Oakland, MD Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oakland, MD

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Oakland crime rate is 14.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Oakland, there were 1 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 55 per 100,000 individuals, 85.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Oakland recorded 35 property crimes, amounting to 1933 per 100,000 residents, 1.1% lower than the U.S. average.

Oakland stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 55 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Oakland secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Oakland registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

Oakland exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1933 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Oakland maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Oakland was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oakland?

What do the local residents think about crime in Oakland? Well, based on a recent survey of 11 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 91% of Oakland residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 9% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Oakland a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Oakland is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Oakland has a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.1 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.1 daily property crimes) in Oakland.

Has Crime in Oakland Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Oakland crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Oakland has increased by 2.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 50% and property crime has increased by 6.1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oakland

Oakland has a poverty rate that stands at 11.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Oakland crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Oakland crime rates. The population density in Oakland is 774 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Oakland, the average rental rates are $644 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Oakland crime map