When it comes to crime, rarely are we met with good news. But days after a mass shooting in Seattle, an annual report by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs delivered some welcomed statistics. Overall, crime was down significantly last year in Washington.
Violent crimes in 2025 decreased by 13.8% from 2024, with 24,913 offenses reported, compared to 28,900 reported in 2024.
When it comes to murder, specifically, the state saw a decrease of 21.6% with 236 offenses reported.
The annual Crime in Washington report is composed of crime and arrest data submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The data is then forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Washington mirrors many other states when it comes to its murder rate and sheer numbers.
“Any reduction in crime means fewer victims, and that is great news for our communities,” said Steven Strachan, executive director of WASPC. “We are seeing homicide numbers nationwide that are historically low. We’re not seeing historically low numbers in Washington state but we could in the future.”
In Seattle, murder was down 31.4% in 2025; statutory rape was down 63%; robbery dropped 16.6%; burglary was down 14.3% and vehicle theft dropped 22.1%.
The drop can be attributed to several factors working in tandem. Improved policing practices and strategies; investment in diversion, deflection, and reentry programs to address substance use and behavioral health needs; community outreach and violence intervention programs and more of a sense by potential violators that in the postpandemic era, there will be more serious legal consequences than during the pandemic.
Still, despite the efforts to increase the number of police officers, such as last year’s approved House bill that allotted $100 million to support recruitment of officers, and the Seattle Police Department’s emphasis on recruiting, the state did not make a significant dent in staffing levels between 2024 and 2025, Strachan said. That was influenced by the number of law enforcement retirements and the state’s population growth outpacing hiring.
To keep the state moving in the right direction with the crime numbers it will take a team effort on the part of law enforcement, local governments, state legislators and residents.
Public safety remains a top issue for many communities and is often cited by political candidates as part of their platforms. Local and state lawmakers should examine the Washington crime report and work with law enforcement and community groups on ways to keep the numbers trending downward.
