Long Beach, WA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Long Beach, WA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Long Beach crime rate is 17.9% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Long Beach, there were 11 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 628 per 100,000 individuals, 69.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, Long Beach recorded 37 property crimes, amounting to 2112 per 100,000 residents, 8.1% higher than the U.S. average.

In the latest reported crime year, Long Beach recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Long Beach maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Long Beach, 2112 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Long Beach?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Long Beach residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 64% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Long Beach were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 36% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Long Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Long Beach 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 Long Beach crime rate is 18% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.13 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.1 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Long Beach

Long Beach has a population density of 1142.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Long Beach crime rates.

In Long Beach, the median home price stands at $217,400, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

In Long Beach, the average rental rates are $762 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Long Beach crime map