Long Beach, California, is a lively beach city with a mix of cultures, great food, and an active city feel. But if youāre thinking about visiting or moving there, itās normal to stop and ask one thing first: Is Long Beach safe?
If youāre wondering the same, this guide will help you sort it out. Weāll go through the newest crime numbers, point out areas that tend to feel safer and places where you should be more careful, and share simple safety tips you can actually use in real life.
General Safety Overview in Long Beach
Long Beach has experienced fluctuating crime trends. Based on the latest 2024 data from the FBI, for a population of 444,232, there were 3,005 violent crimes reported, translating to a rate of 676.4 per 100,000 residents. That means the Long Beach crime rateĀ is approximately 88% higher than the U.S. national average of 359 per 100,000Ā and 41% higher than California's statewide average of 480 per 100,000Ā in 2024.
So, is Long Beach California safe? Violent crime is one of the key factors that answer the question. The FBI report also covers details in specific categories. Hereās the violent crime breakdown:
- 37 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters (8.3 per 100,000)
- 200 rapes (45.0 per 100,000)
- 989 robberies (222.6 per 100,000)
- 1,779 aggravated assaults (400.5 per 100,000)
Meanwhile, in 2024, the city reported 15,454 property crimes, a rate of 3,478.8 per 100,000 residents. The property crime categories include:
- 3,131 burglaries (704.8 per 100,000)
- 7,977 larceny-theft (1,795.7 per 100,000)
- 4,346 motor vehicle thefts (978.3 per 100,000)
- 136 arsons (30.6 per 100,000)
Statistically, this is 98% higher than the U.S. average of 1,760 per 100,000 and 67% higher than Californiaās average of 2,078 per 100,000.
Compared to both state and national averages, theĀ Long Beach CA crime rateĀ remains elevated. However, ongoing efforts such as community policing, increased patrols, and expanded security cameraĀ systems are helping drive gradual improvement.
Safe Neighborhoods in Long Beach
So, is Long Beach CA safeĀ to live in?Ā The answer often depends on which part of the city you are looking at. Here are the safest options based on crime data.
- Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights: These waterfront gems top the list with a total crime rate of 1,307 per 100,000residents, which is well below city averages.
- El Dorado Park: El Dorado has a violent crime rate of 337 per 100,000 with property crime at 1,609 per 100,000, which is safer than most neighborhoods.
- Lakewood Village: Lakewood Village is affordable and safe, with violent crime at 147 per 100,000 and property at 1,939 per 100,000, safer than 74% Long Beach neighborhoods.
- Naples Island: This upscale, canal-lined area evokes Venice, Italy, with luxury homes and a low violent crime rate of 200 per 100,000.
Areas to Exercise Caution or Avoid in Long Beach
Just as Long Beach has neighborhoods known for their safety, it also has areas where crime rates are noticeably higher. According to the Long Beach Currents report based on 2024 data, here are the places to avoid.
- South Long Beach: This area led in violent crimes in 2024 with 1,091 incidents, including assaults and robberies. It's more industrial and can feel less secure after dark.
- West Long Beach: The area saw 873 violent crimes in 2024. Places like Wrigley are a concern, with a violent crime rate around 1,209 per 100,000 people, far above the city average. Car thefts and break-ins happen more often there.
- North Long Beach: Recorded 858 violent crimes in 2024, with a violent rate of 538 per 100,000 (20% below average but higher non-violent crimes like burglaries). It's diverse but has pockets of poverty and gang activity.
- Downtown Long Beach: Downtown Long Beach has a mixed reputation for safety, with issues like petty theft and vandalism. It's recommended to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Safety Tips for Living in Long Beach
While Long Beach is not among the safest cities, taking proactive precautions can make living here both manageable and enjoyable.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Remain alert, particularly at night or in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Avoid distractions while walking, and trust your instincts when something doesnāt feel right.
Secure Your Home and Vehicles: Always lock doors and windows, and try to park in well-lit, populated areas. For stronger protection, consider installing the eufyCam S4, a long-lasting 4K outdoor security camera offering crisp detail, dual-motion detection, and reliable vehicle monitoring to help deter break-ins and keep an eye on your driveway.
For indoor monitoring, the Indoor Cam S350Ā provides 4K clarity, AI-powered tracking, and a 360Ā° pan-and-tilt lens, making it ideal for watching over rooms, pets, and entry points inside the home.
Use Smart Home Systems: Smart home systems can further elevate your security. The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 MaxĀ offers a wired, high-capacity surveillance solution with 4K cameras, advanced night vision, and multi-day local storage, ensuring uninterrupted whole-home monitoring.
Another advanced option is the eufy ExpertSecure System, which combines sensors, smart alarms, and AI-assisted threat detection into a seamless ecosystem. It protects your property with instant alerts and centralized control.
Entry point enhancement: Enhancing entry points is also crucial, as front doors are among the most common access targets. You can use smart video doorbellsĀ to add an extra layer of deterrence.
The Video Doorbell E340Ā features dual cameras for full-body and package visibility, color night vision, and two-way audio, giving you real-time awareness of visitors, deliveries, and potential intruders from anywhere.
Community Engagement: Join neighborhood watch groups or stay updated through local apps. These practices help residents share information, report suspicious behavior quickly, and strengthen collective security.
Conclusion
So,Ā is Long Beach safe? While the cityās crime rate remains above national averages, with elevated levels of both violent and property offenses, safety often depends on where you live. Neighborhoods like Belmont Shore provide secure, community-centered environments, whereas areas such as South Long Beach require more caution.
By staying aware, following practical safety tips, and investing in reliable home protection, you can enjoy a comfortable life in the city. For added peace of mind, explore eufyās lineup of smart cameras and security systems to help safeguard your home!
FAQs
How safe is living in downtown Long Beach?
Downtown Long Beach is generally safe during the day, with active streets, local businesses, and a steady police presence. Petty theft can still occur in crowded areas.
Safety becomes more mixed at night due to nightlife activity. Whether for residents or visitors, itās better to stick to well-lit routes and avoid alleys to reduce risks.
With basic awareness and security camera systems, many people still find downtown a reasonably safe and convenient urban place to live.
Which neighborhoods in Long Beach are the safest?
According to the 2024 report, Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights top the list with a total crime rate of 1,307 per 100,000 residents and violent crime at 679 per 100,000.
Naples Island follows closely with a low violent crime rate of 200 per 100,000, offering upscale waterfront tranquility and luxury homes.
El Dorado Park (violent: 337 per 100,000; property: 1,609 per 100,000) and Lakewood Village (violent: 147 per 100,000; property: 1,939 per 100,000) provide family-oriented green spaces.
Is Long Beach a safe place for families to live?
Long Beach can be safe for families when choosing the right neighborhood. Areas like Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights offer strong schools, parks, and low crime, creating a comfortable environment for raising children.
Lower-risk communities such as El Dorado Park and Lakewood Village are also good options, which provide suburban calm and reliable safety.
With simple precautions and strong community involvement, many families thrive in Long Beach, enjoying a balance of urban diversity and secure, family-friendly neighborhoods.
