Kent, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kent, WA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Kent crime rate is higher than the national average by 157.6%. Specifically, there were 611 violent crimes in Kent, equivalent to 459 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 24.2%. Furthermore, Kent recorded 7356 property crimes, amounting to 5528 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 182.9%.

Kent has a crime rate of 5987 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 157.6%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Kent. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Every year, one in 19 people fall victim to a property crime in Kent - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5528 per 100,000 people, Kent 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.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Kent has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Kent reported 2009 vehicle thefts, which equates to 1510 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Kent is 1 in 67.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kent?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Kent. Based on the results of the surveys (108 responses), 13% of people felt that there was very little crime in Kent and felt safe walking alone at night. While 87% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Kent a Safe Place to Live?

Is Kent 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, Kent has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 158%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 21.83 daily incidents, encompassing 1.67 violent crimes and 20.15 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kent as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Kent Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Kent crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Kent has increased by 11.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 16.6% and property crime has increased by 11.1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kent

In Kent, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.7%, 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 Kent 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 Kent, the cost of living is 21.85% higher than the national average.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Kent, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.48, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Kent crime map