Long Beach, situated along the Southern California coast, is renowned for its varied culture, lively nightlife, and stunning beaches. However, not all areas of Long Beach guarantee safety and tranquility.
Certain neighborhoods exhibit elevated levels of violent and property crimes, rendering them unsafe for residence or exploration. According to the most recent information from AreaVibes, here are the top five dangerous neighborhoods in Long Beach, California for the year 2024.
| Neighborhood | Violent crime rate (per 100,000) | Property crime rate (per 100,000) |
| Downtown | 987 | 4,762 |
| Wilmington | 748 | 6,587 |
| Poly High District | 843 | 3,831 |
| Airport Area | 759 | 4,216 |
| Wrigley | 697 | 3,418 |
 Downtown
Downtown Long Beach serves as the city’s focal point, boasting numerous attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops. However, it holds the reputation of being the most perilous neighborhood in Long Beach, featuring a violent crime rate of 987 per 100,000 people. This figure is 88% higher than the city average and 225% more than the national average.
Despite its safety concerns, Downtown stands as the oldest and most historic area of Long Beach, tracing its roots back to the 1880s. It hosts iconic landmarks like the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Long Beach Convention Center.
Additionally, Downtown thrives as a cultural center, offering museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals for residents and visitors alike.
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Wilmington
Wilmington, located in the northern part of Long Beach and bordering the Port of Los Angeles, is a small neighborhood with a population of only 329 people.
Despite its size, it faces significant challenges in terms of crime. The violent crime rate stands at 748 per 100,000 people, which is 43% higher than the city average and 171% higher than the national average.
Moreover, Wilmington has gained notoriety for its high property crime rate, reaching 6,587 incidents per 100,000 people. This figure is 157% above the city average and a staggering 470% higher than the national average.
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Poly High District
Located in the heart of Long Beach, Poly High District is a sizable community named for the Polytechnic High School.Despite having a population of 28,178, there are 843 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents.That compares to a city average of 61% and a national average of 193%.
One of Long Beach’s oldest and most esteemed public schools, Polytechnic High School, serves as the model for the Poly High District. Numerous well-known graduates from the institution include Cameron Diaz, Snoop Dogg, Billie Jean King, and John Wayne.
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Airport Area
Airport Area, situated in the eastern part of Long Beach and encircling the Long Beach Airport, is home to a population of 408 residents. Despite its relatively small size, the neighborhood faces a concerning violent crime rate of 759 incidents per 100,000 people.
This rate is 38% higher than the city’s average and a striking 174% above the national average. Notably, the Long Beach Airport around which the community is centered holds the distinction of being the second busiest airport in the Los Angeles area.
Originally established in 1923, the airport served a military purpose during World War II. Its iconic Art Deco style terminal, now a registered historic place, adds a unique historical touch to the area.
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Wrigley
Wrigley, situated in the western part of Long Beach, derives its name from William Wrigley Jr., the founder of the chewing gum company. The neighborhood, established in the 1920s, boasts a rich history with numerous historic homes and buildings.
Despite its charm, Wrigley faces a population of 26,743 and a concerning violent crime rate of 697 per 100,000 people. This crime rate is 27% higher than the city average and a substantial 159% above the national average.
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To Conclude
Long Beach is a lively and diverse city, but it’s important to recognize that there are also communities with higher rates of crime. Acquiring knowledge about these regions enables locals and guests to make well-informed choices concerning their security and welfare.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use this information to draw conclusions about entire communities; rather, it should only be utilized for informative purposes.
No matter where you are, you should always be cautious and do your homework. All people can enjoy everything Long Beach has to offer if they exercise prudence and remain alert.
