Pierce County, located in the center of Washington State, is one of the state’s most large and culturally diversified areas, with a population of over 900,000 persons and a typical family income of more than $75,000.
Nonetheless, not all areas of the county provide the same amount of safety and tranquillity. Certain communities have greater crime and violence rates, which can harm both inhabitants and visitors. In this post, we will look at the five Pierce County communities with the biggest safety concerns, according to crime data from CrimeGrade.org.
1. Spanaway
Spanaway, located in the southern portion of Pierce County near Graham, has a suburban feel, with around 29,000 inhabitants living largely in single-family homes and townhomes. Spanaway is ranked third in terms of crime rates, with 89.64 offenses per 1,000 population.
Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and car theft, are the most serious problems in this community. In 2020, Spanaway reported 2,601 property offenses, accounting for 11% of total property crimes in the county. Although Spanaway has some amount of violent crime, such as robbery, assault, and rape, the rates are quite mild.
2. Lakewood
Lakewood is an urban area in western Pierce County near Steilacoom, with around 60,000 individuals living in single-family homes and apartments. Lakewood has the county’s fourth-highest crime rate, with 85.35 offenses per 1,000 population. Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, are the city’s principal issues.
In 2019, Lakewood reported 5,117 property offenses, accounting for 22% of all property crimes in the county. Furthermore, Lakewood has a high rate of serious crime, including robbery, assault, and rape.
3. Puyallup
Puyallup, located in the eastern portion of Pierce County near Sumner, has a suburban feel, with around 42,000 people living in single-family houses and apartments. Puyallup is seventh in terms of crime rates, with 66.01 offenses per 1,000 population.
Puyallup, like other areas, faces property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, as its main concern. In 2019, Puyallup reported 2,775 property offenses, accounting for 12% of all property crimes in the county. However, Puyallup has a low rate of serious crimes, including robbery, assault, and rape.
4. Parkland
Parkland is a suburban town in southern Pierce County, near the Lakewood border, with roughly 36,000 individuals living in single-family houses and apartments. Unfortunately, Parkland also has the county’s highest crime rate, with 113.82 offenses per 1,000 people.
The main concern in this neighborhood is property crime, such as burglary, theft, and car theft. In 2020, Parkland reported 4,102 property offenses, accounting for 18% of all property crimes in the county. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, and rape, are also on the rise, accounting for 317 instances in 2020, or 16% of all violent crimes in the county.
5. Tacoma
Tacoma, located in the western area of Pierce County near Gig Harbor, is an urban hub with around 217,000 residents living in single-family houses and apartments. Tacoma has the county’s second-highest crime rate, with 97.63 offenses per 1,000 population.
The city suffers challenges with both property and violent crimes, with robbery being a major worry. In 2019 (the most recent available statistics), Tacoma recorded 1,027 robberies, accounting for 51% of all robberies in the county. In addition, Tacoma has high incidences of larceny, motor vehicle theft, assault, and rape.
Conclusion
“Pierce County, Washington, has considerable safety problems, with several towns having high crime rates. Spanaway, Lakewood, Puyallup, Parkland, and Tacoma are severely afflicted, with property crimes like burglary, theft, and auto theft being common.
Some communities are also concerned about violent crimes such as robbery and assault. These challenges underscore the importance of effective crime prevention tactics and community safety programs to protect the well-being of the citizens of these areas.”