| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Port Townsend/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 200 | n/a (estimate) | 1,884 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 37.7 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 28.3 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 43 | n/a | 405.1 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 471 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 169.6 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 125 | n/a | 1,177.7 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 66.0 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 150 | n/a (estimate) | 1,413 | 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Port Townsend | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Port Ludlow, WA | 3,018 | 68 | 517 | 586 |
| Freeland, WA | 1,951 | 68 | 518 | 586 |
| Coupeville, WA | 1,911 | 82 | 624 | 706 |
| Oak Harbor, WA | 24,266 | 113 | 878 | 991 |
| Marrowstone, WA | 980 | 132 | 996 | 1,128 |
| Bell Hill, WA | 786 | 132 | 996 | 1,128 |
| Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA | 3,422 | 169 | 1,281 | 1,450 |
| Port Townsend, WA | 9,950 | 471 | 1,413 | 1,884 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Arrowhead, CA | 9,956 | 388 | 1,660 | 2,048 |
| North Gates, NY | 9,942 | 443 | 2,006 | 2,449 |
| Sugar Grove, IL | 9,959 | 33 | 326 | 359 |
| Havre, MT | 9,938 | 579 | 3,291 | 3,870 |
| Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD | 9,937 | 380 | 1,854 | 2,234 |
| Port Townsend, WA | 9,950 | 471 | 1,413 | 1,884 |