F
164%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
120%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
172%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleLakewood/100k peopleColorado/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime9,640n/a (estimate)6,1373,6402,324
Murder12n/a7.66.46.3
Rape111n/a70.763.440.0
Robbery286n/a182.172.666.1
Assault869n/a553.3350.1268.2
Violent crime1,278n/a (estimate)814493370
Burglary1,089n/a693.3395.2269.8
Theft5,159n/a3,284.61,966.71,401.9
Vehicle theft2,114n/a1,345.9785.7282.7
Property crime8,362n/a (estimate)5,3243,1481,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lakewood, CO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lakewood crime rate is 164.1% 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 Lakewood, there were 1278 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 814 per 100,000 individuals, 120% higher than the national average. Additionally, Lakewood recorded 8362 property crimes, amounting to 5324 per 100,000 residents, 172.4% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 6137 per 100,000 residents, Lakewood has a crime rate that is 164.07% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Lakewood that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Lakewood ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 814 per 100,000 people, Lakewood is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 123 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Lakewood, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

With a property crime rate of 5324 crimes per 100,000 people, Lakewood unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Lakewood is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 19, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Lakewood has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Lakewood reported 2114 vehicle thefts, which equates to 1346 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Lakewood is 1 in 75.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lakewood?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Lakewood residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 75 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 35% of Lakewood residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 65% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

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 164% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 26.41 crimes per day - 3.5 violent crimes and 22.91 property crimes.

Has Crime in Lakewood Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Lakewood crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Lakewood has decreased by 0% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 17.5% and property crime has decreased by 2.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lakewood

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Lakewood, the cost of living is 11.61% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lakewood, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.8 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Lakewood stands at $398,200, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Lakewood crime map



The Lakewood crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Lakewood as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Lakewood crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Lakewood crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Lakewood crime rates are 164% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Lakewood are 120% higher than the national average
  • In Lakewood you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Lakewood is safer than 3% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Lakewood has increased by 1%

Lakewood, CO Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Lakewood (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Lakewood for every 100,000 residents. The Lakewood total amount of daily crime is 1.69 times more than the Colorado average and 2.64 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Lakewood, is 1.65 times more than the Colorado average, and it is 2.20 times more than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Lakewood has a daily crime average that is 1.69 times more than the Colorado average and 2.72 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Lakewood (higher is better)

        Is Lakewood safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Colorado as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Lakewood to other cities in the state and across the country, Lakewood is 6% safer than other cities of Colorado and 3% safer than other cities in the nation. Lakewood has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Lakewood

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lakewood is 1 in 123
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Lakewood is 1 in 19
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Lakewood is 1 in 17
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Lakewood, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 123. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 19 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Lakewood is 1 in 17.

        Year Over Year Crime In Lakewood (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Lakewood, Colorado (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Lakewood has increased by 19%, the amount of property crime in Lakewood has decreased by 1%, and the total amount of crime in Lakewood has increased by 1% year over year.

        Lakewood police department

        Item Lakewood Colorado National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4109,049558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.89.63.3
        There are a total of 410 Lakewood police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 70.7% less than the Colorado average and 13.9% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Colorado

        State Total offenders Colorado /100K National /100K
        Colorado11,204251266
        There are a total of 11,204 sex offenders in Colorado. This yields a total of 251 sex offenders in Colorado per 100,000 residents which is 6% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Inverness, CO1,86369442511
        Columbine Valley, CO1,49869442511
        Coal Creek, CO2,60569442511
        Bow Mar, CO96969442511
        Genesee, CO4,09994600693
        Kittredge, CO95497622720
        Holly Hills, CO2,815124795919
        Lakewood, CO155,7338145,3246,137

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Clarksville, TN156,0924981,9992,497
        Salinas, CA156,1775211,6772,198
        Hollywood, FL153,8342721,6461,918
        Lancaster, CA157,6978681,8762,744
        Springfield, MA153,6778622,3703,232
        Lakewood, CO155,7338145,3246,137
        Source: The Lakewood, CO crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.