Olympia, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Olympia, 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 Olympia is 103.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 293 violent crimes reported in Olympia, equivalent to 521 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 41%. Additionally, Olympia recorded 2363 property crimes, amounting to 4204 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 115.1%.

Olympia has a crime rate of 4725 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 103.29%, 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 Olympia. 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.

Olympia reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4204 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to property crime in Olympia, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Olympia has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Olympia reported 358 vehicle thefts, which equates to 637 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 Olympia is 1 in 158.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Olympia?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Olympia residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 90 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 28% of Olympia 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, 72% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Olympia a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Olympia, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Olympia presents a total crime rate that is 103% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Olympia experiences an average of 7.28 daily crimes, comprising 0.8 violent incidents and 6.47 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 Olympia Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Olympia has increased by 13.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Olympia 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 19.6%, while property crime has increased by 13.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Olympia.

Olympia Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Olympia, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 25 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Olympia are areas such as Nottingham, Holiday Hills and Cain Road, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Fain Park, South Westside and Bigelow are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Olympia

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Olympia crime rates. In Olympia, the poverty rate stands at 14.7%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

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 Olympia, the cost of living is 14.99% higher than the national average.

In Olympia, the average rental rates are $1,199 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.

Olympia crime map