| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Long Branch/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 1,196 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 70.4 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 70 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 152.5 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 69 | n/a | 809.4 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 164.2 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 96 | n/a (estimate) | 1,126 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the West Long Branch crime rate is lower than the national average by 48.5%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in West Long Branch, equivalent to 70 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 81%. Furthermore, West Long Branch recorded 96 property crimes, amounting to 1126 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 42.4%.
With only 70 incidents per 100,000 people, West Long Branch boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, West Long Branch has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, West Long Branch 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.
To determine if West Long Branch is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. West Long Branch has a total crime rate that is 49% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.28 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.26 daily property crimes) in West Long Branch.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West Long Branch. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West Long Branch has decreased by 1.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 200%, while property crimes have decreased by 5.9%. 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.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower West Long Branch crime rates. The population density in West Long Branch is 2770 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 West Long Branch, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.95 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.
West Long Branch has an average rental rate of $1,467 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | West Long Branch | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Matawan, NJ | 8,696 | 0 | 41 | 41 |
| Union Beach, NJ | 5,362 | 35 | 140 | 174 |
| Spring Lake Heights, NJ | 4,530 | 0 | 184 | 184 |
| Sea Girt, NJ | 1,725 | 53 | 159 | 212 |
| Navesink, NJ | 1,331 | 48 | 338 | 386 |
| Allenwood, NJ | 857 | 50 | 346 | 396 |
| Highlands, NJ | 4,746 | 172 | 258 | 430 |
| West Long Branch, NJ | 7,911 | 70 | 1,126 | 1,196 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clewiston, FL | 7,910 | 235 | 1,423 | 1,658 |
| Old Forge, PA | 7,909 | 274 | 1,449 | 1,723 |
| Long Grove, IL | 7,907 | 101 | 591 | 691 |
| Long Branch, VA | 7,906 | 82 | 595 | 677 |
| Center Moriches, NY | 7,906 | 297 | 1,191 | 1,488 |
| West Long Branch, NJ | 7,911 | 70 | 1,126 | 1,196 |
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