Franklin County, situated in Washington, boasts a diverse and lively community with a population exceeding 95,000 residents. Within its bounds lies the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, housing the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. However, safety and tranquility levels vary across different regions of Franklin County.
As reported by CrimeGrade.org, Franklin County receives a D- grade for overall crime, indicating a significantly higher rate than the average U.S. county. This article delves into the five neighborhoods deemed the most perilous in Franklin County, based on crime rates per 1,000 residents.
| Neighborhood | Crime rate (per 1,000 residents) | Median income | Poverty rate |
| Pasco | 41.9 | $58,728 | 19.40% |
| Connell | 35.8 | $51,250 | 14.90% |
| Mesa | 34.6 | $31,250 | 18.20% |
| Basin City | 32.7 | $46,250 | 25.60% |
| Eltopia | 31.8 | $35,833 | 16.70% |
- Pasco: Pasco serves as the main administrative center for Franklin County and stands as the most densely populated city in the Tri-Cities region. Nevertheless, it contends with the highest crime rate in the county, registering 41.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Additionally, Pasco faces a significant challenge with poverty, boasting a rate of 19.4%, potentially contributing to the prevalent crime issues.
- Connell: Connell, a small city in the northern area of Franklin County, has roughly 5,500 residents. Its crime rate stands at 35.8 per 1,000 inhabitants, exceeding the state average of 28.3. Notably, Connell reports the highest incidence of rape in the state, with 3.6 cases per 1,000 residents.
- Mesa: Mesa, situated in Franklin County, is a small city with approximately 500 residents. The crime rate stands at 34.6 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the state average. Additionally, Mesa exhibits a relatively low median income of $31,250, possibly suggesting limited economic opportunities in the area.
- Basin City: Basin City, located in the southwestern region of Franklin County, is an unincorporated community with approximately 1,100 residents. The area experiences a crime rate of 32.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly surpassing the state average. Additionally, Basin City contends with a notable poverty rate of 25.6%, potentially impacting overall living standards.
- Eltopia: Eltopia, located in Franklin County, is an unincorporated community with around 600 residents. The crime rate stands at 31.8 per 1,000 residents, aligning closely with the state average. Additionally, Eltopia faces economic challenges, as reflected in its low median income of $35,833, potentially impacting residents’ access to resources.
You May Also Read:
- Neighborhood Watch: Identifying Trouble Spots in Clark County, Washington
- Risk on the Rise: This City Faces the Spotlight as Utah’s Most Challenged Locale
- This City Emerges as the Most Dangerous Place to Live in Maine
- This City Surpasses All Others as New York’s Murder Capital
Officials Efforts to Reduce Crime in These Areas
Various initiatives led by officials aim to decrease crime in Franklin County, Washington. These include:
1. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN): A nationwide effort that unites federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, along with prosecutors, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
The goal is to identify and address the most critical violent crime issues in a community. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across federal judicial districts nationwide.
2. Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office: This office collaborates as a team to deliver top-notch civil and criminal legal services to Franklin County citizens.
Their mission involves ensuring justice, excellence, fairness, and accountability in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, ultimately striving to create a secure community.
3. Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime: Launched by the Department of Justice in 2021, this strategy aims to enhance initiatives like PSN and other violent crime reduction programs.
It achieves this by building trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, establishing focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating the outcomes of these efforts.
To Conclude
As some parts of Franklin County have higher-than-average rates of crime, the situation is dynamic. The communities mentioned above deal with difficult issues that are frequently entwined with poverty and little prospects for employment.
But it’s important to recognize the continuous work that different organizations are doing to address these problems.
There is some optimism thanks to programs like the Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Through promoting cooperation among law enforcement, community leaders, and citizens, these initiatives seek to increase confidence, avert violence, and eventually make Franklin County a safer place for everybody.
Encouraging open communication, acknowledging the difficulties, and valuing continuous efforts are essential steps in creating a safer and more just Franklin County. Even if it can take some time, cooperation can open the door to a better future.
