| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lawndale/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 729 | n/a (estimate) | 2,459 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 20.2 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 61 | n/a | 205.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 109 | n/a | 367.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 176 | n/a (estimate) | 594 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 62 | n/a | 209.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 332 | n/a | 1,119.8 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 159 | n/a | 536.3 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 553 | n/a (estimate) | 1,865 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Lawndale is 16% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Lawndale, there were 176 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 594 per 100,000 individuals, 65.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 553 property crimes, amounting to 1865 per 100,000 residents, 6% higher than the U.S. average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Lawndale 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.
In the most recent release, Lawndale reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Lawndale, there were 1865 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
With a total of 159 vehicle thefts last year, Lawndale has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 536 per 100,000 people. This lands Lawndale in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 187.
AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Lawndale to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 44% of people answered that there was very little crime in Lawndale and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 56% 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.
Determining whether Lawndale is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lawndale has an overall crime rate that is 16% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2 daily occurrences, comprising 0.48 violent crimes and 1.52 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lawndale as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lawndale has increased by 14.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lawndale 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 14.3%, while property crime has increased by 14.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lawndale.
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 Lawndale 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. Lawndale has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
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 Lawndale crime rates. The population density in Lawndale is 16973.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Lawndale, the cost of living is 60.38% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Lawndale | 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 |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 24 | 788 | 812 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Topanga, CA | 8,406 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | 42,809 | 92 | 883 | 975 |
| Marina del Rey, CA | 10,341 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| View Park-Windsor Hills, CA | 12,000 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Lawndale, CA | 33,508 | 594 | 1,865 | 2,459 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Lake, FL | 33,518 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| College Park, MD | 33,475 | 489 | 2,387 | 2,876 |
| Pekin, IL | 33,468 | 395 | 2,346 | 2,741 |
| La Verne, CA | 33,460 | 197 | 2,388 | 2,586 |
| St. Charles, IL | 33,452 | 92 | 1,064 | 1,156 |
| Lawndale, CA | 33,508 | 594 | 1,865 | 2,459 |