Federal Way Major Crime Rates Down
February 4, 2025
Issues related to public safety and crime came to a head a few years ago when three apparently unrelated high-profile murders occurred in Federal Way within 24 hours. Some commenters blamed concentrations of multifamily housing for the deaths. Others thought efforts to defund police, constrain the ability of police to do their jobs, and reductions in officer staffing were part of the explanation.
Seattle King County REALTORS® responded by supporting candidates for Federal Way City Council who not only supported supplementing existing public safety efforts with CARES-trained staff members to assist with mental health, homelessness, and addiction challenges, but also increasing the number of sworn officers providing police services. The REALTORS®’ support included significant independent expenditures to provide clarity about the priorities of candidates who were concerned about public safety. The REALTORS® also supported the election of Mayor Jim Farrell who promised to add 12 new police officers. Farrell has decades of experience in the King County Prosecutor’s Office as a Senior APA working to protect vulnerable victims, with a focus on domestic violence.
The REALTOR®-endorsed candidates were elected by a majority of Federal Way voters. They went to work, and over time began to make important improvements in public safety. The most recent data through September for 2023 and 2024 is encouraging:
Federal Way Crime Rate Changes
| OVERALL CRIME | -10% | |
| Murder | -44% | |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | -50% | |
| Robbery | -24% | |
| Aggravated Assault | -7% | |
| Burglary - Commercial | -2% | |
| Burglary - Residential | -14% |
Public safety is important for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and REALTORS®. Federal Way is a poignant example of how the sustained efforts of Seattle King County REALTORS® collaborating with candidates and elected officials can make the values we share come to life in our communities.