Long Beach, situated in Southern California, is a coastal city boasting a population of approximately 462,628 as of 2021. This vibrant city is celebrated for its diverse culture, lively nightlife, and stunning beaches.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that not all areas within Long Beach offer the same level of safety and security. Certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates and instances of violence, thereby posing potential risks to both residents and visitors.
In this article, we will delve into the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Long Beach, drawing insights from crime data provided by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout.
Downtown:
This neighborhood in Downtown Long Beach has a crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 residents, which surpasses that of 90% of the communities in California. The likelihood of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime in this area is 1 in 22.
The most prevalent types of crime reported in Downtown include theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, Downtown has a notably high rate of fraud at 6.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, in contrast to the national average of 2.4.
Despite its higher crime rates, Downtown Long Beach remains the vibrant heart of the city, boasting numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, the area also grapples with certain challenges, including issues like homelessness, drug abuse, and gang activity, which contribute to its crime problems.
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Poly High District:
The crime rate in this neighborhood is 37.9 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 86% of the communities in California. The likelihood of being a victim of either violent or property crime in the Poly High District is 1 in 26.
The most common types of crime in this area are theft, burglary, and robbery. Additionally, there is a high rate of murder, with 0.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 0.07.
Poly High District is renowned for being home to the Long Beach Polytechnic High School, one of the oldest and most esteemed public schools in the country. However, it also faces some social and economic challenges that contribute to its crime situation.
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Wilmington:
This neighborhood in Wilmington, California, experiences a crime rate of 33.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 82% of other communities in the state. The likelihood of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is 1 in 30.
The most common types of crime reported in this area are theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, Wilmington has a higher rate of rape, with 0.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 0.4.
Situated near the Port of Los Angeles, Wilmington is known for its diverse and industrial character. However, it faces some environmental and health challenges that also impact its crime situation.
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North Long Beach:
This neighborhood experiences a crime rate of 30.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than approximately 79% of the communities in California. The likelihood of being a victim of either violent or property crime in North Long Beach is 1 in 32.
The most common types of crime in this area are theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, North Long Beach has a higher rate of motor vehicle theft, with 3.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, as compared to the national average of 2.7.
Situated close to the border with Compton, North Long Beach is characterized by low-income and a high-crime profile. Nevertheless, it has implemented several community initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing safety within the neighborhood.
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West Side:
This neighborhood experiences a crime rate of 28.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which surpasses that of 76% of other communities in California. The likelihood of being a victim of either a violent or property crime in West Side is 1 in 35.
The most prevalent types of crime in this area are theft, burglary, and robbery. Additionally, West Side has a higher rate of fraud with 5.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2.4.
Situated close to the Port of Long Beach, West Side is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas, reflecting its multicultural character. However, it is important to note that the presence of certain crime hotspots impacts the overall safety of the neighborhood.
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Conclusion
Here are the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Long Beach, California, based on the data currently available. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that crime rates can fluctuate based on various factors, such as the time of day, season, and other elements that might influence the reporting and recording of crimes.
Therefore, these rankings should not be considered definitive measures of safety or risk, but rather as relative comparisons among various areas within the city.