Burien, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Burien, WA

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 Burien is 98.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 249 violent crimes reported in Burien, equivalent to 496 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 34.2%. Additionally, Burien recorded 2063 property crimes, amounting to 4113 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 110.4%.

In Burien, the crime rate stands at 4609 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 98.32%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Burien that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Burien - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4113 per 100,000 people, Burien 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 Burien is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Burien reported a total of 610 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1216 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 83, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Burien?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Burien residents. Out of the respondents (68 in total), 18% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Burien were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 82% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Burien a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Burien 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, Burien has an overall crime rate that is 98% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 6.33 daily occurrences, comprising 0.68 violent crimes and 5.65 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Burien as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Burien Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Burien has decreased by 14.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Burien 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 decreased by 3.5%, while property crime has decreased by 15.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Burien.

Potential Causes for Crime in Burien

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Burien crime rate. The poverty level in Burien is 12.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In Burien, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Burien crime rates.

In Burien, the average rental rates are $1,365 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Burien crime map