| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lakewood/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 732 | n/a (estimate) | 1,479 | 2,076 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 8.1 | 48.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 25 | n/a | 50.5 | 53.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 33 | n/a | 66.7 | 185.9 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 62 | n/a (estimate) | 125 | 294 | 370 |
| Burglary | 71 | n/a | 143.5 | 255.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 493 | n/a | 996.2 | 1,292.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 106 | n/a | 214.2 | 234.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 670 | n/a (estimate) | 1,354 | 1,783 | 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 36.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 62 violent crimes reported in Lakewood, equivalent to 125 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 66.1%. Additionally, Lakewood recorded 670 property crimes, amounting to 1354 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 30.7%.
Lakewood showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes surveyed 42 local residents in Lakewood to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 67% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lakewood and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 33% 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 36% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.01 daily crimes (0.17 violent daily crimes and 1.84 daily property crimes) in Lakewood.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lakewood. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lakewood has increased by 19.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 3.1%, while property crimes have increased by 22.5%. 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.
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 4%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
In Lakewood, 91% 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.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Lakewood, the cost of living is 9.51% lower than the national average.
| Item | Lakewood | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 115 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Broadview Heights, OH | 19,195 | 10 | 144 | 154 |
| Grafton, OH | 6,017 | 0 | 285 | 285 |
| Valley View, OH | 2,075 | 43 | 259 | 302 |
| Bay Village, OH | 15,258 | 44 | 322 | 366 |
| Brecksville, OH | 13,521 | 30 | 356 | 386 |
| Parma Heights, OH | 19,916 | 25 | 389 | 414 |
| North Ridgeville, OH | 33,961 | 41 | 392 | 433 |
| Lakewood, OH | 50,002 | 125 | 1,354 | 1,479 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Hartford, CT | 50,036 | 190 | 2,673 | 2,863 |
| Newark, OH | 49,951 | 232 | 2,718 | 2,950 |
| Coral Gables, FL | 49,937 | 119 | 720 | 839 |
| Levittown, PA | 49,921 | 280 | 1,482 | 1,762 |
| Rowland Heights, CA | 49,914 | 524 | 2,454 | 2,978 |
| Lakewood, OH | 50,002 | 125 | 1,354 | 1,479 |
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