Spokane County, located in the eastern section of Washington state, has nearly 500,000 population and an area of 1,781 square miles. Spokane, the county seat and second-largest city in the state, is the region’s economic and cultural hub. Spokane County has a variety of activities and services for both residents and visitors, such as parks, museums, theaters, sports arenas, festivals, and chances for outdoor leisure.
Spokane County, like any big metropolitan region, deals with crime and violence. Certain communities in the county have a higher risk of criminal activity than others, and residents must be aware of the possible risks in these places.
Using the most recent crime data from the FBI and other credible sources, we’ve developed a list of the five most dangerous areas in Spokane County, Washington. These areas have the highest per capita rates of violent and property crime, making them less safe for both inhabitants and tourists. The neighborhoods are ranked in ascending order of hazard based on crime statistics.
1. Hillyard
Hillyard, located in northeast Spokane, was once an autonomous community until becoming a part of Spokane in 1924. Hillyard has a population of around 10,000 people with a typical family income of $32,000, which is much lower than the county’s average of $55,000. The community has a history of poverty, unemployment, drug usage, and gang involvement.
According to the Spokane Crime Map, Hillyard recorded 1,096 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 109.6 per 1,000 people. Of these instances, 127 were violent crimes (12.7 per 1,000), whereas 969 were property crimes (96.9 per 1,000). Hillyard’s crime rate is more than double the county average, at 49.8 per 1,000 population.
2. Emerson-Garfield
Emerson-Garfield, located in northwest Spokane between the Spokane River and Francis Avenue, with around 11,000 individuals and a typical family income of $37,000. This mixed-use area contains a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, but it also has a significant concentration of crime and disorder, particularly around the North Monroe Street corridor.
Emerson-Garfield recorded 1,457 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 132.5 per 1,000 people, according to the Spokane Crime Map. 166 of these occurrences were violent (15.1 per 1,000), whereas 1,291 were property crimes (117.4 per 1,000). Emerson-Garfield’s crime rate is more than twice as high as the county average.
3. West Central
West Central is a neighborhood in northwest Spokane that borders the Spokane River and downtown Spokane, with around 12,000 people and a typical family income of $36,000. While this region has historical structures and sites, it also faces several social and economic issues, including homelessness, drug misuse, mental illness, and poor educational attainment.
West Central recorded 1,346 incidents in 2020, for a crime rate of 112.2 per 1,000 people, according to the Spokane Crime Map. Of these acts, 152 were violent (12.7 per 1,000), whereas 1,194 were property crimes (99.5 per 1,000). West Central’s crime rate is more than double the county average.
4. Bemiss
Bemiss, a neighborhood in northeast Spokane between Hillyard and Minnehaha Park, with around 9,000 people and a typical family income of $34,000. It is known as a low-income area due to its high rates of unemployment, drug usage, and domestic violence.
According to the Spokane Crime Map, Bemiss recorded 1,123 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 124.8 per 1,000 people. 139 of these instances were violent crimes (15.4 per 1,000), whereas 984 were property crimes (109.3 per 1,000). Bemiss’ crime rate is more than double the county average.
5. East Central
East Central, a neighborhood in southeast Spokane that includes smaller villages like as Lincoln Heights, Rockwood, South Perry, and Liberty Park, is home to around 15,000 people with a typical family income of $38,000. While it provides a wide range of cultural and recreational resources, including parks, libraries, schools, churches, and businesses, it also faces issues related to poverty, crime, and urban deterioration.
According to the Spokane Crime Map, East Central had 1,838 crimes in 2020, for a crime rate of 122.5 per 1,000 people. Of these acts, 189 were violent (12.6 per 1,000), and 1,649 were property crimes (109.9 per 1,000). East Central’s crime rate is more than double the county average.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spokane County, Washington, with its robust cultural and recreational activities, is dealing with crime issues in some communities. Hillyard, Emerson-Garfield, West Central, Bemiss, and East Central emerge as the county’s most hazardous regions, with higher per capita rates of violent and property offenses. Residents and tourists should take caution in these places, highlighting the importance of focused efforts to address underlying socioeconomic challenges.