| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lakewood/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,037 | n/a (estimate) | 734 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 9.9 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 25 | n/a | 17.7 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 84 | n/a | 59.5 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 123 | n/a (estimate) | 87 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 151 | n/a | 106.9 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 661 | n/a | 468.2 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 102 | n/a | 72.2 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 914 | n/a (estimate) | 647 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
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 68.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 123 violent crimes reported in Lakewood, equivalent to 87 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 76.4%. Additionally, Lakewood recorded 914 property crimes, amounting to 647 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 66.9%.
Boasting a crime rate of 734, well below the national average of 2324, Lakewood emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Lakewood to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Lakewood stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 87 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Lakewood secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Lakewood experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Lakewood maintains a property crime rate of 647 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Lakewood as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes surveyed 14 local residents in Lakewood to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 64% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lakewood and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 36% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Lakewood 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. Lakewood has a total crime rate that is 68% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.84 daily crimes (0.34 violent daily crimes and 2.5 daily property crimes) in Lakewood.
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 increased by 3.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 6.1% and property crime has increased by 4.9%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lakewood currently has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Lakewood has a population density of 7774.4 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Lakewood crime rates.
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 0 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.
| 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 |
| Spring Lake Heights, NJ | 4,530 | 0 | 184 | 184 |
| Sea Girt, NJ | 1,725 | 53 | 159 | 212 |
| Bay Head, NJ | 1,050 | 28 | 199 | 227 |
| Dover Beaches South, NJ | 1,230 | 41 | 287 | 328 |
| Dover Beaches North, NJ | 1,968 | 42 | 291 | 332 |
| Allenwood, NJ | 857 | 50 | 346 | 396 |
| Vista Center, NJ | 2,450 | 51 | 357 | 408 |
| Lakewood, NJ | 55,039 | 87 | 647 | 734 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Manhattan, KS | 55,045 | 405 | 1,945 | 2,351 |
| Southaven, MS | 55,026 | 228 | 3,266 | 3,494 |
| Bel Air South, MD | 55,024 | 426 | 1,748 | 2,174 |
| Hempstead, NY | 55,153 | 518 | 1,076 | 1,594 |
| Chicopee, MA | 55,186 | 545 | 1,867 | 2,412 |
| Lakewood, NJ | 55,039 | 87 | 647 | 734 |
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