King County, located in the United States, is recognized for being one of the largest and most diverse counties, with a population exceeding 2.2 million and a median household income surpassing $95,000.
Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that safety and tranquility levels vary across different areas within the county. Some neighborhoods in King County face higher rates of crime and violence, posing potential risks for both residents and visitors.
In this article, we will explore the five neighborhoods in King County identified as the most dangerous, utilizing crime data obtained from CrimeGrade.org.
White Center
White Center, situated in the southwestern part of King County near Seattle’s border, stands out as a densely populated and culturally diverse area, home to around 14,000 residents living in both single-family homes and apartments.
Unfortunately, White Center grapples with the highest crime rate in the county, with a staggering 99.64 crimes per 1,000 residents. In 2020 alone, White Center reported a total of 1,396 property crimes, comprising 6% of all such incidents in the county.
Additionally, White Center has a lower percentage of residents holding a high school diploma or higher, at 77.4%, compared to the county’s 91.9%.
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Skyway
Approximately 15,000 people live in Skyway, a suburban enclave abutting Renton in southeast King County. Most of the residents are housed in single-family homes and townhomes.Skyway has 92.41 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it the second most criminalized region in the county.
2020 saw 113 robberies reported in Skyway, accounting for 14% of all robberies in the county. The reputation and economy of the neighborhood, as well as the people’ quality of life and well-being, are all negatively impacted by Skyway’s high crime rate.
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Boulevard Park
Boulevard Park, which is bordered by Burien and located in the southwest of King County, resembles a suburban area with around 19,000 residents who live mostly in single-family houses and apartments.Boulevard Park, at 84.16 offenses per 1,000 residents, has the third-highest crime rate in the county.
Boulevard Park reported 1,601 property crimes in 2020, which is 7% of all property crimes in the county. Furthermore, Boulevard Park’s population with a high school degree or above is lower than the county’s, at 79.8%, than that of the county, at 91.9%.
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Tukwila
Approximately 20,000 people live in Tukwila, a suburban city in southern King County, close to the intersection of Interstates 5 and 405; residences are a mixture of single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums.
Tukwila has 81.67 crimes per 1,000 population, making it the fourth most criminalized area in the county. Tukwila recorded 2,032 property crimes in 2020, which is 9% of all property crimes in the county.
In addition, the King County Point-in-Time Count estimates that 1,034 homeless people will reside in Tukwila in 2020, adding to the city’s mounting homeless crisis. Crime may become a means of escape or survival for these homeless people.
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SeaTac
Nestled close to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the southern region of King County, SeaTac is a suburban community that houses around 29,000 people in a combination of single-family homes, apartments, and hotels.
At 80.88 crimes per 1,000 residents, SeaTac has the fifth-highest crime rate in the county.In 2020, 2,343 property crimes were recorded by SeaTac, accounting for 10% of all property crimes in the county.
According to the Port of Seattle, 51.8 million passengers are expected to transit through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2020, making SeaTac another popular tourist destination.
Furthermore, compared to the county average of 23.5%, SeaTac has a higher proportion of foreign-born residents—36.6% of the population was born outside of the US.
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To Conclude
Although King County is celebrated for its prosperity and diversity, the harsh reality is that certain neighborhoods within it grapple with significantly higher crime rates, adversely affecting the quality of life and safety for residents. This article highlights the five areas most impacted: White Center, Skyway, Boulevard Park, Tukwila, and SeaTac.
It’s essential to bear in mind that attributing crime solely to neighborhoods offers an incomplete perspective. Socioeconomic factors such as lower educational attainment, unemployment, and homelessness are intertwined with crime rates, necessitating comprehensive solutions.
Moving forward, addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach. Community-based initiatives that address socioeconomic issues, along with targeted law enforcement strategies, can contribute to creating safer environments.
Furthermore, fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding within these neighborhoods can help build stronger communities and counteract potential biases.
