Port Townsend, WA Crime Rates: Stats & Map

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32%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

51%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

29%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Port Townsend_{/100k people}	Washington_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	164	n/a (estimate)	1,569	3,732	2,324
Murder	0	n/a	0.0	5.0	6.3
Rape	0	n/a	0.0	39.2	40.0
Robbery	1	n/a	9.6	86.8	66.1
Assault	18	n/a	172.2	244.7	268.2
Violent crime	19	n/a (estimate)	182	376	370
Burglary	24	n/a	229.6	563.0	269.8
Theft	106	n/a	1,014.2	2,154.0	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	15	n/a	143.5	639.3	282.7
Property crime	145	n/a (estimate)	1,387	3,356	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Port Townsend, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Port Townsend crime rate is 32.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Port Townsend, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 182 per 100,000 individuals, 50.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Port Townsend recorded 145 property crimes, amounting to 1387 per 100,000 residents, 29% lower than the U.S. average.

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 conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Port Townsend residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Port Townsend were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

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 32% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Port Townsend experiences an average of 0.45 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.4 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?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Port Townsend. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Port Townsend has increased by 13.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 26.7%, while property crimes have increased by 12.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Port Townsend

In Port Townsend, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Port Townsend crime rates.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Port Townsend, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Port Townsend crime rates. The population density in Port Townsend is 1398.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Port Townsend crime map

The Port Townsend crime map 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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Crime Quick Facts

Port Townsend crime rates are 32% lower than the national average
Violent crimes in Port Townsend are 51% lower than the national average
In Port Townsend you have a 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Port Townsend is safer than 54% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Port Townsend has increased by 10%

Port Townsend, WA Crime Quiz

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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 2.38 times less than the Washington average and 1.48 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Port Townsend are 2.07 times less than the Washington average and 2.03 times less than the national average. For property crime, Port Townsend has a daily crime rate that is 2.42 times less than the Washington average and 1.41 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 69% of the cities in Washington and 54% 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 above 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 551

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Port Townsend is 1 in 73

The chance of being a victim of crime in Port Townsend is 1 in 64

Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Port Townsend, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 551. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 73 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 64.

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 22%, while the property crime rate in Port Townsend has increased by 8% year over year. The number of total crimes in Port Townsend has increased by 10% year over year.

Port Townsend police department

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

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
Washington	6,688	107	266

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}
Oak Harbor, WA	23,358	60	885	945
Marrowstone, WA	943	100	889	989
Port Ludlow, WA	2,940	114	1,021	1,135
Freeland, WA	1,883	130	1,162	1,293
Coupeville, WA	1,850	144	1,288	1,432
Bell Hill, WA	762	152	1,356	1,508
Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA	3,329	238	2,128	2,367
Port Townsend, WA	9,710	182	1,387	1,569

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
North Bend, OR	9,708	127	4,105	4,232
Safford, AZ	9,707	471	2,244	2,715
Rio del Mar, CA	9,713	175	822	998
East Rutherford, NJ	9,707	81	1,686	1,767
Decatur, IN	9,700	323	1,630	1,953
Port Townsend, WA	9,710	182	1,387	1,569

Source: The Port Townsend, WA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.