B-
26%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
58%
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 peopleWestlake/100k peopleLouisiana/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime131n/a (estimate)2,9353,3772,324
Murder0n/a0.016.16.3
Rape0n/a0.043.040.0
Robbery0n/a0.067.366.1
Assault7n/a156.8502.1268.2
Violent crime7n/a (estimate)157629370
Burglary28n/a627.2497.8269.8
Theft91n/a2,038.51,940.01,401.9
Vehicle theft5n/a112.0310.3282.7
Property crime124n/a (estimate)2,7782,7481,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Westlake, LA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Westlake is 26.3% 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 Westlake, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 157 per 100,000 individuals, 57.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 124 property crimes, amounting to 2778 per 100,000 residents, 42.1% higher than the U.S. average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Westlake 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.

Is Westlake a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Westlake 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, Westlake has an overall crime rate that is 26% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.36 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.34 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Westlake as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Westlake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Westlake. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Westlake has increased by 15.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 41.7%, while property crimes have increased by 22.8%. 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 Westlake

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 Westlake 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. Westlake has an unemployment rate of 2%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

The median home price in Westlake is $107,400, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Westlake, the average monthly rent stands at $548, while the national average is $949 per month.

Westlake crime map



The Westlake crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Westlake 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 Westlake crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Westlake 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 Westlake, LA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Westlake crime rates are 26% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Westlake are 58% lower than the national average
      • In Westlake you have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Westlake is safer than 42% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Westlake has increased by 27%

      Westlake, LA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Westlake (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Westlake for every 100,000 residents. The Westlake total amount of daily crime is 1.15 times less than the Louisiana average and 1.26 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Westlake, is 4.01 times less than the Louisiana average, and it is 2.36 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Westlake has a daily crime average that is 1.01 times more than the Louisiana average and 1.42 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Westlake (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Westlake in comparison to other Louisiana communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Westlake safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Westlake being safer than 69% of cities in Louisiana and 42% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Louisiana cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Westlake. In conclusion, Westlake ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Westlake

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Westlake is 1 in 638
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Westlake is 1 in 36
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Westlake is 1 in 35
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Westlake, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 638. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 36 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 Westlake is 1 in 35.

        Year Over Year Crime In Westlake (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Westlake is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Westlake violent crime rates have decreased by 36%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 35% year over year. Total crimes for Westlake has increased by 27% in the same time frame.

        Westlake police department

        Item Westlake Louisiana National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)217,311558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.54.23.3
        There are a total of 21 Westlake police officers. This results in 4.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 7.4% greater than the Louisiana average and 39.6% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Louisiana

        State Total offenders Louisiana /100K National /100K
        Louisiana12,948286266
        There are a total of 12,948 sex offenders in Louisiana. This yields a total of 286 sex offenders in Louisiana per 100,000 residents which is 8% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Prien, LA8,4693551,5521,907
        DeQuincy, LA3,0874041,7632,167
        Moss Bluff, LA10,3525492,4002,950
        Carlyss, LA5,1855902,5783,169
        Lake Charles, LA77,8326293,1123,742
        Sulphur, LA20,1224293,7134,142
        Gillis, LA5879003,9324,832
        Westlake, LA4,7881572,7782,935

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wrightsboro, NC4,7883922,0002,392
        Shenandoah, PA4,7892911,5401,831
        Nassau Village-Ratliff, FL4,7891961,1861,382
        North Westport, MA4,7872387911,029
        Colville, WA4,78640398438
        Westlake, LA4,7881572,7782,935
        Source: The Westlake, LA 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.