A+
44%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
87%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
35%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWest Long Branch/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime102n/a (estimate)1,1941,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape0n/a0.017.337.5
Robbery1n/a11.749.360.6
Assault3n/a35.1148.8256.1
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)47218359
Burglary3n/a35.1145.3229.2
Theft90n/a1,053.31,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft5n/a58.5162.6258.8
Property crime98n/a (estimate)1,1471,4271,760

West Long Branch crime map

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The West Long Branch crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in West Long Branch as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The West Long Branch crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the West Long Branch crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in West Long Branch, NJ

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 West Long Branch is 43.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in West Long Branch, equivalent to 47 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 87%. Additionally, West Long Branch recorded 98 property crimes, amounting to 1147 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 34.8%.

West Long Branch stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 47 violent crimes per 100,000 people, West Long Branch secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

West Long Branch 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.

Is West Long Branch a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether West Long Branch 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, West Long Branch has an overall crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.28 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.27 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of West Long Branch as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in West Long Branch Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in West Long Branch has decreased by 1.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not West Long Branch 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 100%, while property crime has decreased by 3.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in West Long Branch.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Long Branch

West Long Branch reports an unemployment rate of 4.4%, 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 West Long Branch crime rates.

West Long Branch has a population density of 2853.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower West Long Branch 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 West Long Branch, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.95 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.

Compare West Long Branch, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • West Long Branch crime rates are 44% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in West Long Branch are 87% lower than the national average
      • In West Long Branch you have a 1 in 84 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • West Long Branch is safer than 71% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in West Long Branch has not changed

      West Long Branch, NJ Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In West Long Branch (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in West Long Branch, NJ per 100,000 people. In West Long Branch, the total number of daily crimes is 1.38 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.78 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in West Long Branch is 4.65 times less than the New Jersey average and 7.67 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, West Long Branch has a daily crime rate that is 1.24 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.53 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is West Long Branch (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in New Jersey and all other cities across the US, is West Long Branch safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that West Long Branch is safer than 53% of other cities in the state of New Jersey. In addition, West Long Branch is safer than 71% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all New Jersey and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than West Long Branch. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that West Long Branch is above average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in West Long Branch

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Long Branch is 1 in 2137
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in West Long Branch is 1 in 88
        The chance of being a victim of crime in West Long Branch is 1 in 84
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In West Long Branch, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 2137. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 88 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in West Long Branch is 1 in 84.

        Year Over Year Crime In West Long Branch (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in West Long Branch, New Jersey (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in West Long Branch has not changed, the amount of property crime in West Long Branch has not changed, and the total amount of crime in West Long Branch has not changed year over year.

        West Long Branch police department

        Item West Long Branch New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2414,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.95.73.3
        There are a total of 24 West Long Branch police officers. This results in 2.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 47.9% less than the New Jersey average and 9.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Matawan, NJ9,03302020
        Interlaken, NJ7630123123
        Spring Lake Heights, NJ4,7030145145
        Fair Haven, NJ6,06516181198
        Navesink, NJ1,36431200231
        Monmouth Beach, NJ3,29731218249
        Ocean Grove, NJ3,23342272313
        West Long Branch, NJ8,149471,1471,194

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Catoosa, OK8,1502121,5381,750
        Old Forge, PA8,150139497636
        Kronenwetter, WI8,14847268314
        Lake Geneva, WI8,1471021,6331,735
        Ione, CA8,152289416705
        West Long Branch, NJ8,149471,1471,194
        Source: The West Long Branch, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.