Youth Detention Rates

Another systems-related measure to track in this area is youth detention rates. As parents and caregivers are more supported to meet the needs of their youth, more youth and adolescents will be able to avoid juvenile detention. Across Washington, the average youth detention rate in 2024 was 5.8 admissions per 1,000 youth ages 12-17. Rates ranged from a low of 0 per 1,000 youth in Garfield and San Juan counties to a high of 25.6 in Columbia county. The King county rate was 2.9, the Pierce county rate was 3.7, the Snohomish county rate was 2.0, the Clark county rate was 5.1, and the Spokane county rate was 5.8 per 1,000 youth.

READ THE 2024 JUVENILE DETENTION REPORT

Youth Detention Rates per 1,000 Youth Age 12-17, by County, 2024

Youth Detention Rates per 1,000 Youth Age 12-17, by County, 2024

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Source: Gilman, A.B., & Sanford, R. (2026) Washington State Juvenile Detention 2024 Report. Olympia, WA: Washington State Center for Court Research, Administrative Office of the Courts.
Notes: Rates are reported for youth ages 12-17. Detention admissions for youth under 12 are uncommon (1.2% in 2024). Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties are excluded due to incomplete data.