Oakland, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oakland, NJ

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Oakland is 79.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Oakland, equivalent to 32 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 91.4%. Additionally, Oakland recorded 56 property crimes, amounting to 444 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 77.3%.

Boasting a crime rate of 476, well below the national average of 2324, Oakland emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Oakland to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.

With only 32 incidents per 100,000 people, Oakland boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Oakland has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Oakland experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Oakland has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 444 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Oakland remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

Is Oakland a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Oakland 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 Oakland crime rate is 80% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.16 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.15 property crimes.

Has Crime in Oakland Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Oakland. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Oakland has decreased by 36.2%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have decreased by 37.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Oakland

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Oakland, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Oakland has a population density of 1523.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Oakland crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Oakland is $472,400, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Oakland crime map