Lakewood, WA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood, WA Crime

Is Lakewood, WA safe to live in?

Lakewood earns an overall crime grade of C- at the city level, but its neighborhood-level safety picture is notably more encouraging. The city's one analyzed neighborhood — Lakewood itself — holds a B+ safety rating, meaning 100% of analyzed neighborhoods fall into the safe (A or B) category. That said, city-wide metrics reflect broader pressures: a poverty rate of 14.7% and an unemployment rate of 5.5% are factors that research consistently links to elevated crime risk. For day-to-day residents, the B+ neighborhood grade suggests that most parts of Lakewood are manageable and reasonably safe, provided standard urban precautions are taken.

What is the crime rate in Lakewood, WA?

Lakewood's overall crime performance earns a C- grade when measured against national benchmarks — placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. cities for safety. However, at the neighborhood level, the data tells a more positive story: the Lakewood neighborhood itself is graded B+, and 100% of analyzed neighborhoods score in the B range, meaning zero neighborhoods fall into the C, D, or F categories. Property crime — particularly vehicle theft and burglary — tends to drive the city-wide grade down, while violent crime rates remain comparatively lower. The city's population density of 1,370 residents per square mile and median household income of $55,723 both factor into how crime is distributed across the community.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Lakewood, WA?

Based on available 2026 data, the Lakewood neighborhood is the top-rated area in the city, earning a B+ safety grade. This neighborhood has a median household income of $63,813 — notably higher than the city-wide median of $55,723 — which correlates with lower crime density in most urban research. With 100% of analyzed neighborhoods rated B or higher, Lakewood's residential areas are broadly considered safe relative to comparable Washington State cities. Families, professionals, and retirees looking for a community near Joint Base Lewis-McChord will find the B+ rating a meaningful indicator of day-to-day livability. For the most granular block-level detail, the interactive crime map on this page allows filtering by crime type and time period.

How does Lakewood's crime compare to other cities in Washington State?

Lakewood's C- overall crime grade places it below top-tier safe cities in Washington but above many higher-density urban centers. Its neighborhood safety grade of B+ — with 100% of neighborhoods in the safe tier — suggests that the city-wide C- reflects macro-level factors such as the 14.7% poverty rate and 5.5% unemployment rate rather than uniformly dangerous streets. For context, cities with similar population sizes (around 60,000 residents) and comparable median home values near $308,138 often see similar crime grade distributions. Lakewood's proximity to a major military installation also creates unique demographic dynamics that influence both crime patterns and community cohesion.

Is Lakewood, WA a good place to buy a home?

From a safety-and-value standpoint, Lakewood presents a mixed but generally workable picture for homebuyers. The median home value sits at $308,138 — relatively affordable for the greater Tacoma metro area — while the median rent of $1,095 makes it competitive for renters as well. The Lakewood neighborhood's B+ crime grade and 100% safe-tier neighborhood rating indicate that most residential areas are not high-crime zones. The city-wide C- overall grade is worth factoring in, particularly for buyers prioritizing long-term property value, since crime grades can influence insurance costs and resale demand. Buyers should cross-reference the crime map's heat-map view to pinpoint specific blocks within the B+ rated Lakewood neighborhood that show the lowest incident concentrations.