| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lakewood/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,334 | n/a (estimate) | 3,038 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 3.9 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 15.6 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 140 | n/a | 182.2 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 193 | n/a | 251.2 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 348 | n/a (estimate) | 453 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 227 | n/a | 295.5 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,287 | n/a | 1,675.4 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 472 | n/a | 614.4 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,986 | n/a (estimate) | 2,585 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Lakewood is 43.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 348 violent crimes reported in Lakewood, equivalent to 453 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 26.2%. Additionally, Lakewood recorded 1986 property crimes, amounting to 2585 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 46.9%.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Lakewood ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 472 vehicle thefts, amounting to 614 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Lakewood within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 163.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lakewood residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 26 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 58% 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, 42% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
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 43% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lakewood experiences an average of 6.39 daily crimes, comprising 0.95 violent incidents and 5.44 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lakewood has increased by 20.1% 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 47.5%, while property crime has increased by 16.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lakewood.
Lakewood has a poverty rate that stands at 5.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Lakewood crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Lakewood reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Lakewood crime rates.
In Lakewood, 86.7% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.
| Item | Lakewood | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,468 | 0 | 62 | 62 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,699 | 87 | 371 | 458 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| La Habra Heights, CA | 5,470 | 171 | 683 | 853 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | 42,809 | 92 | 883 | 975 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 12,384 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| View Park-Windsor Hills, CA | 12,000 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Lakewood, CA | 81,936 | 453 | 2,585 | 3,038 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lawrence, MA | 82,025 | 440 | 999 | 1,439 |
| Mountain View, CA | 82,261 | 307 | 2,773 | 3,080 |
| Flower Mound, TX | 81,609 | 57 | 583 | 640 |
| Plymouth, MN | 81,485 | 51 | 1,024 | 1,075 |
| Folsom, CA | 82,389 | 183 | 1,452 | 1,635 |
| Lakewood, CA | 81,936 | 453 | 2,585 | 3,038 |
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