Oxford, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Oxford, MS

The Oxford crime rates are 24.1% lower 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 35 violent crimes in Oxford (130 per 100,000 people), which is 64.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 441 property crimes (1635 per 100,000 residents) which is 16.4% lower than average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Oxford?

AreaVibes surveyed 22 local residents in Oxford to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 86% of people answered that there was very little crime in Oxford and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 14% 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 Oxford a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Oxford, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Oxford presents a total crime rate that is 24% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Oxford experiences an average of 1.3 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 1.21 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Oxford Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Oxford. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Oxford has decreased by 12.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 10.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 12.3%. 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 Oxford

In Oxford, the poverty rate currently stands at 31.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Oxford crime rates.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Oxford, the cost of living is 4.26% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Oxford, there are 3.86 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Oxford crime map