Lewis County, situated in southwest Washington, is a rural area boasting a population of approximately 82,000 residents. Renowned for its natural splendor, historical landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities, the county offers a diverse range of attractions.
Nevertheless, safety levels vary across different regions of Lewis County. Analyzing crime statistics and mapping data, it becomes evident that certain neighborhoods exhibit higher rates of both violent and property crimes.
This article aims to highlight the five most precarious neighborhoods in Lewis County based on the latest available data. To pinpoint these areas, we utilized crime data sourced from CrimeGrade.org, focusing on the crime rate per 1,000 residents.
| Neighborhood | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate | Total Crimes |
| Ethel | 5 | 50 | 30 |
| Chehalis | 3.9 | 66.3 | 491 |
| Centralia | 4.1 | 76.1 | 1,261 |
| Onalaska | 12.5 | 100 | 80 |
| Morton | 18.2 | 163.6 | 180 |
The 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Lewis County
Beginning with the first and working our way down to the fifth, these are Lewis County’s five most dangerous neighborhoods.
Ethel
Ethel, located in the eastern part of Lewis County, is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 600 residents.
The violent crime rate in Ethel stands at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average of 3.1. Additionally, Ethel has a property crime rate of 50.0 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the county average of 40.8.
According to data from BestPlaces.net, Ethel reported a total of 30 crimes in 2019, with 3 categorized as violent and 27 as property crimes. The most prevalent crimes in Ethel were larceny (18 incidents), burglary (7 incidents), and assault (3 incidents).
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Chehalis
Chehalis, situated in the central part of Lewis County, is the county seat and the largest city with a population of approximately 7,400 residents.
The city’s violent crime rate stands at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, slightly surpassing the county average of 3.1. Additionally, Chehalis has a property crime rate of 66.3 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the county average of 40.8.
According to BestPlaces.net, in 2019, Chehalis reported a total of 491 crimes, including 29 classified as violent and 462 as property crimes.
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Centralia
Centralia, situated in the northern part of Lewis County, hosts approximately 16,600 residents. As the county’s second-largest city, it serves as the primary hub for commerce and industry.
In terms of safety, Centralia experiences a violent crime rate of 4.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average of 3.1.
Additionally, its property crime rate stands at 76.1 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the county’s average of 40.8. Data from BestPlaces.net reveals that in 2019, Centralia reported a total of 1,261 crimes, including 68 violent offenses and 1,193 property incidents.
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Onalaska
With about 800 residents, Onalaska is a tiny unincorporated hamlet in Lewis County’s western region.The violent crime rate of Onalaska is 12.5 per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the 3.1 county average.
Additionally, Onalaska has a far higher property crime rate per 1,000 residents (100.0) than the county average (40.8). In 2019, there were 80 crimes in Onalaska, with 10 being violent and 70 being property-related, according to BestPlaces.net.
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Morton
Approximately 1,100 people live in the little city of Morton, which is located in eastern Lewis County. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park are both close to Morton.
The violent crime rate in Morton is 18.2 per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the 3.1 county average. Additionally, Morton has a far higher property crime rate per 1,000 persons (163.6) than the county average (40.8). BestPlaces.net reports that there were 180 crimes in Morton in 2019, with 20 being violent and 160 being property-related.
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Conclusion
Living in Lewis County is not particularly safe, particularly in certain of its neighborhoods. The five neighborhoods that pose the greatest threat to safety in Lewis County are Ethel, Morton, Onalaska, Centralia, and Chehalis.
These communities have low ratings from CrimeGrade.org and have high rates of both property and violent crime.
You should be mindful of the crime rate in Lewis County and take safety measures to safeguard your belongings and yourself if you intend to move or visit the area.
To have a better idea of each neighborhood’s safety rating, you can also review the most recent crime statistics and maps from reputable websites like CrimeGrade.org and BestPlaces.net. Enjoy Lewis County’s natural beauty while remaining safe!
