| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Olympia/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,231 | n/a (estimate) | 4,000 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 7.2 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 35 | n/a | 62.8 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 61 | n/a | 109.4 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 215 | n/a | 385.5 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 315 | n/a (estimate) | 565 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 317 | n/a | 568.4 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,392 | n/a | 2,495.7 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 207 | n/a | 371.1 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,916 | n/a (estimate) | 3,435 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Olympia is 88.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 315 violent crimes reported in Olympia, equivalent to 565 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 57.3%. Additionally, Olympia recorded 1916 property crimes, amounting to 3435 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 95.2%.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Olympia. Based on the results of the surveys (95 responses), 32% of people felt that there was very little crime in Olympia and felt safe walking alone at night. While 68% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Olympia 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 Olympia crime rate is 89% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.11 crimes per day - 0.86 violent crimes and 5.25 property crimes.
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 Olympia 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 Olympia has decreased by 4.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 28.6% and property crime has decreased by 8.2%.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Olympia, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 23 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Olympia are areas such as South Capitol, Nottingham and Goldcrest, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Fain Park, Wildbood and West Bay Drive are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Olympia has a population density of 2987.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Olympia crime rates.
In Olympia, 89.6% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Olympia, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.76 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Olympia | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 84 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Fox Island, WA | 3,695 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Anderson Island, WA | 1,628 | 78 | 591 | 669 |
| Steilacoom, WA | 6,528 | 91 | 776 | 868 |
| DuPont, WA | 9,807 | 52 | 1,116 | 1,168 |
| Tenino, WA | 1,807 | 146 | 1,108 | 1,254 |
| Rainier, WA | 2,658 | 149 | 1,124 | 1,273 |
| Prairie Heights, WA | 4,974 | 155 | 1,173 | 1,328 |
| Olympia, WA | 54,379 | 565 | 3,435 | 4,000 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Delano, CA | 54,257 | 344 | 1,112 | 1,456 |
| Palm Desert, CA | 54,248 | 324 | 2,827 | 3,151 |
| Revere, MA | 54,523 | 445 | 1,535 | 1,980 |
| Watsonville, CA | 54,199 | 399 | 1,182 | 1,581 |
| Milford city, CT | 54,560 | 117 | 2,096 | 2,212 |
| Olympia, WA | 54,379 | 565 | 3,435 | 4,000 |
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