Ferndale, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ferndale, WA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ferndale is 27.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Ferndale, there were 28 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 177 per 100,000 individuals, 52.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 442 property crimes, amounting to 2795 per 100,000 residents, 43% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Ferndale stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Ferndale, a total of 3 murders were reported, equating to 19 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Is Ferndale a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Ferndale, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ferndale presents a total crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ferndale experiences an average of 1.29 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 1.21 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 Ferndale Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ferndale. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ferndale has increased by 26.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 21.7%, while property crimes have increased by 27%. 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 Ferndale

In Ferndale, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.4%, 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 Ferndale crime rates.

Ferndale reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Ferndale crime rates.

In Ferndale, 85.3% 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.

Ferndale crime map