Kent, Washington exhibits a significant elevation in its crime rates compared to both national and state benchmarks, drawing data from diverse sources.
The overall crime rate in Kent stands at 5,987.3 per 100,000 people, surpassing the national rate by 157.61% and the Washington state rate by 97.85%.
Specifically, Kent’s violent crime rate is 459 per 100,000 people, exceeding the national rate by 24.2%. Meanwhile, the property crime rate in Kent is 5,528 per 100,000 people, a notable 182.9% higher than the national rate.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Kent faces a poverty rate of 13.2%, surpassing the state average of 10.3%. Additionally, the city’s unemployment rate is 5.4%, exceeding the state average of 4.8%.
In terms of health and safety, Kent grapples with a drug overdose death rate of 18.9 per 100,000 people, surpassing the state average of 14.8.
The gang-related crime rate in Kent is 6.7 per 100,000 people, higher than the state average of 4.9. Social service spending per capita in Kent is $1,039, falling short of the state average of $1,292.
For individuals seeking to identify the most precarious neighborhoods in Kent, utilizing the crime map offered by NeighborhoodScout proves beneficial. This map delineates crime locations and types reported in the city. Notably, certain neighborhoods within Kent exhibit higher crime rates, as highlighted by the crime map.
| Neighborhood | Population | Median Income | Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
| West Hill | 16,507 | $54,375 | 7,867 | 612 | 7,255 |
| Downtown | 8,798 | $41,250 | 7,545 | 580 | 6,965 |
| East Hill-Meridian | 29,878 | $66,667 | 6,823 | 497 | 6,326 |
| Star Lake | 5,651 | $57,500 | 6,674 | 484 | 6,190 |
| O’Brien | 8,065 | $59,375 | 6,449 | 468 | 5,981 |
West Hill
This community is situated in the southwest part of Kent, along the Puget Sound. It boasts a population of 16,507 with a median household income of $54,375. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 7,867 per 100,000 people, which is 31.5% higher than the city average.
Breaking it down, the violent crime rate in this area is 612 per 100,000 people, surpassing the city average by 33.3%. Additionally, the property crime rate stands at 7,255 per 100,000 people, reflecting a 31.3% increase compared to the city average.
Downtown
This community is situated at the heart of Kent, along the Green River. It boasts a population of 8,798 and a median household income of $41,250. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 7,545 per 100,000 people, which is 26.1% higher than the city average.
Breaking it down further, the violent crime rate stands at 580 per 100,000 people, marking a 26.3% increase compared to the city average. Additionally, the property crime rate in this area is 6,965 per 100,000 people, which is 26% higher than the city average.
Read More: Colorado’s Crime Watch: A Spotlight on Morgan County’s 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods
East Hill-Meridian
This community is situated in the southeast part of Kent, along Soos Creek. It has a population of 29,878 and a median household income of $66,667. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 6,823 per 100,000 people, which is 13.9% higher than the city average.
The violent crime rate in this area is 497 per 100,000 people, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the city average. Additionally, the property crime rate is 6,326 per 100,000 people, representing a 14.4% higher rate than the city average.
Read More: This City Surpasses All Others as New York’s Murder Capital
Star Lake
This community is situated in the southern part of Kent, adjacent to Star Lake. It boasts a population of 5,651 and a median household income of $57,500. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 6,674 per 100,000 people, which is 11.5% higher than the city average.
In terms of violent crime, the rate in this area is 484 per 100,000 people, marking a 5.4% increase compared to the city average. Additionally, the property crime rate stands at 6,190 per 100,000 people, reflecting a 12.0% deviation from the city average.
Read More: Statistics Revealed: This City Surpasses All Others in Oregon’s Crime Reports
O’Brien
This community is situated in the northern part of Kent, along the Interurban Trail. It boasts a population of 8,065 and a median household income of $59,375. The neighborhood’s crime rate stands at 6,449 per 100,000 people, marking a 7.7% increase compared to the city average.
The violent crime rate in this area is 468 per 100,000 people, slightly surpassing the city average by 2.0%. Additionally, the property crime rate is 5,981 per 100,000 people, reflecting an 8.2% increase compared to the city average.
Read More: Crime Wave Sweeps Idaho, With One City Emerging as the State’s Highest Crime Rate
To Conclude
These neighborhoods in Kent, Washington, pose potential safety concerns, as indicated by available data. It’s crucial to note that crime rates may fluctuate based on factors such as time of day, season, and other variables.
To ensure personal safety, exercise caution and stay vigilant when in these areas. It’s recommended to regularly review up-to-date crime reports and statistics from reliable sources before making decisions related to safety and security.
