| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Puyallup/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,778 | n/a (estimate) | 4,244 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.4 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 33.4 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 36 | n/a | 85.9 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 106 | n/a | 253.0 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 157 | n/a (estimate) | 375 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 188 | n/a | 448.7 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,078 | n/a | 2,572.9 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 355 | n/a | 847.3 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,621 | n/a (estimate) | 3,869 | 2,467 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Puyallup crime rate is 100.3% higher 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 Puyallup, there were 157 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 375 per 100,000 individuals, 4.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Puyallup recorded 1621 property crimes, amounting to 3869 per 100,000 residents, 119.8% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4244 per 100,000 residents, Puyallup has a crime rate that is 100.25% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Puyallup that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Puyallup has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 375 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.
Every year, one in 26 people fall victim to a property crime in Puyallup - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3869 per 100,000 people, Puyallup has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Puyallup is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Puyallup reported a total of 355 vehicle thefts, resulting in 847 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 119, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Puyallup. Based on the results of the surveys (43 responses), 35% of people felt that there was very little crime in Puyallup and felt safe walking alone at night. While 65% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Puyallup 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, Puyallup has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 100%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.87 daily incidents, encompassing 0.43 violent crimes and 4.44 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Puyallup as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Puyallup. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Puyallup has decreased by 39.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 10.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 42.4%. 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.
Puyallup has a poverty rate of 6.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Puyallup has a population density of 3021.2 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 Puyallup crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Puyallup, the cost of living is 30.66% higher than the national average.
| Item | Puyallup | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 74 | 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 |
| Dash Point, WA | 1,045 | 46 | 346 | 392 |
| Black Diamond, WA | 4,811 | 27 | 396 | 423 |
| Canterwood, WA | 3,134 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Lake Holm, WA | 3,461 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Fife Heights, WA | 1,977 | 69 | 518 | 587 |
| McMillin, WA | 1,283 | 74 | 561 | 635 |
| Alderton, WA | 2,789 | 89 | 675 | 765 |
| Puyallup, WA | 42,717 | 375 | 3,869 | 4,244 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Woonsocket, RI | 42,718 | 391 | 1,501 | 1,891 |
| Moline, IL | 42,715 | 384 | 3,334 | 3,718 |
| Catonsville, MD | 42,742 | 406 | 1,980 | 2,386 |
| Grove City, OH | 42,755 | 129 | 2,652 | 2,782 |
| La Quinta, CA | 42,775 | 177 | 1,945 | 2,122 |
| Puyallup, WA | 42,717 | 375 | 3,869 | 4,244 |
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