Lakewood, situated in Washington state, boasts a population of approximately 60,000 residents and is renowned for its picturesque lakes, historic landmarks, and diverse communities.
However, the city has gained a reputation for being among the more perilous locales in the state, characterized by elevated levels of crime and violence. As per FBI statistics, Lakewood recorded 5,867 crimes in 2023, equating to 97.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, significantly surpassing the national average of 28.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.
What factors contribute to the varying levels of safety or danger in Lakewood’s neighborhoods? This report aims to explore this question by identifying the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Lakewood, utilizing crime data sourced from CrimeGrade.org.
Lakeview
This area is situated near American Lake and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, featuring a blend of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. However, it’s important to note that the neighborhood has a crime rate of 236.9 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the Lakewood average by 40%.
The median home value stands at $360,530, while the median rent is $1,250. With a walk score of 71, the neighborhood is considered highly walkable.
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Clover Park
The Clover Park School District, which covers the majority of Lakewood, is honored in the name of this neighborhood. It offers a range of housing choices, from contemporary condos to antique mansions. The crime rate in this neighborhood is 35% higher than the Lakewood average, at 228.6 per 1,000 people.
The typical rent is $1,421 while the typical property value is $403,802. With a walk score of 54, the neighborhood is considered to be largely walkable.
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Monta Vista
This area is situated in the southern part of Lakewood, close to the Lakewood Towne Center and Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. It primarily consists of single-family homes and a few apartment complexes.
The neighborhood has a crime rate of 224.3 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the Lakewood average by 33%. The median home value is $441,223, with a median rent of $1,500. It holds a walk score of 57, indicating that it is moderately walkable.
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Southgate
This locality is situated in the southern region of Lakewood, close to the I-5 and Hwy 512. It predominantly features single-family homes, alongside some townhomes and duplexes. The crime rate in this neighborhood is 220.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 30% increase compared to the Lakewood average.
The median home value is $436,451, and the median rent stands at $1,205. With a walk score of 50, the area is considered car-dependent.
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Lake City
This area lies in the northwest section of Lakewood, close to Gravelly Lake and Lakewold Gardens. It’s primarily made up of single-family homes with some lakefront properties.
The neighborhood has a crime rate of 216.8 per 1,000 residents, which is 28% higher than the Lakewood average. The median home value is $486,824, and the median rent is $1,225. With a walk score of 44, it indicates that the area relies heavily on cars for transportation.
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To Conclude
This report highlights five Lakewood neighborhoods with notably higher crime rates compared to the city average: Lakeview, Clover Park, Monta Vista, Southgate, and Lake City. While these areas offer diverse housing options and walkability scores, their increased crime rates require residents and potential residents to exercise caution.
It’s important to recognize that crime data provides a general overview, and safety levels may vary within specific streets or blocks within these neighborhoods. Utilizing resources such as CrimeGrade.org to access more detailed data is essential.
In addition to crime statistics, factors such as socioeconomic conditions, community initiatives, and the quality of the school district should also be taken into account when assessing a neighborhood’s overall safety and suitability.
Ultimately, the choice of where to live in Lakewood is personal. By acknowledging the differences in safety levels across neighborhoods, conducting thorough research, and prioritizing individual needs and preferences, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their desired lifestyle and comfort.
