Moses Lake as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Moses Lake crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Moses Lake has increased by 28.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 20.7% and property crime has increased by 29.4%.
Moses Lake reports an unemployment rate of 4.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. 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 Moses Lake crime rates.
In Moses Lake, the cost of living is 3.5% 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.
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 Moses Lake, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.99 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.
| Item | Moses Lake | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 42 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Warden, WA | 2,878 | 182 | 1,131 | 1,313 |
| Cascade Valley, WA | 3,355 | 200 | 1,510 | 1,710 |
| Moses Lake North, WA | 4,821 | 312 | 2,363 | 2,675 |
| Ephrata, WA | 8,390 | 183 | 2,924 | 3,107 |
| Moses Lake, WA | 24,055 | 394 | 4,237 | 4,631 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Venice, FL | 24,063 | 112 | 596 | 709 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
| Watertown, WI | 24,039 | 190 | 1,048 | 1,238 |
| Fairfax, VA | 24,037 | 92 | 659 | 751 |
| Carteret, NJ | 24,081 | 314 | 1,262 | 1,576 |
| Moses Lake, WA | 24,055 | 394 | 4,237 | 4,631 |
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