Eugene, OR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Eugene, OR

The Eugene crime rates are 63.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 662 violent crimes in Eugene (377 per 100,000 people), which is 2.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 5989 property crimes (3415 per 100,000 residents) which is 74.7% higher than average.

Eugene exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 377 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Eugene as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Eugene has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Eugene reported 770 vehicle thefts, which equates to 439 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Eugene is 1 in 228.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Eugene?

AreaVibes surveyed 116 local residents in Eugene to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 22% of people answered that there was very little crime in Eugene and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 78% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Eugene a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Eugene a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Eugene crime rate is 63% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 18.22 crimes per day - 1.81 violent crimes and 16.41 property crimes.

Has Crime in Eugene Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Eugene has decreased by 7.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Eugene is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 7.3%, while property crime has decreased by 7.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Eugene.

Eugene Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Eugene region comprises an array of over 22 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Eugene are exemplars such as Laurel Hill Valley, Crest Drive and Fairmount, whereas West University, U Of O Campus and Trainsong grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Eugene

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Eugene crime rates. In Eugene, the poverty rate stands at 20.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Eugene crime rates. Eugene registers a population density of 3857.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Eugene has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Eugene crime map