Lakewood, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lakewood, CA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Lakewood is 20.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 369 violent crimes reported in Lakewood, equivalent to 468 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 26.5%. Additionally, Lakewood recorded 1846 property crimes, amounting to 2341 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 19.8%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Lakewood reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

With a total of 428 vehicle thefts last year, Lakewood has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 543 per 100,000 people. This lands Lakewood in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 185.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lakewood?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lakewood residents. Out of the respondents (26 in total), 58% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lakewood were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 42% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lakewood a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lakewood a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Lakewood crime rate is 21% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.07 crimes per day - 1.01 violent crimes and 5.06 property crimes.

Has Crime in Lakewood Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lakewood. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lakewood has increased by 14%. Violent crimes have increased by 56.4%, while property crimes have increased by 8.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lakewood

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lakewood currently has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Lakewood crime rates. For instance, in Lakewood, the population density stands at 8475.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Lakewood, the cost of living is 46.55% higher than the national average.

Lakewood crime map