Lakewood, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lakewood, WA

The Lakewood crime rates are 160.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 529 violent crimes in Lakewood (839 per 100,000 people), which is 126.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 3282 property crimes (5206 per 100,000 residents) which is 166.4% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 6045 per 100,000 residents, Lakewood experiences a crime rate that is 160.09% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Lakewood contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Lakewood ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 839 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Lakewood stand at 1 in every 120 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

Lakewood has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5206 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Lakewood is 1 in 20, which is far higher than the national average.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Lakewood is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Lakewood reported a total of 996 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1580 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 64, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lakewood?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lakewood residents. Out of the respondents (66 in total), 18% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lakewood were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 82% 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?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Lakewood, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lakewood presents a total crime rate that is 160% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lakewood experiences an average of 10.44 daily crimes, comprising 1.45 violent incidents and 8.99 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Lakewood Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Lakewood has increased by 11.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lakewood is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 14.5%, while property crime has increased by 10.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lakewood.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lakewood

In Lakewood, 83.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In Lakewood, the cost of living is 14.76% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Lakewood has a median home price of $309,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Lakewood crime map