A+
49%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
81%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
42%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWest Long Branch/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime102n/a (estimate)1,1961,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape0n/a0.016.840.0
Robbery0n/a0.047.666.1
Assault6n/a70.4135.4268.2
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)70203370
Burglary13n/a152.5148.0269.8
Theft69n/a809.41,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft14n/a164.2159.6282.7
Property crime96n/a (estimate)1,1261,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Long Branch, NJ

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the West Long Branch crime rate is lower than the national average by 48.5%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in West Long Branch, equivalent to 70 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 81%. Furthermore, West Long Branch recorded 96 property crimes, amounting to 1126 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 42.4%.

With only 70 incidents per 100,000 people, West Long Branch boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, West Long Branch has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

In the latest reported crime year, West Long Branch recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Is West Long Branch a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if West Long Branch 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. West Long Branch has a total crime rate that is 49% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.28 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.26 daily property crimes) in West Long Branch.

Has Crime in West Long Branch Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West Long Branch. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West Long Branch has decreased by 1.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 200%, while property crimes have decreased by 5.9%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Long Branch

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 West Long Branch crime rates. The population density in West Long Branch is 2770 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

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.

West Long Branch has an average rental rate of $1,467 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

West Long Branch crime map



The West Long Branch crime map 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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Compare West Long Branch, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • West Long Branch crime rates are 49% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in West Long Branch are 81% 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 75% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in West Long Branch has decreased by 10%

      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 1.35 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.94 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in West Long Branch is 2.88 times less than the New Jersey average and 5.25 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, West Long Branch has a daily crime rate that is 1.26 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.74 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 52% of other cities in the state of New Jersey. In addition, West Long Branch is safer than 75% 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 1421
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in West Long Branch is 1 in 89
        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 1421. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 89 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 increased by 180%, the amount of property crime in West Long Branch has decreased by 13%, and the total amount of crime in West Long Branch has decreased by 10% 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, NJ8,69604141
        Union Beach, NJ5,36235140174
        Spring Lake Heights, NJ4,5300184184
        Sea Girt, NJ1,72553159212
        Navesink, NJ1,33148338386
        Allenwood, NJ85750346396
        Highlands, NJ4,746172258430
        West Long Branch, NJ7,911701,1261,196

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Clewiston, FL7,9102351,4231,658
        Old Forge, PA7,9092741,4491,723
        Long Grove, IL7,907101591691
        Center Moriches, NY7,9062971,1911,488
        Long Branch, VA7,90682595677
        West Long Branch, NJ7,911701,1261,196
        Source: The West Long Branch, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.