D
11%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
31%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
20%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePort Townsend/100k peopleWashington/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime200n/a (estimate)1,8842,7932,119
Murder0n/a0.03.85.0
Rape4n/a37.737.837.5
Robbery3n/a28.367.560.6
Assault43n/a405.1217.0256.1
Violent crime50n/a (estimate)471326359
Burglary18n/a169.6398.8229.2
Theft125n/a1,177.71,634.21,272.1
Vehicle theft7n/a66.0433.5258.8
Property crime150n/a (estimate)1,4132,4671,760

Port Townsend crime map

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The Port Townsend crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Port Townsend as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Port Townsend crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Port Townsend crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Port Townsend, WA

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 Port Townsend is 11.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 50 violent crimes reported in Port Townsend, equivalent to 471 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 31.2%. Additionally, Port Townsend recorded 150 property crimes, amounting to 1413 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 19.7%.

The Port Townsend crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Port Townsend, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Port Townsend 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 Locals Say About Crime in Port Townsend?

AreaVibes surveyed 19 local residents in Port Townsend to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 58% of people answered that there was very little crime in Port Townsend and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 42% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Port Townsend a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Port Townsend, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Port Townsend presents a total crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Port Townsend experiences an average of 0.55 daily crimes, comprising 0.14 violent incidents and 0.41 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Port Townsend Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Port Townsend. 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 Port Townsend has increased by 38.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 233.3%, while property crime has increased by 16.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Port Townsend.

Potential Causes for Crime in Port Townsend

Port Townsend reports an unemployment rate of 5.4%, 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 Port Townsend crime rates.

In Port Townsend, 92.5% 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 Port Townsend, the cost of living is 27.39% 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.

Compare Port Townsend, WA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Port Townsend crime rates are 11% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Port Townsend are 31% higher than the national average
      • In Port Townsend you have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Port Townsend is safer than 20% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Port Townsend has increased by 17%

      Port Townsend, WA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Port Townsend

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        Daily Crime In Port Townsend (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Port Townsend, per 100,000 residents. In Port Townsend, the total number of daily crimes is 1.48 times less than the Washington average and 1.12 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Port Townsend are 1.44 times more than the Washington average and 1.31 times more than the national average. For property crime, Port Townsend has a daily crime rate that is 1.75 times less than the Washington average and 1.25 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Port Townsend (higher is better)

        How safe is Port Townsend, Washington compared to other cities in Washington and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Port Townsend is safer than 22% of the cities in Washington and 20% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Washington and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Port Townsend. Overall, Port Townsend is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Port Townsend

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Port Townsend is 1 in 213
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Port Townsend is 1 in 71
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Port Townsend is 1 in 54
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Port Townsend, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 213. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 71 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Port Townsend is 1 in 54.

        Year Over Year Crime In Port Townsend (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Port Townsend is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Port Townsend has increased by 160%, while the property crime rate in Port Townsend has decreased by 1% year over year. The number of total crimes in Port Townsend has increased by 17% year over year.

        Port Townsend police department

        Item Port Townsend Washington National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)168,169558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.72.23.3
        There are a total of 16 Port Townsend police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 19.9% less than the Washington average and 46.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Washington

        State Total offenders Washington /100K National /100K
        Washington6,688107266
        There are a total of 6,688 sex offenders in Washington. This yields a total of 107 sex offenders in Washington per 100,000 residents which is 60% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Port Ludlow, WA3,01868517586
        Freeland, WA1,95168518586
        Coupeville, WA1,91182624706
        Oak Harbor, WA24,266113878991
        Marrowstone, WA9801329961,128
        Bell Hill, WA7861329961,128
        Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA3,4221691,2811,450
        Port Townsend, WA9,9504711,4131,884

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lake Arrowhead, CA9,9563881,6602,048
        North Gates, NY9,9424432,0062,449
        Sugar Grove, IL9,95933326359
        Havre, MT9,9385793,2913,870
        Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD9,9373801,8542,234
        Port Townsend, WA9,9504711,4131,884
        Source: The Port Townsend, WA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.