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CRIME IN WASHINGTON
2024
After 40 years of below average crime rates, violent crime in Washington has reached record highs, increasing by nearly 20% in just five years.1
While the U.S. is set to see a decline in homicide, Washington’s murder rate has increased 96% since 2019, culminating in a new state record in 2022.2, 3
Aggravated assault has increased by 30% over the past five years and is now at its highest level in 24 years.4
While property crime has declined nationally, it has increased in Washington and our state ranks 2nd worst in the nation for property crime.5
Washington has the 2nd highest rate of larceny theft incidents per capita and ranks as the #1 state most impacted by retail theft.6
Car thefts surged after the vehicular pursuit laws were changed in 2021 and Washington now ranks as the 3rd worst state in the nation for motor vehicle thefts.7, 8
- “Washington’s violent crime rate rises, nearing national rate” | Axios | 11/8/2023 ↵
- “Crime is up, and number of officers down, in 2022 crime in Washington report” | Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs | 7/10/2023 ↵
- “‘It is historic’: US poised to see record drop in yearly homicides despite public concern over crime” | ABC News | 12/28/2023 ↵
- “FBI Releases 2022 Crime in the Nation Statistics” | FBI | 10/16/2023 ↵
- “Property crime rate in the United States in 2022, by state” | Statistica | 11/6/2023 ↵
- “The Impact Of Retail Theft On Small Businesses And States” | Forbes | 12/22/2023 ↵
- “Washington ranks third in the nation for car thefts last year” | KIRO 7 | 3/14/2023 ↵
- Statewide vehicle thefts rise again, increase 88 percent since 2021 | 4/13/2023 ↵