| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lakewood/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,065 | n/a (estimate) | 735 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 1.4 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 22 | n/a | 15.2 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 27 | n/a | 18.6 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 167 | n/a | 115.3 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 218 | n/a (estimate) | 150 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 127 | n/a | 87.7 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 673 | n/a | 464.5 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 47 | n/a | 32.4 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 847 | n/a (estimate) | 585 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lakewood crime rate is 65.3% lower 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 218 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 150 per 100,000 individuals, 58.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Lakewood recorded 847 property crimes, amounting to 585 per 100,000 residents, 66.8% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 735, significantly below the national average of 2119, Lakewood stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Lakewood records a property crime rate of 585 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Lakewood as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
What do the local residents think about crime in Lakewood? Well, based on a recent survey of 14 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 64% of Lakewood residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 36% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe 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 65% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lakewood experiences an average of 2.92 daily crimes, comprising 0.6 violent incidents and 2.32 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lakewood. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Lakewood has increased by 6.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 66.4%, while property crime has increased by 2.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lakewood.
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 Lakewood 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. Lakewood has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Lakewood crime rates. For instance, in Lakewood, the population density stands at 8065.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Lakewood, 78.8% 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Lakewood | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 159 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Island Heights, NJ | 1,526 | 57 | 57 | 114 |
| Interlaken, NJ | 763 | 0 | 123 | 123 |
| Spring Lake Heights, NJ | 4,703 | 0 | 145 | 145 |
| Pine Beach, NJ | 2,452 | 133 | 88 | 221 |
| Dover Beaches North, NJ | 2,015 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Dover Beaches South, NJ | 1,268 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Ocean Grove, NJ | 3,233 | 42 | 272 | 313 |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 150 | 585 | 735 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 42 | 1,501 | 1,543 |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 370 | 1,651 | 2,021 |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 304 | 2,025 | 2,329 |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 173 | 905 | 1,078 |
| Oak Lawn, IL | 57,180 | 180 | 1,727 | 1,907 |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 150 | 585 | 735 |
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