What to know when moving to Tacoma, WA
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Washington state, property crime rates have shown a significant decrease of 43.1% from 2022 to 2025, with a current annual rate of 1,940.4 per 100,000 residents. In comparison, the national average is 1,546.9 per 100,000, meaning Washington's rate is 25.4% higher.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, reflecting a 26.2% drop.
- Property crime: 1,940.4 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9, with a 43.1% decrease.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 46.1% since 2022, currently at 2.8 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
Schools & Higher Ed
Tacoma offers access to a variety of educational institutions, with a total of 14 nearby colleges and universities. Among these are notable options such as:
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
- Tacoma Community College
- Bates Technical College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Tacoma is home to several well-reviewed outdoor spots perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Consider visiting:
- Point Defiance Park: 4.7 stars from 16,581 reviews
- LeMay - America's Car Museum: 4.7 stars from 4,476 reviews
- Museum of Glass: 4.6 stars from 4,290 reviews
- Wright Park: 4.6 stars from 4,077 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).