| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Yakima/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,502 | n/a (estimate) | 2,589 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 15 | n/a | 15.5 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 36 | n/a | 37.2 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 57 | n/a | 59.0 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 418 | n/a | 432.5 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 526 | n/a (estimate) | 544 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 343 | n/a | 354.9 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,364 | n/a | 1,411.3 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 269 | n/a | 278.3 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,976 | n/a (estimate) | 2,045 | 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 Yakima is 22.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 526 violent crimes reported in Yakima, equivalent to 544 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 51.6%. Additionally, Yakima recorded 1976 property crimes, amounting to 2045 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 16.2%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Yakima ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Yakima, there were a total of 15 murders, translating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Yakima residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 154 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 16% of Yakima residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 84% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Yakima is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Yakima has an overall crime rate that is 22% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 6.85 daily occurrences, comprising 1.44 violent crimes and 5.41 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Yakima as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Yakima. 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 Yakima has decreased by 26.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 2.1%, while property crime has decreased by 31.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Yakima.
In Yakima, 67.6% 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.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Yakima, the cost of living is 5.03% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Yakima has a median home price of $320,634, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Yakima | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 181 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Moxee, WA | 4,222 | 140 | 401 | 542 |
| Summitview, WA | 1,957 | 90 | 679 | 769 |
| Zillah, WA | 3,240 | 32 | 805 | 837 |
| Selah, WA | 8,210 | 126 | 1,056 | 1,182 |
| Gleed, WA | 3,115 | 165 | 1,251 | 1,416 |
| Ahtanum, WA | 3,810 | 176 | 1,331 | 1,506 |
| Tieton, WA | 2,133 | 197 | 1,492 | 1,690 |
| Yakima, WA | 97,434 | 544 | 2,045 | 2,589 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Livonia, MI | 97,392 | 228 | 1,262 | 1,490 |
| New Bedford, MA | 97,315 | 353 | 1,359 | 1,712 |
| Sunrise, FL | 97,297 | 252 | 1,342 | 1,594 |
| Concord, NC | 97,608 | 159 | 1,105 | 1,264 |
| South Gate, CA | 97,255 | 526 | 3,599 | 4,124 |
| Yakima, WA | 97,434 | 544 | 2,045 | 2,589 |
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