Clark County, located in Washington’s southwest region, is the state’s fifth most populated county, with an area of 656 square miles. Vancouver, which serves as both the county seat and the main city, is an important part of the Portland metropolitan region and Washington’s fourth-largest city.
Clark County has a diversified mix of urban and rural lives, distinguished by stunning scenery, historic sites, cultural events, and numerous recreational activities. Nonetheless, the county has several significant issues linked to crime and public safety. Certain communities in the county have greater rates of both violent and property crimes than others, demanding caution among residents and tourists.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 riskiest areas in Clark County, Washington, based on the most recent FBI crime statistics and other data. These areas have the highest per capita rates of violent and property crime, making them risky for both inhabitants and tourists. This list is arranged from least to most hazardous neighborhood, based on crime statistics.
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1. Hazel Dell
Hazel Dell, a census-designated place (CDP), is located in the western portion of Clark County, bordering Vancouver to the south. Hazel Dell has a population of roughly 19,000 people and a typical household income of $51,000, which is somewhat less than the county average of $55,000. Hazel Dell is a suburban town with several businesses, schools, parks, and churches.
However, it also has a rather high crime rate when compared to other sections of the county. According to the Clark County Crime Map, Hazel Dell recorded 1,041 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 54.8 per 1,000 people. Among these instances, 95 were classed as violent crimes (5 per 1,000), and 946 as property crimes (49.8 per 1,000). This crime rate exceeds the county average of 31.2 per 1,000 inhabitants.
2. Vancouver Heights
Vancouver Heights is a community located in the eastern portion of Vancouver between Mill Plain Boulevard and Fourth Plain Boulevard, with around 7,000 people. This neighborhood’s typical household income is $40,000, which is the lowest in the county. Vancouver Heights is well-known for its high crime rate, which is marked by decaying and derelict buildings, homeless encampments, and drug-related activities. It boasts the dubious distinction of having the county’s highest crime rate.
In 2020, Vancouver Heights recorded 1,003 crimes, for a shocking crime rate of 143.3 per 1,000 people. 111 of these incidents were classed as violent crimes (15.9 per 1,000), whereas 892 were property crimes (127.4 per 1,000). The crime rate of Vancouver Heights is more than four times the county average, at 31.2 per 1,000 persons.
3. West Minnehaha
West Minnehaha, located in the northern area of Clark County, is west of Minnehaha and north of Vancouver. This area has around 5,000 individuals and a typical family income of $44,000, which is much lower than the county average of $55,000. West Minnehaha, like its neighbor Minnehaha, has similar social and economic issues.
When compared to other county regions, the crime rate in West Minnehaha is significantly higher. In 2020, West Minnehaha recorded 449 crimes, for a crime rate of 89.8 per 1,000 people. Of these instances, 41 were classified as violent crimes (8.2 per 1,000), and 408 as property crimes (81.6 per 1,000). West Minnehaha’s crime rate is approximately three times higher than the county average of 31.2 per 1,000 inhabitants.
4. Orchards
Orchards, another census-designated place (CDP), is located in Clark County’s eastern region, between Vancouver and Camas. Orchards has a population of roughly 20,000 people, and the typical family income is somewhat higher than the county average of $60,000. The community is mostly residential, including single-family houses, apartments, and mobile homes.
Additionally, Orchards has various business and industrial zones along its major thoroughfares. Despite these traits, Orchards has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to other parts of the county.
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In 2020, Orchards recorded 1,210 crimes, for a crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 people. This comprised 103 violent crimes (5.2 per 1,000) and 1,107 property crimes (55.4 per 1,000), which is above the county’s normal crime rate of 31.2 per 1,000 people.
5. Minnehaha
Minnehaha, a census-designated place (CDP), is located in the northern section of Clark County, bordering Vancouver to the south and west. This area has around 9,000 individuals and a typical family income of $46,000, which is much lower than the county average of $55,000. Minnehaha is one of the county’s lowest-income communities, dealing with poverty, unemployment, drug-related concerns, and gang activity.
As a result, Minnehaha has a higher crime rate than other counties in the vicinity. According to the Clark County Crime Map, Minnehaha recorded 706 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 78.4 per 1,000 people. 75 of these charges were classed as violent (8.3 per 1,000), with 631 classified as property (70.1 per 1,000). This crime rate is more than double the county’s average of 31.2 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, while Clark County, Washington, offers a combination of urban and rural lives as well as scenic features, certain places experience significant crime. Hazel Dell, Vancouver Heights, West Minnehaha, Orchards, and Minnehaha are the riskiest areas, with high per capita rates of both violent and property crimes. Efforts to address socioeconomic issues in these regions may help to improve public safety and community well-being.