| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | University Place/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 758 | n/a (estimate) | 2,160 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 31.3 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 28.5 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 62 | n/a | 176.6 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 83 | n/a (estimate) | 236 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 56 | n/a | 159.5 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 491 | n/a | 1,398.9 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 128 | n/a | 364.7 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 675 | n/a (estimate) | 1,923 | 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 University Place is 1.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 83 violent crimes reported in University Place, equivalent to 236 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 34.2%. Additionally, University Place recorded 675 property crimes, amounting to 1923 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 9.3%.
When assessing the total crime rate in University Place per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within University Place, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the latest reported crime year, University Place recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
University Place exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1923 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that University Place maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What do the local residents think about crime in University Place? Well, based on a recent survey of 12 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of University Place residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is University Place 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 University Place crime rate is 2% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.08 crimes per day - 0.23 violent crimes and 1.85 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in University Place has decreased by 10.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not University Place is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 25.8%, while property crime has decreased by 13.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in University Place.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower University Place crime rates. For instance, in University Place, the population density stands at 4159.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
University Place has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0.53 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in University Place are $1,864, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | University Place | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.5 | 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 |
| Canterwood, WA | 3,134 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Fox Island, WA | 3,695 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Fife Heights, WA | 1,977 | 69 | 518 | 587 |
| McMillin, WA | 1,283 | 74 | 561 | 635 |
| Anderson Island, WA | 1,628 | 78 | 591 | 669 |
| Allyn, WA | 2,583 | 81 | 615 | 697 |
| University Place, WA | 34,663 | 236 | 1,923 | 2,160 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huntington Station, NY | 34,661 | 283 | 1,279 | 1,562 |
| Deer Park, TX | 34,681 | 134 | 1,259 | 1,394 |
| Golden Glades, FL | 34,635 | 248 | 1,320 | 1,568 |
| Fairborn, OH | 34,620 | 273 | 1,294 | 1,567 |
| Woodridge, IL | 34,713 | 60 | 818 | 878 |
| University Place, WA | 34,663 | 236 | 1,923 | 2,160 |