Westwego, LA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westwego, LA

The Westwego crime rates are 2% 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 40 violent crimes in Westwego (484 per 100,000 people), which is 30.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 156 property crimes (1887 per 100,000 residents) which is 3.4% lower than average.

The Westwego crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Westwego, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Westwego 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.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Westwego is very similar to the national average. Westwego had a property crime rate of 1887, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

Is Westwego a Safe Place to Live?

Is Westwego a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Westwego has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 2%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.54 daily incidents, encompassing 0.11 violent crimes and 0.43 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Westwego as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Westwego Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Westwego. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Westwego has increased by 6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 31%, while property crimes have increased by 22.8%. 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 Westwego

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Westwego crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Westwego has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Westwego crime rates. Westwego registers a population density of 2699.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Westwego, 66.1% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Westwego crime map