Vancouver, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Vancouver, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Vancouver crime rate is 167.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Vancouver, there were 1229 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 636 per 100,000 individuals, 72% higher than the national average. Additionally, Vancouver recorded 10777 property crimes, amounting to 5576 per 100,000 residents, 185.3% higher than the U.S. average.

In Vancouver, the crime rate stands at 6212 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 167.27%. 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 Vancouver 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.

With a property crime rate of 5576 crimes per 100,000 people, Vancouver unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Vancouver is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 18, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

With a total of 2801 vehicle thefts last year, Vancouver has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1449 per 100,000 people. This lands Vancouver in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 70.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Vancouver?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Vancouver residents. Out of the respondents (158 in total), 36% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Vancouver were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 64% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Vancouver a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Vancouver is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Vancouver has a total crime rate that is 167% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 32.89 daily crimes (3.37 violent daily crimes and 29.53 daily property crimes) in Vancouver.

Has Crime in Vancouver Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Vancouver. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Vancouver has increased by 15.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 10.8%, while property crimes have increased by 16.1%. 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.

Vancouver Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Vancouver area comprises a diverse array of over 61 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Old Evergreen Highway, Cimarron and Riveridge which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Bagley Downs, Fruit Valley and Rose Village exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Vancouver neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Vancouver

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Vancouver crime rates. The population density in Vancouver is 3749.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Vancouver, 85.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

The median home price in Vancouver is $318,200, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Vancouver crime map